2020 Rail and Road - March Edition

VOLUME 112 No.1 March 2020

AND

RAILROAD THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW BRANCH OF THE RAIL, TRAM & BUS UNION

NO PRIVATISATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT

DON’T SELL Our Buses Our Carriage Cleaners Our Rail Services Print Post Approved 25500003-01148

NSW BRANCH Head Office Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel (02) 92642511 Fax (02) 92611342 Email nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Website www.rtbuexpress.com.au

Jervis Bay

Tram and Bus Division 83-89 Renwick Street Redfern NSW 2016 Tel (02) 93197277 Fax (02) 93194341 Email info@rtbu-nswbus.asn.au

Locomotive Division

RTBU Holiday Park Vacancies - Book your holiday now

The RTBU Holiday Park is a great place to escape to for a peaceful break in the National Park and a walk along the beach.

Avoid the rush and the high season rates - book your holiday now. The Holiday Park is situated in a National Park and Members can enjoy a holiday by the sea and relax with fishing, tennis, boating, swimming or bushwalking.

RTBU members can also now get discounted rates at the United Services Union Aquatic Resort (Motel and Caravan Park) at Port Macquarie.

For booking enquiries please telephone Head Office on

(02) 9264 2511 Find Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/RTBUNSW AND

RAILROAD

ADVERTISING RATES

Selective advertising is available in RAIL & ROAD at competitive individual issue rates or a discounted annual rate. A design service is also available to have your advertisement professionally designed to your specifications.

RAIL & ROAD is the official journal of the NSW Branch of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union and is produced as part of the union’s communication strategy to inform and report on matters of interest to members.

All editorial and advertising inquiries should be addressed to Peter O’Connor Telephone: 0430 188 116 e-mail: unionnetwork@bigpond.com Printing - Brightset, Banksmeadow, (02) 9316 4800 Art & Design - P Design - proberson@hotmail.com - Phone 0402 032 949

Level 4, 321 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 Tel (02) 92643400 Fax (02) 92647679 Email nswloco@rtbu-nsw.asn.au

Newcastle Office 33 Gordon Avenue, Hamilton NSW 2303 Tel (02) 4961 4311 Fax (02) 4961 4779 Email newcastle@rtbu-nsw.asn.au

Wollongong Office Level 1, 306a Crown Street, Wollongong, 2500 Tel (02) 4227 5798 Email wollongong@rtbu-nsw.asn.au

Branch Executive Secretary Alex Claassens President Joanne McCallum Assistant Secretary (Road) David Babineau Assistant Secretary (Rail) Robert Hayden

Elected Full-Time Officials Branch Secretary Alex Claassens Locomotive Divisional Secretary Robert Hayden Tram and Bus Divisional Secretary David Babineau Tram and Bus Divisional President Daniel Jaggers

Organisers

Director of Organising Campaign Director Freight Organisers

Passenger Organiser Branch Organisers

Toby Warnes Dan Scaysbrook Steve Wright Kevin Pryor Bob Newham Helen Bellette Mick Cartwright Trent Hunter Wayne Moody Grace Morgan-Cocks

Industrial Officers Legal Officer - Locomotive Sarah Scully-Leaf Communications Officer Peter O’Connor

From the Branch Secretary Since our last issue of Rail and Road we have witnessed extreme bushfires burning across the state, and in many parts of the country. As a result we have seen widespread devastation and heartbreak across many local communities. This has included damage and disruption to transport infrastructure and services. No sooner had the smoke cleared from the bushfires, we were into a new year with many of the same issues looming, disputes with the Government about many of its pet projects, including the Sydney Metro, light rail and the New Intercity Fleet.

The prospect of widespread privatisation of public transport services, will continue to be a focus of energy and resources.

The Tram and Bus Division have been actively engaging and building a campaign to keep the remainder of the State Transit bus services from being privatised. The union has been holding depot meetings, public stalls and protests outside local MPs offices. The petition campaign has been going strong, with 22,000 signatures delivered to Parliament, to ensure that bus privatisation is a major discussion and debating point in Parliament.

This campaign is a long way from over, but is also showing strong signs of being a long way from being defeated.

Some of our members were directly impacted by the fires, while others were occupied with firefighting efforts. Our thoughts continue to go out to these and all communities affected by this devastation, and their massive rebuilding task ahead.

The extent of the recent bushfires on the South Coast also forced us to close the RTBU Holiday Park during this period, in order to ensure the safety of any members and other guests planning to holiday at this time. While this was an inconvenience for those who had booked holidays, and was a financial blow to the Holiday Park, we were left with no option, and worked closely with Booderee National Park and other local stakeholders, to ensure that the area was safe, before allowing visitors to return to the area.

The New Intercity Fleet continues to be a cause of concern at several levels.

Some of the new fleet have arrived and the remainder is due to arrive soon, but until such time as our concerns relating to the safety issues on the NIF are adequately addressed, including guards being able to properly monitor passengers getting on and off the trains, we have told the Government that we will not staff the new fleet.

The current fault in design means that guards can’t open their door to see or hear passengers who are getting on board the train just prior to departure – the crucial moments when serious incidents could occur.

We will not put the safety of our members and the travelling public at risk, to satisfy the Government’s enthusiasm for their new toys. We can expect the New Intercity Fleet, and the Government’s desire to roll it out at any cost, to be a primary focus over the course of the year.

Still on the privatisation front, is the threat to privatise the cleaning of the

intercity fleet, currently performed by Sydney Trains cleaners. This would directly impact at least 140, mainly regional jobs.

The Cleaners have been campaigning through protests at Central Station, and in local electorates most affected, to raise awareness and to garner support of local MPs and communities to ensure that these jobs remain.

The XPT crash at Wallan in Victoria, resulting in the death of two rail workers, in February was a stark and tragic reminder of how much more needs to be done to ensure that work in our industry is conducted to the highest safety standards. As Branch Secretary, I am always saddened and angered with the news of a death of a worker on the job. In this particular instance, the news of the death of Driver John Kennedy and his Pilot Sam Meintanis, also hit home at a personal level. John Kennedy was a work mate of mine and a personal friend, and news of his tragic death was heartbreaking.

As with most workplace fatalities, this one was absolutely avoidable, and we will be looking closely at any findings and recommendations from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation, and ensuring that every possible measure is taken to resolve the conflicts and confusions in operating systems within our industry, and ensuring that this never happens again.

I would like to extend my condolences, on behalf of the RTBU, to the families and friends of John Kennedy and Sam Meintanis.

In this Issue Industrial News Don’t Sell Our Buses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Cleaners Fighting For Their Regional Jobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Rail Workers Refuse to Staff New Trains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Industrial Notes New InterCity Fleet Dispute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Transdev EA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Cleaning Attendants to Customer Service Attendant Dispute. . . 9 Travel Allowance Win For Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 RTBU Seeks PN Position on IPS EA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 General News Union Rejects Claims Drivers Behind Light Rail Performance. . 10

New InterCity Fleet a Disaster for Commuters and Workers. . .

Superannuation Must Increase to 15% and Women Need a Better Deal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Public Transport Growth Surges Beyond Government Predictions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4.3 Billion Blowout in Sydney Metro Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Workers Wall a Step Closer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

RTBU Family Fun Day Huge Success. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

XPT Crash Claims Two Lives. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Safety Matters Safety Not Surveillance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Whistlestop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 12 13 14 15 17 18 20 23

Industrial News Don’t Sell Our Buses As we head into 2020 the campaign to Keep Our Buses Public has gone from strength to strength. In October last year the Government announced plans to privatise the last of Sydney Buses, in regions 6, 7 and 8. The RTBU, working with other unions and community groups have stood together and demanded the NSW Government Keep Our Buses Public.

Every 10,000 signatures triggers a debate and on March 5, RTBU members, and our allies, filled the gallery as the first debate took place.

Chris Minns, member for Kogarah and Shadow Minister for Transport and Dr Marjorie O’Neil, Member for Coogee spoke passionately about the role bus drivers play in providing a vital service to our communities.

One of the final speakers was Transport Minister, Andrew Constance; as soon as he spoke everyone in the gallery stood and turned their back on him, like he’s turned his back on us.

The support from other unions has been outstanding, with strong showings at all our rallies. We’ve returned the gesture by supporting protests against job cuts at TAFE that will cost hundreds of jobs and many more classes for people who need We have ramped up this campaign in Petition Delivery and the First them. It’s through solidarity that we the new year, with a number of public Debate show our strength. rallies, street stalls, a public protest So far over 22,000 people have The campaign will continue with outside MPs and Premier Berejiklian’s signed our petition demanding the more events and activities’ coming office, a Family Funday, and more.

Government rule out any further up as our movement grows. You can Every conversation counts as we build privatisation of our bus network. find all the details and sign up to get momentum in this vital campaign We’ve gathered signatures from involved at ourtransport.org.au and the to protect our public buses. RTBU commuters and community members Don’t Sell Our Buses facebook page. members are in this fight to win it . across NSW. In March we rallied outside Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s office to keep our buses public, together with commuters old and young, workers and unionists, politicians and academics – all united in their conviction that transport privatisation is a disaster for Sydney and the public. We also filled the public gallery at Parliament House for the first debate on privatisation, as a result of our petition.

