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Unions slam O’Farrell’s smoke and mirrors trick on rail safety

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Published on Tuesday, 14 February, 2012

The ASU and RTBU have slammed the NSW Premier’s announcement to slash the jobs of hundreds of Transit Officers as a move that would lead to a reduction in commuter and RailCorp employee safety rather than enhance security on the rail network.

JOINT RTBU-ASU MEDIA RELEASE Date: Tuesday 14 February, 2012

Smoke and Mirrors trick on safety as Transit Officers given the chop

Disbanding Railcorp’s team of dedicated Transit Officers will undermine commuter safety on the train network according to the Rail, Tram and Bus Union.

RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said the move, announced today by the State Government, would fail commuters already seriously concerned about their safety on public transport.

“The State Government knows that public perceptions of safety on the rail network are already low – especially at night.

“But instead of tackling the problem by putting on more staff, the Government has pulled a smoke and mirrors trick by handing over responsibility for rail security to the police.”

Mr Claassens said that previous governments had tried this before but the policy had resulted in even less staff on the network.

“Handing over rail safety and security to the police failed before, and it will fail again.

“If the police are dealing with an emergency somewhere else, it’s highly likely that transit police will be taken off the network and deployed to other duties.

“This will leave rail commuters exposed to a much higher risk of crime and violence.

Australian Services Union NSW and ACT (Services) Branch Secretary Sally McManus said that a presence on the transport network had to be guaranteed.

“It is crucial that dedicated Transit Officers remained on the network with no responsibilities other than patrolling the transport network.

“Transit Officers not only provide a vital role in protecting passengers, they also protect other rail workers – particularly at night.

“Passengers and rail workers need to know that they can move freely on the rail network all day, every day.”

Mr Claassens said Transit Officers had been lift in limbo, and were unsure of their future.

“The State Government must rule out any forced redundancies of Transit Officers, and guarantee that officers will still have a job on the rail network.”