Sydney commuters should expect more delays across the metropolitan train network this week as the government is yet to meet the train union’s demands.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) is still in negotiations with the NSW government, fighting for better working conditions, salary increases, and most importantly guaranteed train safety. The main safety concern involves the New Intercity Fleet trains, and their blind spots.
These trains were brought from South Korea to replace the outdated trains running through the Sydney to Newcastle and Lithgow to Wollongong lines. Secretary for Train Operations and RTBU Branch Organiser, Craig Turner believes these trains to be unsafe, especially for the most vulnerable members of the community.
“If someone gets killed on the network and we didn’t put our hand up to stop it, we would be a disgrace to the state. This union is standing up for safety and it's the government that’s holding it up, we just want this all done as well,” says Turner.
According to the RTBU, the main issue with these new trains are the CCTV screens that would take the place of a train guard. The New Intercity Fleet was ordered by the NSW government as “driver only” trains, operated solely by the driver, without another person responsible for safety on board.
This leaves the driver to rely solely on the CCTV system, which is proven to be flawed by an independent expert and the manufacturer of the trains themselves.
The union is calling for the CCTV screens to be kept in the Guards cabin as it is their job to ensure passengers safety. This way they can use the CCTV footage in addition to their skills and training to make sure commuters and children haven't fallen through the platform gap or gotten trapped.
“Number one is safety for us. It has been from the start, especially with the New Intercity Fleet which we've been working on since 2016,” reveals Turner.
He says that pay has not been spoken about yet in negotiations and that “This is the only way where we can get the government to take any notice of us. For six years on the Intercity Fleet the government, with Andrew Constance, have backflipped on a number of occasions and unless we get things in writing I’m afraid the government just treats us like nobodies. This union is standing up for safety and it’s the government that’s held this up.”
At this stage, the NSW government has agreed to run the Waratah model instead of the government proposed “driver only” model, meaning that the guard will be using the CCTV as an aid.
The thousands of commuters who have been impacted by the train strikes are becoming more frustrated with train staff, with most people not understanding the extent of the situation.
“The train strikes have completely changed the way that I travel to work. I now have to wake up almost an hour earlier than usual so that I can get to work on time,” says Sydney-based Plumber Ben Pennycook.
“I know that it was something about the quality of the trains and it being dangerous. But I’ve also heard it was about the workers themselves. But I don’t fully understand the exact reasoning behind it.” Mr Pennycook says.
In a fight for the safety of commuters and transport staff, the strikes are still expected to run between 10am and 4pm over the coming weeks, avoiding the morning and afternoon commute.
Turner explains that the RTBU received a letter from NSW Finance Minister Damien Tudehope on Sunday night.
“That letter doesn't really give us much cause for optimism. We need changes to that, and a deed for the New Intercity Fleet, which he never sent to us,” says Turner.
“We're hoping to work hard with Transport for NSW and Transport Minister David Elliot over the next 4-5 days to get an outcome for both rail commuters and for our members.”
For more information on the Rail, Tram and Bus Union and their mission, visit https://www.ourrightsourfight.com.au/?fbclid=IwAR0AhfUdhAqkT1LR9usxWINpBKsvwS-7qZqKWD81lHziuWTacHkAnrFiM9I
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