Page 4

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED & NEED LEGAL ADVICE? MICHAEL BARNES PARTNER

SCOTT DOUGALL PARTNER

PETER LLEONART PARTER

When it matters contact Michael Barnes, Scott Dougall or Peter Lleonart for a no obligation case evaluation.

Carroll & O’Dea are lawyers for the Rail, Tram and Bus Union and can assist you with your legal needs.

Workers Compensation

Motor Vehicle Claims

Personal Injury Damages Claims

Insurance Disputes

Providing trusted advice to RTBU members for over 50 years.

1800 059 278 enquiry@codea.com.au

www.codea.com.au

When It Matters

SYDNEY PARRAMATTA NEWCASTLE CANBERRA WOLLONGONG CAMPBELLTOWN

Cleaners Fighting for Their Regional Jobs NSW Trains threatening to privatise the cleaning of the intercity fleet.

Currently, NSW Trains does its cleaning work in-house by using Sydney Trains cleaners to clean their inter-city fleet. The locations of the yards where the cleaning of intercity fleet is conducted are in regional areas which range from Port Kembla up to Broadmeadow across to Moss Vale through to Lithgow with Flemington Maintenance Centre being the predominant city location.

Privatisation in this area would impact over 140 jobs.

Sydney Trains cleaners are specially trained to clean NSW trains with

decades of experience between them.

It is beyond belief that NSW Trains would risk these skills and deprive regional areas of good local jobs.

The cleaners are not taking this lying down and immediately jumped into action. A campaign was formulated and endorsed. This plan includes petitioning at their local stations, meeting with their state MPs.

refused to meet with the workers from her electorate whose jobs are at risk as a result of the NSW Government’s decision to privatise the cleaning services on intercity train services.

opportunities, is shameful. This concession is only the beginning.

We must see it through and ensure Ms Tuckerman represents her constituents concerns properly to her party.”

The cleaners’ demonstration worked, and Ms Tuckerman made time for the cleaners and RTBU reps. She committed to going away and talking to the Transport Minister about what can be done to protect our cleaners’ jobs.

Despite promising no more privatisation, before the last State election this government is getting rid of public jobs in the regions where they are needed most.

“Wendy Tuckerman had refused to commit to a meeting with the local cleaners whose jobs are on the chopping block”, said Mr Claassens.

“Now after a show of force, she will raise her constituents’ concerns with the Transport Minister – as is her job.

On 18 December 2019 the cleaners took the fight to NSW Trains and held a demonstration at Central Railway Station. Out of this demonstration a letter was sent to Rodd Staples requesting an urgent meeting. The purpose of the meeting is for TfNSW to reverse this horrendous idea of privatisation once and for all.

“The removal of public jobs in our regions, where workers most need

Local Moss Vale cleaners who clean intercity trains protested outside local MP Wendy Tuckerman’s, Member for Goulburn, office on Friday 13 December – furious at the local MPs ongoing refusal to meet with them.

RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said the local MP had

Page 6

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

Rail workers refuse to staff new trains In February 2020, the Sydney Morning Herald reported on tensions between the RTBU and NSW Government over safety concerns on the new intercity fleet to be rolled out over the course of this year.

NSW rail workers will refuse to staff the state’s new intercity fleet, citing safety concerns with the multibilliondollar trains, escalating tensions between the Berejiklian government and the RTBU. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union said there is a “deliberate fault” with the $2 billion South Korean-built fleet, which has already had its rollout delayed across NSW. The government disputes the claim.

While the first two 10-carriage trains arrived in NSW in December last year for testing, nine months late, it is still unclear when the entire fleet is expected to be rolled out.

The union and government have been at loggerheads for more than a year over the new fleet and its potential impact on rail jobs, with the trains technically able to operate with a single driver and no guard.

While the government has sought to allay fears of job cuts and insists guards will remain on the trains, the union holds concerns with the new fleet’s reliance on CCTV cameras, rather than people.

“Train guards are unable to properly monitor passengers in the vital moments before the train leaves the platform,” RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said.

“It needs to be changed, or we risk serious injuries – or worse.”

Mr Claassens has previously warned that passengers were at a higher risk of falling, without anyone seeing them, between the train and the platform on the new trains.

A government-commissioned review deemed the new fleet safe in December 2019, and said both the guard and driver would be able to see the complete length of the train as passengers got on and off.

The union dismissed the findings of the review, and plans to conduct its own safety inquiry once it is able to access the trains in Sydney.

“Railway workers will simply refuse to put themselves, their workmates and passengers at risk by allowing these flawed trains on the tracks,” Mr Claassens said.

A Transport for NSW spokesman rejected the union’s claims of a design flaw.

“The safety of our customers and staff has been paramount in the design of these trains and new technology gives us the opportunity to improve how we safely operate the train and provide customer service,” the spokesman said.

The spokesperson said the fact the new train doors won’t open for guards while it is moving makes them safer, but the union contests this inhibits their ability to monitor the platform as they pull up and take off.

The government described the new feature as a more “contemporary method,” while Mr Claassens said it was “incredibly unsafe”.

“The Transport Minister and the Premier can crow about their shiny new toys all they like, but the trains won’t be moving anywhere unless these serious safety issues are fixed,” Mr Claassens said.

The RTBU conducted a survey of close to 700 members, with more than 90 per cent responding with concerns about passenger safety on the new fleet.

Get on the BUS EXPRESS! Bus Express is constantly updated with new information from around the depots – including workplace disputes, industry updates and news about RTBU Members.

Members who subscribe to the web site get a fortnightly email with links to all the latest scoops. Printed newsletters will also be distributed around depots.

www.busexpress.com.au RAIL & ROAD March 2020

Page 7

Industrial Notes New Intercity Fleet (NIF) Dispute The RTBU attended Fair Work Commission on February 17 in an attempt to resolve NIF related issues regarding consultation and NSW Trains attempt to change classifications and wages for NIF crew without consultation.

The ongoing matter of consultation has led to NSW Trains to finally agreeing to allow RTBU delegate’s access to the NIF which is currently undertaking testing.

The matter of the wage and classification proposal tabled by NSW Trains in the “Your Guide to the New Intercity Fleet” booklet from November 2019 was discussed at length with Deputy President Sams directing both the RTBU and NSW Trains to hold discussions regarding the detail of their proposal. Hopefully from these discussions we will discover how it was arrived at.

The RTBU has reiterated to NSW Trains their inability to change wages/classifications outside of the upcoming EA process, with NSW Trains maintaining the view that they can make these changes under managerial prerogative. We made sure that it was clear that this remains our position despite these discussions.

The RTBU has reserved its position on this matter and at Deputy President Sams’ direction will commence discussions with NSW Trains in the near future and members will be regularly updated.

The wage/classification issue remains in dispute and is an open matter before the Fair Work Commission.

Transdev EA: members vote in favour of latest EA The Transdev EA for the new light rail line in Sydney continues on its long and winding journey.

The latest offer was put to members for feedback and an application for a protected industrial action ballot was approved by the Fair Work Commission.

The result of the ballot was in favour of industrial action.

The vast majority of members stood united during this process, to secure a good result for everyone.

In March, after months of frustrating negotiations, 86% of members voted in favour of the final Enterprise Agreement.

PN SPAD Dispute On Tuesday 5 February Pacific National issued a company wide Category A notice regarding SPAD prevention.

The Cat A notice has been issued without any consultation and leans heavily on disciplinary action in situations which Members are not able to control.

Understandably, Members are very concerned about this heavyhanded approach especially given there was no consultation.

Management has also failed to provide answers to the many questions arising from the notice.

That’s why the RTBU National Office has written to Pacific National and put the following in dispute: • failure to consult with employees and the Union on this significant change • misleading employees into believing they are required to sign this alert, otherwise they will not be allowed to do their jobs.

RTBU Members take SPADS very seriously. Members always do their utmost to avoid them. They are more than willing to work with PN to mitigate the risk. However, they will not accept a knee-jerk position forced upon them.

Page 8

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

Cleaning Attendants to Customer Service Attendants - Dispute •

On 10 February 2020, RTBU Cleaning Representatives attended the Fair Work Commission (FWC) in an effort to resolve the dispute for Station and Turnaround Cleaning Attendants (CA) to be reclassified as Customer Service Attendant Grade 1 (CSA 1).

There are a number of reasons the RTBU maintains this position: • There are no references to CAs within section 4 of the Sydney Trains Enterprise Agreement 2018. Section 4 covers the employment of station staff in which is only references to CSA 1’s.

• Currently classified CAs perform many customer service duties.

• Sydney Trains have an expectation that CAs perform customer service.

They are given the tools to conduct these duties and expected to complete paperwork to record how many customer service interactions they perform each shift.

