The AFULE dates back to 1861 making us the first and oldest railway union in the world, the AFULE has stood the test of time representing the majority of traincrew within QLD and we are very proud to continue this craft union that exclusively represents traincrew.

To this day we continue to uphold the principles outlined in 1861 by only electing officials directly from the traincrew ranks giving us a clear advantage over other railways unions who elect officials from outside the industry. Our democratic structures mean our members determine where we invest our resources ensuring the best possible outcomes.

The AFULE paved the way for other unions by being the first union to gain a federal award, ensuring equity and fairness for traincrew across Australia. Today we continue the traditions of the original engine drivers fighting for better conditions and safety for all Traincrew.

Our state secretary Mick McKitrick is a 3rd generation railway worker who is well respected by all within the industry due to his extensive knowledge which can only be achieved by coming through the ranks. Mick is supported on the job by a president and 7 Divisional Councillors who also represent traincrew whilst still performing their roles as traincrew employees.

The AFULE has a team of experienced negotiators led by officials and our members elected from the Traincrew ranks, this ensures Traincrew are represented by someone who understands the agreement and firsthand experience of Traincrew life.

Our continued mission is to achieve a work life balance whilst ensuring wages and conditions are reflective of the type of work we do.

We are a CRAFT UNION exclusively representing Drivers and Guards only, why is this important?

This means the majority of Traincrew within Queensland are members of the AFULE who are solely dedicated to the ongoing challenges within rail. We are not at the bargaining table playing one group of workers off to benefit another, we are a collective union answering to Traincrew and Traincrew only.

The union is built on the strength of our membership where Traincrew make the decisions and provide the direction for the AFULE. Our membership spans across all Queensland operators so you will always be supported by fellow members.

The AFULE being successful with delivering the first Traincrew agreement has continued to build on that original agreement ensuring Traincrew have an agreement directly relevant to the skills and knowledge we provide.

While much has changed throughout history regarding women in the workforce, there’s still work to be done. The AFULE Traincrew Ladies Collective is a platform to discuss current issues within the workplace that need addressing, to provide a solid support network for AFULE women, to share information through media of all forms regarding not just women in the workplace but all topics around the empowerment of women worldwide, both past and present and the various issues they tackle/d, to share new information on legislative reform and to work together with other women’s movements for the betterment of current and future generations.

Men in the AFULE are our comrades & allies, their support is valued and they are welcome to join this initiative.

To become a part of the union’s TLC once you submit your application join the private Facebook group: AFULE Traincrew Ladies Collective

In 1996 the AFULE acknowledged the number of women within the industry changing the “E’ from “Enginemen” to “Employees” to reflect the changing workforce from the previously male dominated railways.