Keep Transits on Trains - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

Industrial News
<strong>Keep</strong> Our <strong>Transits</strong> on the Trains
Barry O’Farrell takes us
back to the future.
Yet again, the NSW liberal
government attacks staff and
compromises customers’
safety on public transport by
dismantling the Transit Officer’s
Function. They have learned
nothing from similar failed
ventures in the past.
Previously the TIB (Transport
Investigation Bureau) existed
but was dismantled and replaced
by Revenue Protection Officers.
However, this did not address
safety on the network and the
repercussions - the fear of travelling the train network
at night, and running the gauntlet of thugs committing
robbery and assaults.
The State government then addressed the issue by
bringing in CHUBB security guards to travel the
network at night on various services. This did not have
any impact on the behavior on the network, as the
guard’s function was to observe and report.
This saw the introduction of the Transit Officer’s
Function. With the introduction of this function safety
for the public and rail workers was increased – the
<strong>Transits</strong> having more powers to enforce safety and
address the criminal aspects that were operating on
the rail network. In addition, the Transit Function also
conducted fare evasion operations. Transit Officers have
played a very important role in reducing crime on the
network and making it safer for all users of our train
services.
Now the current government wants to dismantle this
function and hand the network over to an already
overworked police service, whose own audits have
found they cannot fill their vacancies. This is without
taking into consideration the additional duties of 600
extra police expected to flood the network. In addition,
the government wants them to cover rail, ferry and
bus functions. That is stretching the resources way too
far. Police will be forced to prioritise any work they
do, which may result in them being called away from
transport duties altogether.
To address this, the RTBU has commenced a campaign
called “<strong>Keep</strong> our Transit Officers on Trains”. The
aim is to keep the Transit function. We have contacted
various community groups and will be lobbying
parliament to achieve this, whilst running a grass roots
campaign. Part of this campaign was the attendance
at Unions NSW by a delegation of Transit Officers.
Kevin Ferris addressed Unions NSW and a motion was
passed in support of the Transit Officers. In addition,
Mark Lennon – Unions NSW Secretary was given a full
briefing by the Transit Officer’s delegation.
This is a direct attack on the workers as the government
is attempting to move this fight into transit officer
against the police. Make no mistake this is a smoke and
mirrors trick and is all about cost cutting by putting the
public and railway workers at risk.
To obtain a copy of the petition or if you require more
information, please contact Organiser Helen Bellette on
9264 2511, or visit the campaign section on the RTBU
website: www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au
RAIL & ROAD March 2012 Page 5