• On many occasions CAs have been directed to perform duties on the barriers, assist with the boarding of wheelchairs off trains, and pass on delay slips to guards.

At FWC it was mutually agreed that the matter needed to go to arbitration to be resolved and a timetable was set.

The timetable involves setting dates for when evidence and submissions are due. The dates for the respective submissions are: • The RTBU is required to lodge by 16 March 2020.

• Sydney Trains is required to lodge by 20 April 2020.

• The RTBU is required to lodge our response to Sydney Trains’ evidence by 4 May 2020.

After the above is completed the matter will proceed to a hearing.

This is going to be a very technical and complex matter and won’t be resolved in a speedy manner. The case is important and deserves to be properly prepared and argued. Your delegates continue to work tirelessly to ensure that all members are treated (and paid) fairly.

If members have any questions please contact your local delegate or the RTBU office.

Travel Allowance RTBU Seeks Pacific National’s Position on Integrated Planning Win for Guards Services (IPS) Employees Bargaining

Three Central Intercity Train Guards have had a big win recently, ensuring they received the full excess travel they were entitled to.

The guards were appointed at Newcastle Interchange Depot but not released for a number of months. The guards worked with the RTBU to pursue their claim, filing a Notice of Dispute in order to get the guards back-paid the full amount of excess travel they deserve.

The following note was sent to our office Just wanted to say a big massive thanks to the Union, to Mick Sullivan, Mick Cartwright, Craig Turner and whoever else worked on getting the excess travel approved as a resolution to our Notice Of Dispute regarding Guards’ transfer rights being violated. All my excess travel, including backdated claims, have now been paid. The final bill for management was an excellent total of $12,083.00 in excess travel payments for me personally.

This is a great victory the Union secured for workers.

– impacted guard, RTBU member.

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

The RTBU have written to both Pacific National “Presidents” in February requesting information on IPS employees’ classifications and how they relate to the relevant employment instruments. i.e. current enterprise agreements and or the Rail Industry Award 2010.

Along with this request, the union raised members concerns around not being paid their correct rates of pay, shift penalties and allowances.

We have also asked that Pacific National commence bargaining for an enterprise agreement under the Fair Work Act 2009 if it does not agree that employees are covered by the existing PN enterprise agreements.

It’s time for all IPS employees to unite and force Pacific National to pay wages in line with others in the industry. This can only be done by joining the RTBU and bargaining for a fair deal. Many of you have taken the initiative already; however there is still work to do. Talk to all your work mates and encourage everyone to join. Only a strong and united workforce will force Pacific National to do the right thing. Remember that this is how the agreements enjoyed by Bulk and Coal came into existence.

We are hearing that PN are already talking about improving some conditions, the only reason this is being talked about is because PN know that many employees have joined and are joining the RTBU. Imagine how much can be achieved if everyone joins and stands united.

We encourage each team to discuss and elect a team delegate, someone who is prepared to speak up and work with the union to represent your interests and concerns.

We will let you know Pacific National’s response once we receive it.

Page 9

General News Union rejects claims drivers behind light rail performance The RTBU has strongly rejected the NSW Government’s claim that tram drivers have contributed to delays across Sydney’s new light rail.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW said the Government is shifting pressure under intense criticism of the light rail’s slow network speed when the problem lies in fundamental design flaws.

“From day one, our tram drivers have struggled under immense pressure during testing and opening to get this light rail running,” said Daniel Jaggers, Divisional President of the Tram and Bus Division.

“No team of drivers could meet the on-time running targets of this network, which were wildly optimistic as the Government marketed its new project. The network speed, among the lowest in the world, is squarely due to design flaws that were not accounted for during the planning stage.

“The idea that putting more trams on a badly designed

network will somehow decrease journey times is absurd.

The union calls on the Government to address these flaws, including installing chicanes at pedestrian crossings and fencing along key areas, before introducing any new trams.

This is crucial to ahead of the opening of the Kingsford line in March, which will place the network under even more pressure.

“The public endured 5 years of disruptive construction, the longest light rail construction in the world. Throughout all the mistakes, delays and blunders, they were promised a fast and convenient service.

“At this point, the Government must come clean and admit to the public that the light rail will not meet their hopes for a 38-40 minute journey time, but will inevitably operate with a more realistic journey time of 45-50 minutes.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s not going to change until significant changes are made to the network”

Morrison threatens sick leave for shift workers & job security for permanent workers In February the Morrison government’s Industrial Relations Minister, Christian Porter, confirmed that he would seek to legislate away personal leave entitlements for shift workers and job security for permanent workers if the High Court finds against the Government.

In 2019 the owners of Cadbury, multi-national food conglomerate Mondelez, took a case against two 12- hour Cadbury shift workers to cut their personal leave entitlements from ten 10- hour days to ten 7.6-hour days. Effectively, workers will be out of pocket every time they take a sick day.

In a separate matter, a big labourhire company WorkPac is trying to claim someone who had been working regular shifts for years was not a permanent worker but a casual.

WorkPac is doing this with the full support of Christian Porter and the Morrison government.

In both cases the Morrison Government has indicated if the workers win, they will legislate to

Page 10

over-ride these court decisions. This would have far-reaching implications for many shift workers who would have their sick leave cut and for all permanently employed workers where employers would be legally permitted to deem them as “casuals” with the rights of casual workers, regardless of whether the job is permanent and on-going.

A decision to intervene and change the law in response to decisions such as this is the opposite response taken by the Government when workers had their penalty rates cut.

ACTU Secretary, Sally McManus said that: “The Morrison Government wants to cut sick leave for shift workers

and allow employers to convert permanent workers into casuals.

“They have decided they only like the umpire’s decision when it favours employers. When workers had their penalty rates cut, the Liberal Coalition Government absolutely and steadfastly refused to intervene to protect low paid workers who were having their take-home pay cut. In fact, they voted against changing the law to reverse the pay cuts 12 times” “But when employers have a decision against them it’s another matter.

They use our money to back in multinationals in court and threaten to over-rule the court by changing the law if they don’t get the decision the employers want”.

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

5th ETR Reunion The 5th annual ETR reunion has seen hundreds of current and former rail workers come together to share a beer and a yarn at Lidcombe Bowling Club.

The reunion continues to grow each year, fast becoming one of the highlights of the railway social calendar.

The gathering has again amassed over 5000 years of collective experience and even more stories.

Thanks and congratulations must go to Gary and Margaret Durrant for their work in organising this wonderful event each year.

As always, RTBU Officials and Delegates staffed the BBQ ensuring the hungry masses were fed.

2021 promises to be the best ETR reunion yet.

New Intercity Fleet, a disaster for commuters; and for workers In 2018, Transport Minister Andrew Constance made a public commitment that the Guard would be retained on the New Inter City Fleet ensuring the safety of commuters and employees. Despite this commitment, Transport for NSW is attempting to remove the role of “Guard” and replace it with a new position, which functions at a lower classification, reflecting the reduction of safety responsibilities.

When a person falls catching a train the Guard is the only person who can stop it. A deliberate design flaw in the South Korean made trains means train guards can’t monitor passengers in the moments before the train leaves the platform. The crew cab doors lock automatically at the same time as passenger doors. The Driver and newly named “Customer Service Guard” are expected to monitor CCTV screens only with no ability to hear what is happening on the platform.

The RTBU and our members believe this poses an unacceptable risk, so much, in fact that 90% of members surveyed indicated they would not

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

crew the train due to safety concerns.

We’ve taken this fight public; publishing the survey results in the Sydney Morning Herald and in responding to the numerous incidents across the network, reminding the Government and the public of the vital role our members play in ensuring the safety of commuters.

RTBU NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens, says the reality is that a deliberate design flaw in the South Korean made trains means train guards can’t properly monitor commuters in the crucial moments before the train leaves the platform.

This means passengers are at

increased risk of serious incidents such as falling in the gap between the train and the platform, getting left behind, or even children being separated from their parents.

“The NSW Government knows it has bought a lemon in the New InterCity Fleet and it’s doing everything it can to try and cover up this glaring mistake,….. time and time again, this NSW Government has proven it is incapable of properly managing transport projects – this New InterCity Fleet is no different.” Mr Claassens said.

Page 11

Blue Mountains line shut after extensive fire damage Passenger trains had to wait until damage to power equipment and signals was repaired after the horror fire at Gospers Mountain. The line was closed between Lithgow and Mount Victoria with passengers being ferried onto small diesel-powered trains and buses in the meantime.

A January report in the Sydney Morning Herald states that “The Blue Mountains rail line is likely to remain closed to most passenger trains for at least another two months between Lithgow and Mount Victoria due to extensive damage to power and signalling equipment from massive bushfires.

Train passengers have been forced to catch replacement buses since December 21 after the Gospers Mountain megafire destroyed signalling and other railway infrastructure along a 25-kilometre stretch of the line in the Blue Mountains.

