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Faulty Tracks
Despite a billion-dollar upgrade, train drivers are calling the Sydney to Melbourne railway a ‘disaster waiting to happen’ and are calling for an urgent inquiry into a problem that has crossed the state line.
Progress on the establishment of a National Rail Safety Regulator is on track, but important issues remain unresolved – according to the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).
RTBU National Secretary Allan Barden today said the State, Territory and Federal Ministers – who met in Melbourne today – were getting the message on rail safety.
“The RTBU welcomes the communiqué released by the Australian Transport Council in Melbourne today.
“It’s good to see Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese and his State and Territory counterparts working together cooperatively, and prepared to consult with both the industry and workers on the development of the new regulator.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union is concerned that proposed new national fatigue laws may force some train drivers to work longer hours.
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Your Safety is at Risk
The safety of rail and tram workers is being threatened by the rush to create a new national rail safety regulator.
National safety laws should enforce the highest standards across the country. If the bar is set high, and workers are given a say in how laws are developed and applied, then the creation of a national body to replace existing state regulators should be a positive step forward.
The problem is that the bar is being set too low, and operators are being given too much power.
Watering down safety standards will undermine the community’s confidence in rail, and could put lives at risk. It could be your life at risk.
The project board responsible for creating the new national regulator is taking submissions from industry and the community. This is your chance to have your say and to let them know that you have a right to a safe workplace.
I urge you to get involved in the campaign to put rail safety first.
Allan Barden, National Secretary, RTBU
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