While a small number of dieselpowered passenger trains are expected to begin operating on the line by late January, the extent of damage means it is likely to be at least two months before electric trains can run between Mount Victoria and Lithgow. The worst

damage has been to signalling equipment, much of which was destroyed, and power supply.”

The damage included large sections of the communications and signalling systems and 100 timber power poles and wires. About 200 trees beside the line will have to be removed or cut back due to the impact of fires.

The closure of the line between Lithgow and Mount Victoria meant passengers who usually travel by Xplorer trains from Broken Hill, or diesel-powered XPTs from Dubbo, have had to catch buses for their entire journeys to and from Sydney.

Regular commuters travelling to Sydney have had to catch buses at Lithgow for the closed section of the line and then switch to rail at Mount Victoria for their onward journeys.

The bushfires have also affected other parts of the state’s transport with authorities still assessing the

full extent of the damage. Roads have been closed, rail lines shut and passengers rerouted from trains to buses and buses to trains.

“Our thoughts go to everyone affected by these devastating bushfires and we commend the brave rail workers who still continue to give 100% to their work despite the trying conditions in these areas. Our members understand their priorities and are dedicated to servicing the needs of commuters in their charge, even when they may have been directly affected by the fires and or have been one of the many volunteers, as many of our members are within their communities,” said Bob Hayden, RTBU NSW Loco Division Secretary.

“There’s still a lot of work ahead in the coming months as the damage is assessed and we hope to help members in any way we can.”

Superannuation must increase to 15% and women need a better deal The ACTU wide-ranging submission to the Retirement Income Review makes 23 recommendations to improve retirement outcomes for workers, make the system more equitable and to improve its sustainability and equity.

The ACTU is calling for superannuation to increase to 12% as soon as possible and a pathway to be legislated for the superannuation guarantee to rise to 15%. The ACTU also calls for women to reach 15% at an accelerated rate to help address the gender retirement gap.

Women, on average, retire with superannuation balances 47% lower than men.

Women’s poor retirement balance are the result of compounding issues throughout working life and structures of the system.

Women need more super to achieve a dignified and independent retirement.

The SG for women must increase to 15% at an accelerated rate.

Page 12

ACTU Assistant Secretary Scott Connolly, said that “The retirement income system must be urgently reformed to improve the standard of living of retired workers today, and to improve them into the future. The objective of our retirement income system should be to ensure no Australian retires into poverty.

“The Superannuation Guarantee must be increased to 15% as soon as possible to ensure a dignified retirement for all workers.

“Women face retirement today with far less super than men. The inequalities which have been baked into the system must be removed.”

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

Public transport growth surges past NSW government predictions Reports in February that show that growth of NSW’s public transport network is “hurtling past long-term government predictions” is yet another clear sign the NSW Government needs to be investing more into the heavy rail network.

The RTBU said that investing in and expanding the state’s heavy rail network – the network with the most capacity to move large numbers of passengers quickly and efficiently – should be a priority of the Berejiklian Government, whose track record of poor planning when it comes to transport projects is crippling our transport networks.

Meanwhile, passenger numbers during peak times reached levels that can slow down services on nearly all metropolitan train lines last year.

“The lack of foresight from this government is disturbing.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out that public transport demand is outweighing supply at a rate of knots, and these figures today just prove that.

All lines except the Central Coast and Newcastle via North Shore route experienced numbers at which “customers start to experience crowding and dwell times can impact service on-time running”, for services arriving at Central Station between 8am and 9am.

“Of course any investment in public transport is good, but this government really should be thinking ahead and investing in long-term projects that are going to meet the needs of our growing populations – not just looking for the latest, shiny new toy.”

The Sydney Morning Herald, February 19, 2020, states that a report used by the NSW government as the “framework” for investing tens of billions in transport projects over the coming decades predicted rail growth would increase by 26 per cent between 2011 and 2031.

Trains on six out of 12 suburban lines reached their capacity during the morning peak in March 2019, according to Transport for NSW’s latest data.

While a public transport masterplan was released for NSW in 2018, Future Transport 2056, Transport for NSW said the report had no equivalent growth projection to the 2031 report.

Patronage on public transport grew by 5.3 per cent in 2019 alone, far above that of population, which Mr Hounsell said indicated a behavioural shift in the community.

However, the rail network reached and then exceeded that predicted figure by 2017, more than a decade early.

“There needs to be significant investment in the heavy rail system to cope with the increase in demand and changing habits. The Bankstown Metro won’t address these problems,” Mr Hounsell said.

The projection, made in the 2012 report, for bus growth was also reached 13 years early. Last year, the number of bus trips was 54 million higher than the forecast.

“There’s no technical issues, it’s just a matter of the politicians investing where they need to, not where they think there’s more votes.”

University of Technology transport expert Mathew Hounsell said the figures reinforced the need for the government to invest more in the city’s heavy rail and bus network.

He added the rapid growth on the network indicated that when the government invested in transport infrastructure, it was utilised.

“There is no plan to deal with this level of growth,” he said.

“If you provide high quality public transport, high frequency public transport, people use it,” he said.

“What we’re now seeing is there’s a lot more growth above what’s forecast.”

www.locoexpress.com.au RAIL & ROAD March 2020

Page 13

RTBU Holiday Park As many members would be aware, the recent bushfires throughout NSW resulted in the Booderee National Park and the RTBU Holiday Park being closed for much of the Summer School Holiday period. While there was major bushfire activity throughout the Shoalhaven region, including Nowra, Sussex Inlet, Basin View, Wandandian and south to Lake Conjola, Ulladulla, and Batemans Bay, none directly impacted the national park of the RTBU Holiday Park.

While this time was stressful for all concerned, including those who had planned their summer holiday, the decision to put safety first and close the Holiday Park, proved to be the best option available. We were not prepared to risk the safety of visitors and guests during this extreme bushfire activity.

Good rainfall during late January and February has resulted in all bushfires in the region being contained or extinguished, and the National Park and surrounds is looking better than ever. We would encourage RTBU members and their families and friends to visit the Holiday Park at this time, to restore normal activity in the area.

During the closure of the Holiday Park, the managers were

able to take stock of measures to improve the safety at the Holiday Park, including maintenance work and adding equipment such as a mobile fire pump to better access all parts of the Park.

After this disruption and inconvenience of the Holiday Park being closed during what is usually its most popular and busy period, we will be pressing ahead with improvements to RTBU Holiday Park Manager the Park, to ensure that Matt Goodsall and Branch the safety of guests is a Secretary Alex Claassens with top priority, as well as new fire pump making improvements to the overall facilities at the Holiday Park.

$4.3 billion cost blowout in Sydney’s metro rail project A Sydney Morning Herald report, February 4 2020, claims that the Berejiklian government’s flagship metro rail project under Sydney Harbour and the central city will cost up to $16.8 billion to complete, more than $4 billion above what has been budgeted, a secret government document shows.

The rail line from Chatswood to the central city, and onto Sydenham in the south and Bankstown in the west, is critical to government plans to expand the rail network to handle surging commuter demand. The government originally budgeted the rail line to cost $11.5 billion to $12.5 billion.

An internal review by Sydney Metro, the state’s operating agency delivering the railway, has forecast it will cost $16.8 billion to finish by 2024 due to blowouts across many parts of the City and Southwest project.

The highly confidential budget review, completed about 18 months ago, shows the biggest projected cost overruns are for new trains and systems; excavating tunnels and

Page 14

sites for underground stations, such as at Martin Place and Barangaroo; and extensive work at Central and Sydenham stations.

While blaming “market pressures” for much of the cost blowout, it found “significant” under estimates in the much-vaunted project’s final business case, which was completed about five years ago, for new trains and systems, as well as the scope of works at Chatswood.

The cost of buying new trains and systems, and then integrating them into the rail network, is projected to nearly double to $2.3 billion.

The revelations raise questions about how the government will find the money to cover a blowout in the City and Southwest metro line, while committing the state to other rail projects whose cost will run into the tens of billions of dollars this decade.

The government has yet to release an estimate for its planned Metro West line, from central Sydney to Parramatta, although it has said it will cost “upwards of $20 billion”.

But a blowout in the second stage of the metro rail network risks thwarting any expansion plans, such as extending Metro West to Zetland in the city’s inner south.

Sydney Metro said in a statement to the Sydney Morning Herald that the NSW government was “fully committed” to delivering the City and Southwest, Metro West and Greater West rail projects.

“The final cost of each project won’t be known until services commence,” it said.

A spokesperson said Metro Northwest from Rouse Hill to Chatswood, which opened in May last year, was on time and $1 billion under budget.

But a cost blowout in the second stage of the metro network will be an embarrassment for the government in the wake of Sydney’s troubled light rail line.

The final cost of the light rail line from Circular Quay to the eastern suburbs ballooned to $2.9 billion – $1.3 billion above the amount first budgeted.

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

Workers Wall a Step Closer In the June 2019 Rail & Road, former RTBU National Secretary, Roger Jowett reported on developments in the more than twenty year effort by unions, academics, community organsisations to have a Workers Wall built in a prominent location at the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops to commemorate the collective contributions of some 50,000 workers during the 100 years of the Workshops operations.

Unions objected to a proposal in 2018 by Mirvac for a Vivid-style light show on one of the walls at Eveleigh, and have argued that in order to adequately reflect and respect this history, there must be a physical wall listing all of the workers names and their achievements, regardless of occupation, gender or ethnicity. The union proposal gained support from the City of Sydney, when it resolved that the Council would advocate for a permanent physical ‘Workers Wall’ as part of the development to preserve the history of the Labour Movement at the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops.

Meetings were held between unions, headed by UnionsNSW and the City Council to discuss ideas for heritage interpretation at the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops.

The creation of a Workers’ Wall at Eveleigh was included in the Stage 2 Heritage Interpretation Plan, and Mirvac are committed to finding a solution to address the

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

considerations that have been approved in the Plan.

The creation of a Workers Wall at Eveleigh has been suggested in previous interpretation projects at Eveleigh and is supported by many groups and individuals connected to the site. There are examples of similar heritage sites in Australia and internationally that can be sued for inspiration and direction for developing the Workers’ Wall at Eveleigh. Some exciting and innovative design options are now being considered, with key stakeholders being consulted throughout the design process.

Whatever final design is agreed, the Workers’ Wall at South Eveleigh, located in a prominent location, will recognise the role of workers at Eveleigh during the railway years and celebrate the contribution workers made to the industrial, social, political and cultural life of the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops and Australia.

Page 15

Former Premier’s Advisor Appointment Sparks Transport for NSW review Transport for NSW will conduct a review of its “procurement processes” and how it engages highly paid contractors, months after handing a key Gladys Berejiklian advisor a lucrative gig that wasn’t advertised.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported in December that the Premier’s former strategy chief Brad Burden received a six-month contract worth $256,000 with the assistance of Transport secretary Rodd Staples.

A Transport spokesperson confirmed in February this year that the department would commission “an external review of our processes and procedures for the engagement of professional services contractors”.

“The terms of reference for such a review are yet to be finalised, it will be conducted as quickly as possible but no end date has yet been set for the review to conclude,” he said.

Disclosure of the review came after

the Public Services Commission this week concluded a preliminary investigation into how Mr Burden was appointed and declined to take further action.

The Sydney Morning Herald’s February report claims that in a letter to Labor treasury spokesman Walt Secord, Acting Public Service Commissioner Scott Johnston said while he didn’t “propose to take any further steps [but] the situation identified does raise questions about procurement and the use of contingent labour on a broader scale”.

“It is also relevant that the nature of Mr Burden’s engagement — through a procurement process, not by way of employment — has some bearing

on those of my functions,” Mr Johnston wrote.

The Public Service Commission would monitor the progress of the department’s review and consider if any changes needed to be made to public sector guidelines about the use of contractors, he wrote.

Mr Secord told the Herald the response “raises more questions than it answers” and the decision to undertake a review was an admission that its position had “hairs all over it”.

“The Premier and her office have slipped away on a technicality,” Mr Secord said. “The culture of handing lucrative public service jobs to Berejiklian mates has to stop.”

Transport for NSW on a Public Relations hiring spree One in 10 positions being advertised by Transport for NSW is for public relations or communications staffers — with an annual bill of nearly $1.8 million, a January Sydney Morning Herald report states.

A change to how the NSW government’s peak transport body operates has resulted in about 100 positions being advertised at the start of the year, with 10 being public relations roles. Two of the roles advertised as part of the hiring spree pay almost $330,000, according to an analysis of the organisation’s public advertisements.

The hires, which will cost taxpayers $1.78 million annually, come after the department created a $250,000 six-month position for Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s former senior aide Brad Burden — a role which was not advertised and which was given to Mr Burden with the intervention of Transport secretary Rodd Staples.

Transport for NSW is now hiring a spokesperson, three communications managers, a media manager, two executive directors each paid $329,000, two communication officers and a “Western Sydney hub lead”.

Page 16

Labor’s transport spokesman Chris Minns said Ms Berejiklian should explain the hirings.

“The Berejiklian approach is to privatise front-line services, then hire a small army of spin doctors to try and sell it to NSW taxpayers,” he said.

“Taxpayers deserve value for money and that means new engineers, train drivers and other frontline workers, not more spinners in a department awash with communications specialists.”

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said “the customer is at the centre of everything we do and all of our departments and staff are responsible for representing Transport for NSW in the community”.

“Communicating to our customers is an essential part of our business. Skilled communicators work across our business in frontline, operational and engagement roles,” he said.

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

RTBU Family Fun Day Huge Success A huge thank you to everyone who turned out on the weekend for the RTBU Family Fun Day!

The NSW Tram and Bus Division invited all its members (and more besides) to join them in a Family Fun Day at Prince Alfred Park on the 23rd February 2020. It was fantastic to see so many families at the event. The day was a great success with many members commenting on the relaxed atmosphere and how refreshing it was to take time out from work for an enjoyable day of solidarity. Special thanks go to Mary Yaeger from Unions NSW and Dan Scaysbrook, RTBU Campaign Director, who in the space of five short weeks turned a great idea into a fantastic event. A process not without its fair share of hair pulling!

The children (even the big ones) took great delight in trying out all the available rides. We had a jumping

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

castle, big slippery slide, the rotor, and the all-time bus driver favourite dodgem cars. The BBQ, rides, and food vans were packed out all day

families kicking their heels up and taking some well-deserved time out to have a laugh and a bit of fun was priceless.

It is through events like this we make our union movement stronger.

The officials of the Tram and Bus Division would love to see this become a regular event. Something that brings people together and celebrates our unity as a union family is sorely needed given that we have faced so much loss and uncertainty over the last few years.

–the hard working ice-cream van ran out of ice-cream by 3pm! The band was phenomenal, playing music to fit all genres (‘Brother’s Brad’ was their name for everyone who keeps asking). At a time when things are undoubtedly tough in our industry, seeing so many members and their

So, to everyone who came along, and in particular to those who helped out with the event to make it the success it was (especially our hard working BBQ volunteers including Meatworkers Union State Secretary Patricia Fernandez), Thank You!!

Page 17

XPT Crash Claims Two Lives Two rail workers failed to return home to their families on February 20, after the train they were operating derailed just outside of Wallan, north of Melbourne in Victoria. Train Driver John Kennedy (54) from Canberra and Pilot Sam Meintanis (49) of Castlemaine, Victoria tragically died doing their jobs on the Sydney-Melbourne XPT.

While an investigation into the crash is currently being conducted by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, and will investigate the signalling, maintenance of the train and railway line, and the speed of the train prior to the incident, it should also consider the history of complaints around the section of the line. Without pre-empting the findings of the investigation, the RTBU has stated that the fatal crash is the result of systematic neglect of the regional and interstate rail infrastructure over decades.

The Guardian Australia reported (Feb 26) that Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Victoria Secretary Luba Grigorovitch said the train would have been travelling at less than a quarter of the speed if it had been running under Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM) or V/Line rules.

A fire which destroyed the Wallan signal box about three weeks ago left the signals out of action along the

Page 18

section of rail line.

“The line continued operating at full speed, under pilot to navigate the XPT through the affected section,” Ms Grigorovitch said.

“ARTC’s (Australian Rail Track Corporation’s) rules allow for trains to continue at normal speeds while under the control of a pilot under such conditions.

“MTM and V/Line, however, impose an automatic speed restriction of 25kph.”

Ms Grigorovitch said it appeared there was a range of contributing factors in the derailment.

“The RTBU believes, however, that if ARTC imposed the same speed restrictions under pilot that are applied by MTM and V/Line, the incident may have been avoided,” she said.

Ms Grigorovitch said the derailment highlighted the “systemic neglect of interstate and regional rail infrastructure”.

She said the Melbourne-Sydney line should be the “jewel in the crown” of Australia’s rail network but was instead known as “the goat track” because of its poor condition and “mud holes”.

“This incident is another sign of an operator putting profits and on-time running before safety on a network that has been neglected for too long,” she said.

“This tragedy must be a wake-up call for politicians.

“It’s time to stop treating rail as a second-class form of transport, and to bring Australia’s regional and interstate rail infrastructure into the 21st century.”

One track, too many systems For all the talk about ambitious upgrades to the country’s interstate rail systems, action has proved elusive. It is almost six decades since passengers had to change at Albury because NSW and Victoria had different rail gauges,

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

Train Driver John Kennedy and Pilot Sam Meintanis but standardisation remains a nagging problem in other ways.

Despite efforts to centralise the management of rail infrastructure under the government owned Australian Rail Track Corporation, chaired by the former National party leader Warren Truss, a patchwork of regulations and safety standards remains.

RTBU New South Wales Secretary, Alex Claassens, says a Sydney train driver is likely to pass over track under the authority of three separate entities on any given day, forcing them to switch between three sets of safe work standards.

Crossing the state border brings another set of standards and signalling systems. When a problem on a line has been detected, New South Wales safety standards may impose maximum speed limits of 40km/h.

Over the border in Victoria, those limits fall to 25km/h – or may not be imposed at all. Directives about speed limits sent by the ARTC will be among the issues examined in the wake of the accident.

“If we had a system of safe working across the country that meant we can navigate Sydney to Melbourne, one set of track standards, one set of signalling, then we wouldn’t be having this conversation [about the accident on Thursday February 20,” Mr Claassens says.

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

Fixing it has been fraught with tension between state and federal governments. Whether high speed rail or otherwise, projects that cost billions and will not be delivered for several election cycles have proved unpopular with federal governments.

The states chafe at handing more authority to Canberra, preferring to spend limited funds on maintaining existing rail networks rather than expanding their reach or improving services.

VALE John Kennedy and Sam Meintanis Days after an express train that derailed in regional Victoria, the families of John Kennedy and Sam Meintanis, who died in the tragedy released statements mourning their loss.

John Kennedy’s family described him as someone with a passion for trains who had joined the rail service at 14. “To try and sum John up in a few words would be a gross misrepresentation of how great a husband, father, grandfather, mate and bloke he was,” their statement said.

“His love for the rail never changed.

If anything it grew stronger. John enjoyed travelling, cricket, fishing and a good billy tea, but the biggest love of all was his wife and his ever-growing family.”

Sam Meintanis’ family described him as “a beautiful soul who loved and lived life to the full”.

“He made sure those around him were safe, happy and well cared for, which carried through in everything he did,” their statement said. “Family was everything to him. With him, our life was happy, loving and fun.

“He made us all laugh out loud with his storytelling and continuous funny and positive outlook on life. Everyone who knew Sam loved and admired him and saw him as a strong and trusted leader.” (from the Guardian Australia, Wednesday February 26) To use the words of RTBU Victoria Secretary, Luba Grigorovitch, who said Australia’s rail community has been in mourning since Thursday evening (Feb 20), following the tragic loss of two lives in the Wallan derailment.

“Our members are hurting, and our hearts go out to the families and friends of the two workers who were killed,” Ms Grigorovitch said.

“But along with our grief, the rail community is also angry at the Federal Government for its failure to invest in a safe and reliable 21st century interstate rail network”.

Page 19

Safety Matters SAFETY - NOT SURVEILLANCE The continuous attacks and eroding of our working conditions are getting worse, especially with labour hire becoming more and more prevalent. Management have transferred their obligations virtually to the worker with little regard for their welfare. They say ‘Safety is our core value’ which is probably true as they do protect their own safety by placing the worker (our members) at risk instead and state that they have met the ‘ALARP’ provisions of risk management. Simply unacceptable.

Please find below the links to our National locomotive

campaign material for all members to address the ever increasing erosion of our members’ health, safety and welfare action/titled ‘If it’s not safe’ ‘JUST SAY NO” postcard! The second national locomotive division campaign is also below, titled ‘Safety not Surveillance’ with links to an In Cab camera fact sheet and a survey for our comrades who have/may be exposed to the continual surveillance devices!

For links to the Safety campaigns, surveys and resources go to the National RTBU website rtbu.org.au.

The RTBU will always put the interests of our members FIRST when it comes to responding to attempts by management to introduce invasive electronic surveillance technologies such as in-cab cameras. Have your say by completing by confidential online survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/YG9Q2KS

Our members have consistently argued that the best way to improve safety is to invest in safety devices that prevent accidents from happening and mitigate risk, rather than install invasive CCTV and other forms of electronic surveillance that only provide limited input after an accident has already occurred.

We have warned of serious consequences if invasive surveillance technology is installed that will undermine and disrupt day-to-day

Page 20

operations. This includes privacy breaches, zero trust, anxiety, low workplace morale and fatigue.

The best way to improve safety is to provide support for employees and invest in safety measures and systems to prevent accidents, including: • Better rostering; • Better working environment; and • Installing pre-engineering devices rather than post incident recording devices.

orkers know best when it comes W to what needs to change to improve safety.

That’s why we want to hear from you - your experiences and ideas about safety in the workplace. Your feedback will help us fight back against management’s attempts to install invasive in-cab cameras and other forms of draconian, Big Brotherstyle surveillance.

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

IF IT’S NOT SAFE JUST SAY NO Identified a potential hazard?

Feel unsafe performing a task?

Unsure and need advice?

IF IT’S NOT SAFE JUST SAY NO ASK YOURSELF...

Does this feel safe?

IF THE ANSWER IS NO...

Step back

ASK YOURSELF...

What is the hazard or risk?

IF YOU PERFORM THE TASK...

Could you or someone else be seriously harmed?

IF THE ANSWER IS YES...

STOP immediately Inform your manager, Health & Safety Representative and/or your RTBU Delegate Call your State Safety Regulator

Authorised by Mark Diamond, RTBU National Secretary, 4-10 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

RTBU CONTACTS: RTBU NSW Branch nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au (02) 9264 2511 RTBU Queensland Branch info@rtbu.com.au (07) 3839 4988 RTBU SA/NT Branch theteam@rtbusant.org.au 1800 801 063 RTBU Tasmanian Branch tasadmin@rtbu.org.au (03) 6228 6188 RTBU WA Branch and WA PTA Branch general@rtbuwa.asn.au (08) 9225 6722 RTBU Victorian Branch rtbu@rtbuvic.com.au (03) 8630 9100 rtbu@rtbu.org.au (02) 8203 6099

Page 21

statement rinciples

y, we will us as our ever, nsition be er name.

name will be y statement, ncial Services’.

of the cy statement

Positioning Size on standard formats

Where possible, the legacy statement should appear in close visual proximity below the brandmark. A minimum of clearspace should be observed.

Formerly State Super Financial Services

Where the brandmark is positioned top or bottom right in a communication, the legacy statement should be right aligned.

g clients the ange;

“Fortunate enough to have a defined benefit super scheme?

s our history The right advice will help you make the most of your retirement.” operate in Formerly State Super Financial Services Defined benefit super schemes can help set you up for a comfortableWhere retirement the– brandmark is positioned top left but they’re complicated. It can be difficult to understand your benefits and easy to in a communication, the legacy statement miss opportunities.

should be left aligned.

At StatePlus, we have over 26 years of experience in the public sector helping hard-working Australians just like you on their journey into retirement.

Planning ahead and getting the right advice from our financial planning experts now, can make a big difference for you and your family in the future.

We know you’ve worked hard to earn your money. So we’ll work hard to give you the retirement you deserve.

Visit stateplus.com.au or call us on 1800 841 677 today to make the most of your defined benefit super scheme.

Formerly State Super Financial Services

StatePlus is the trading name for State Super Financial Services Australia Limited, holder of Australian Financial Services Licence 238430, ABN 86 003 742 756. This information is of a general nature only and is not specific to your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any decisions you should consider its appropriateness to you.

Where horizontal space contraints apply, the legacy statement may appear in two lines.

Leading is set solid (the same as the point size).

Whistlestop Werris Creek Train Driver Clocks up 65 years, and Still Going Peter Sawtell will drive trains until he can’t work his limbs any more.

tender and shovel it forward, and This story ‘Number one’ driver “this is while you were moving”. celebrates 65 years with NSW Railways first appeared in Namoi From there, Mr Sawtell graduated to Valley Independent. a permanent fireman and then went on to become an acting driver.

The 80-year-old from Werris Creek celebrated 65 years with NSW “I didn’t find it difficult; a lot of Railways in February and has no people do. You just get the hang of plans to retire any time soon. it. Some people have got it and some people haven’t,” he said.

Mr Sawtell was a few months shy of Preferred size on DL, A5 Preferred size on A3 format – 16 when he moved to the Liverpool About a year later, in the early and A4 format – 7pt Plains for work after growing up on 1960s, Mr Sawtell became a fully a dairy farm in Dorrigo. fledged driver.

He started out with NSW Railways About this time, he met Bev Baker on February 1, 1955 as a shop during a game of squash. She had boy and lived at Mrs Faulkner’s moved from Barraba to Quirindi to boarding house. work as a nurse at the hospital. They married in 1963 and raised seven Mr Sawtell said he earnt “12 pounds children.

2 and six pence a fortnight” and worked Monday to Friday from Over the years, Mr Sawtell has 7.30am to 3.30pm. watched trains evolve from steam to diesel to electric.

His tasks including picking up waste, collecting dirty rags used by Formerly State Super Financial Services “I like the change. It was a bit Formerly State Su the fitters, and cleaning the tanks of challenging,” he said. the steam trains.

Mr Sawtell said if trains broke down these days, “you’ve got “You climb down inside and take a little dust pan and broom to be able to fix them on the way now”, and time was of the and sweep them out. It was usually about 100 degrees,” he essence. said.

“They seem to have more focus on that now. You run to a After a few years, Mr Sawtell progressed to a call boy. pretty tight schedule because of all the other trains,” he said.

“I used to go round on a pushbike around town and call Among the pearls of wisdom he has to offer is the motto: “if the men for work, mostly of a night-time between 6pm and you’re not sure, put the brake on”.

6am,” he said.

Mr Sawtell is one of the longest-serving drivers with NSW He said it was “a good job” and he received more money.

Railways and still works about 90 hours a fortnight.

Eighteen months later, he moved up the ladder to become a “They call me number one - most senior in state,” he said. “cleaner”.

The train driver’s one stipulation has always been that he “You used to rub the [trains] down with black oil. You were lives in Werris Creek. pretty dirty when you were finished,” he said.

Formerly State Super “They wanted me to move around but I wanted to stay in the Financial Services About two years later, Mr Sawtell was promoted to acting one place,” he said. fireman and started travelling on the trains to towns Mr Sawtell has been described as “quite a character” and is including Narrabri, Muswellbrook and Armidale. known for his sense of humour, but said “no matter what “I used to shovel the coal and kept the steam up for the job you do, you make friends, you make enemies”. driver,” he said.

When Australian Community Media asked him why he He said sometimes the coal supply near the shovelling place stuck around, he simply said: “I just like being a driver. in the tender would run out, so he’d have to climb into the You’re always going somewhere. Every trip’s different”.

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

Page 23

We’ve got your back Proudly supporting the NSW Branch of Rail, Tram and Bus Union and their members.

RTBU Members are entitled to a free, initial consultation and discounted rates when referred by their union.

GET IN TOUCH Contact the RTBU on 02 9264 2511 for a referral to Slater and Gordon Lawyers

Kevin Gilham Remembered Friends and family of CountryLink Train Driver ‘Big Kev’ Gilham, gathered at the Palmside Crematorium Hillside Chapel, Ourimbah on Tuesday 21st January, 2020, to celebrate his life and to say their goodbyes.

The following tribute was provided by Kevin’s friend and work colleague, Julie Puttock.

“What an emotional day when we said goodbye to one from our railway family. What can I say about Kevin Gilham aka Big Kev. Always a delegator when it came to cooking the BBQ. Always the bloke who would just say it how it is and always stood beside you. Kev would always chat about his family and the milestones they would achieve as a family network, the proud moments when he was made a gramfy and the day he married his love, Sharon Gilham.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Kev for the best part of 20 years in that time I’ve worked on the intercity and at XPT with Kev. Everyone referred to Kev as ‘Big Kev’ and what a character he was. Kev would always be up for a chat and would have a heap of stories from his time in the navy and his time on the railway. When he came to XPT big Kev got the name of the big breakie king. When ever he went away he would always go for a big breakie and would send the pics to all his mates of his big breakie..

We would have a chat about upcoming events with the family and catch up with his navy mates. I know I will miss the hearty laugh and the call of “hey bitch” when he thought I wasn’t listening. I never saw him too grumpy cause when he would I would make sure I gave him a hard time and it would cheer him up when I offered to pimp out his eyes to some more Irish tourists.

We lost big Kev earlier this year to acute myeloid leukemia which was a big loss to our railway family and an even bigger loss to his family. But with the support of our mates and peers we were able to get through losing one of the depots big characters. He is missed by all his mates at XPT and intercity and we all reckon he is having a rum and coke up in the roundhouse in the sky for us all I said my ‘see ya later’ at the hospital and I hope you look down on us and have a few drinks while kicking back with Michael, cause I know you are at peace being with him now.

Till we meet again my friend, I know for one you are missed by a lot of us at work, and your precious family too. Keep smiling and showing off your eyes to all that want to see them, because I know that you made a lot of us laugh with your set of blue eyes. “

Join the RTBU Retired Members Association Many retired members continue to receive copies of the journal Rail & Road, and take an interest in the life of the union. Many have also said that they would like to maintain a closer connection and involvement with the work of the union. The RTBU Retired Members Association was established to provide a forum for former members to meet, work on campaigns, address issues of particular relevance for retirees and to identify ways of assisting, supporting and contributing to the work of the union.

It is expected that the Retired Members Association will function independently and pursue issues that it identifies as priorities.

If you are a retired member of our union, we would like you to consider joining the Retired Members Association. Membership forms are available from the RTBU Head Office, Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney or on the union website: www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au

For more information, contact Peter O’Connor at the union office on (02) 9264 2511 For more information, contact Bruce Gale on 0414 934 878 or the union office on (02) 9264 2511

Hundreds Attend Funeral of of XPT Driver John Kennedy On Friday 6th March hundreds or work colleagues, family and friends of John Kennedy gathered at Norwood Park Crematorium, in the ACT to farewell and share yarns about John.

1987, he worked at Enfield, Flemington, Campbelltown until ending up in Penrith where in 2005 he became a driver trainer.

In 2006 he sought another challenge by working his way into a variety of management roles while I started moving into a more involved role with the union. But both of us never lost our passion for train driving and in particular new trains and we were both involved with the introduction of the Millenium trains.

A few years later our paths crossed again where we were very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to work trains together to maintain our qualifications, it was during this period where I saw how much he really cared about driving trains and he was just so professional, the focus and the way he drove was something special to watch. A master class.

The XPT he was driving crashed at Wallan in Victoria, resulting in the death of John and his Pilot Sam Meintanis Branch Secretary, Alex Claassens has said of the tragic loss, that “Those of us in the railway family – and the transport family broadly – are a tight-knit bunch. Incidents like this hit us hard. Of course, a thorough investigation will be held into this tragic accident and it would be irresponsible to speculate on exactly what caused it until all the details are revealed.

We need to await the outcome, but in the meantime we won’t stop calling for the changes required to keep workers on the railways, and in transport more broadly, safe. We have to, not just for each of us who are out there every single day working in the industry, but also for the sake of those workers who lost their lives and their families.”

In his Eulogy delivered at John’s funeral, Alex shared some personal anecdotes of his friend and work mate, as well as the stories of others who had worked with John. The following are extracts from Alex’s eulogy. “ I also acknowledge the railway family that are here today, many have travelled from far and wide and for the many messages of support and condolences that his family have received. Unfortunately, not everyone could be here today as the system still needs to run and many of them have sent their apologies.

He(John) started as a call boy at Punchbowl in 1980 for the then State Rail Authority (SRA) and worked his way up through the grades until he became a class 5 driver in

Page 26

In 2013, he left Railcorp and pursued his career within the private railway sector on freight where initially he was a Trainer and Assessor with CERT and after a few months he moved in QUBE where he took his driving role very seriously and worked across many roads in NSW and into Victoria.

In 2016, he applied for his dream job and he was back in public transport driving the XPT at Canberra, Goulburn and finally at Junee.”

One anecdote shared at the funeral, was that sent by Merv Morton, which said “I first met John in late 1989. He was in the meal room carrying on as only John could trying to get a rise out of someone. When it was time for my trainer and I to leave to go to our next job he was still carrying on. After we left the meal room I said to my trainer ‘who was that bloke ?’.

He said, that’s John Kennedy, (JK) I replied I think they shot the wrong one. My trainer couldn’t stop laughing so much that he had to go back and tell John what I had said.

The next time I saw John he started laughing as soon as he saw me coming. He stood up and walked over to me and put out his hand and we shook hands. He said it was the funniest thing he had heard in ages. RIP John.”

Alex concluded by saying “We all hope that when it is our time to go that we have left this world in a better place, while John has been taken from us way to early his legacy will be his lovely family and a safer railway for all of us to travel on. John will always be remembered in our hearts and minds.

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

RTBU Holiday Park at Jervis Bay RTBU Members can also take advantage of the United Services Union’s Aquatic Resort at Port Macquarie The RTBU and USU have a reciprocal arrangement where members of each union can book holidays at the two locations, at member discounted rates.

The USU owns the Aquatic holiday resort, in a glorious location on the Hastings River at Port Macquarie on the north coast of New South Wales. The resort consists of a Motel and a Caravan Park.

Stay in comfort at the holiday resort and enjoy great discounts and great style while relaxing in what many say is the best climate in Australia.

No matter what type of holiday you are after your needs are covered. Lots to do any time of the year! There are a lot of attractions in the area for you and your family – have a great game of Putt-Putt golf or try Jet boating, Parra Sailing, Waterslides, Wave Bowling & Lawn Bowls which are all within walking distance. And don’t forget the fishing!Please note – there are no tent sites at the Port Macquarie Caravan Park.

You can contact the motel or caravan park by calling the Comfort Inn Aquatic Motel on 02 6583 7388 or the Aquatic Palms Caravan Park on 02 6584 9155 or check the website at www.aquaticinport.com.au You can also call the United Services Union’s Head Office on 02 9265 8211 for more information.

Members must provide proof of identity plus their RTBU membership card at the time of arrival at Jervis Bay or Port Macquarie United Services Union or full rates will apply.

Located in the Booderee National Park, the RTBU Holiday Park at Jervis Bay, is just a 3 hour drive south from Sydney, but a world away…

Each of the 14 self-contained cabins sleep up to a maximum of 6 people.

Cabins have a queen sized bed, two single beds and a set of double bunks.

You will need to bring your own sheets as only mattress protectors, quilts and pillows are supplied.

The cabins contain a digital television, an oven, microwave, fridge, crockery, cutlery, glassware, pots and pans as well as basic cooking utensils. Make sure you come prepared as the closest grocery shop is in Vincentia, a 30 minute drive away.

The RTBU Holiday Park facilities available to all guests include a Boat Ramp, Undercover Bar-B-Q area with seating, Tennis Court and a Coin Operated Laundry.

There are various swimming spots to enjoy and natural areas to explore, suitable for all the family.

Kangaroos, possums, wallabies, kookaburras, bandicoots, echidnas and rosellas visit the grounds of the Holiday Park daily.

Enjoy fishing for whiting, flathead and bream from the calm shores or take a quick walk to experience beach fishing for tailor and salmon on the pristine Bherwerre Beach.

Bookings can be made by telephoning the RTBU Office on (02) 9264 2511.

Booderee National Park & Bherwerre Beach

Like Us on Facebook at

www.facebook. com/RTBUNSW

RAIL & ROAD March 2020

In the Dhurga language, Booderee means “Bay of Plenty” and the area is the home to the people of Wreck Bay. The Booderee National Park has the only Aboriginal owned Botanic Garden in Australia. The gardens are well known for providing a centre for interpreting plants used by the local aboriginal people.

The Park is also home to 200 species of birds, over 30 different native mammals including 10 species of bats, 37 reptiles, 17 amphibians and at least 180 species of fish.

The White-Bellied Sea Eagle is a special bird at Booderee as it is the guardian of the Koori people of Wreck Bay and features on the Booderee National Park logo.

Within the Booderee National Park you will find beautiful white sandy beaches at Green Patch, Murrays, Steamers, Caves and Bherwerre.

Bherwerre is home to some of the Boderee National Parks rarer seabirds. Pods of bottle-nose dolphins are often spotted playing in the waves at the Sussex Inlet Entrance and Humpback whales have been known to enter the protected areas close to shore.

Like Us on Facebook RTBU Holiday Park Jervis Bay Page 27

CHANGE OF DETAILS FORM CHANGE OF PERSONAL DETAILS Surname

Given Name(s)

Gender Male Female

Street Address

Suburb

Post Code

Home Telephone Number

Work Telephone Number

Date Of Birth

Mobile Number

Email (work) Email (home)

Employer

Employee Number

Occupation: Eg Train Driver

RTBU Member Number

Work Location/ Depot

Date Commenced

Employment Status Fulltime

CHANGE IN BANKING DETAILS IMPORTANT Members need to specify the date of their next pay so that when the membership fee debit occurs on a Friday there is sufficient money in the account to ensure the transaction is not dishonoured which results in you then being charged an additional fee by your bank.

Part time

Casual

Next Pay Week

DETAILS OF BANK ACCOUNT TO BE DEBITED Name of Financial Institution (Bank)

Branch where account is held

Account in the name(s) of Bank/State Branch Number: (BSB Six Digits)

Account Number (Maximum of 9 digits)

DETAILS OF CREDIT CARD TO BE DEBITED Credit Card Type: Eg Visa, MasterCard, AMX

Credit Card Number

Credit card in the name of

Expiry Date

I/We authorise and request the Australian Rail Tram and Bus Industry Union, until further notice in writing to arrange for my/our account described in this direct debit authority, to be debited with any amounts which the debit user may properly debit or charge me/us through the direct debit system.

I/We authorise and request this direct debit authority to remain in force until cancelled, deferred or otherwise altered in accordance with this service agreement.

SIGNATURE

SUBMIT

DATE Please Email your completed form to nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au by using the submit button Post: Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 or Fax: 02 9261 1342 • Tel: 02 9264 2511

Profits that go to members, not shareholders.

The right support and advice to help you

feel future ready

1300 650 873

Consider our PDS before making a decision. FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340, trustee of the First State Superannuation Scheme ABN 53 226 460 365.

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM Surname

Given Name(s)

Gender Male Female

Street Address

Suburb

Post Code

Home Telephone Number

Work Telephone Number

Date Of Birth

Mobile Number

Email (work) Email (home)

Employer

Employee Number

Date Commenced

Occupation: Eg Train Driver

Work Location/Depot

Employment Status Fulltime

Part time

Casual

the undersigned, hereby apply to become a member of the I, Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, an Organisation of employees registered under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 as amended, and hereby undertake to comply with the Rules and By-Laws for the time being of the Union.

Signature of Applicant

Dated

I, the undersigned, hereby apply to become a member of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union of New South Wales, an Organisation registered under the Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW) as amended, and hereby undertake to comply with the Rules and By-Laws for the time being of the Union.

Signature of Applicant

Dated

via DIRECT DEBIT fortnightly OR 1. I agree to pay $ CREDIT CARD fortnightly. or any other amounts as may be determined from time to time in accordance with the Rules of the Union.

I certify that I have received a copy of Rule 14, Notification of Resignation From Membership.

2. I/We authorise and request the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, until further notice in writing to arrange for my/ our account described in this direct debit authority, to be debited with any amounts which the debit user may properly debit or charge me/us through the direct debit system.

3. I/We authorise my employer to notify the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union of any change of address during my employment.

4. I/We authorise and request this direct debit authority to remain in force until cancelled, deferred or otherwise altered in accordance with this service agreement.

Signature of Applicant

Dated

DETAILS OF THE ACCOUNT TO BE DEBITED

Account Name OR Name on Credit Card Financial Institution Branch

Date of next pay

IMPORTANT Members need to specify the date of their next pay so that when the membership fee debit occurs on a Friday there is sufficient money in the account to ensure the transaction is not dishonoured which results in you then being charged an additional fee by your bank.

Bank/State Branch No. (BSB)

Card Type

Account No./If Credit Union Membership No.

MasterCard

Visa

Expiry Date

/

Credit Card Number

SUBMIT

Please Email your completed form to nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au by using the submit button Post: Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 or Fax: 02 9261 1342 • Tel: 02 9264 2511

IMPORTANT PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR REFERENCE

4. A notice delivered to the Branch Secretary shall be deemed to have been received by when it was delivered.

RESIGNATION FROM MEMBERSHIP

5. A notice of resignation that has been received by the Union is not invalid because it was not addressed and delivered the Branch Secretary.

OF THE RTBU 1. A member may resign from membership of the Union by written notice addressed and delivered to the Secretary of his/her Branch.

2. A notice of resignation from membership of the Union takes effect:– (a) where the member ceases to be eligible to become or remain a member of the Union (i) on the day on which the notice is received by the Union or (ii) on the day specified in the notice, which is a day not earlier than the day when the member ceases to be eligible to become a member, whichever is later; or (b) In any other case:– (i) at the end of two weeks; or (ii) on the day specified in the notice: whichever is later.

3. Any subscriptions, fees, fines and levies owing but not paid by a former member of the Union in relation to a period before the member’s resignation took effect, may be sued for and recovered in the name of the Union in a Court of competent jurisdiction, as a debt due to the Union.

6. Resignation from membership of the Union is valid even if it is not affected in accordance with this Rule, if the member is informed in writing by or on behalf of the Union that the resignation has been accepted.

What happens if I get pregnant, sick for an extended period or take leave without pay?

If you are on unpaid maternity leave, sick or are off work for a substantial period of time you can seek to have your membership fees suspended until you return to work by giving written notice addressed and delivered to the Secretary of his/her Branch under Clause 11 (8): (8) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Rule, should any member during any financial year be without pay owing to ill health or to other causes which a Branch Executive regards as warranting special consideration, then the Branch Executive may grant the member exemption from payment of all or any contributions imposed in accordance with the Rules for all or part of the period during which he/ she is without pay. During the period of the exemption, the member shall be deemed to be financial.

The Rail, Tram & Bus Union is bound by the Privacy Act and your information can only used for RTBU processes and cannot be used for any other purposes.

The RTBU Executive, Officers and Staff wish all members and their families

L

AM AND

S

R AI

BU

Level 4, 321 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000

TR

Tel (02) 9264 2511 Fax (02) 9264 1342 E-mail nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Website www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au

UN

ION

Transport workers keep Australia moving. And rt health is the fund to keep RTBU members moving.

At rt health, we have been looking after transport workers for 130 years and exist only to give our members great value health cover at the best possible price. As an RTBU member, we want to do all we can to provide you with health cover that matches your lifestyle.

On joining rt health you will recieve: 5% discount on health covers (excluding ambulance-only cover) $150 Woolworths WISH gift card as a welcome gift Immediate waiver of ALL 2 & 3 month waiting periods – start claiming straight away An extra $200 WISH gift card when you get someone else to join rt health before 30/04/20* Dedicated hotline & website for RTBU members

Find out more by calling our dedicated RTBU hotline on 1300

782 810

join@rthealthfund.com.au rthealthfund.com.au/rtbu *See www.rthealthfund.com.au/mim-gift-cards for more details.