Re: CityRail Train Crewing - Morale hits new low.

[Bill <billguest@the.net.nz>]

Hang on, hang on. They "propelled onto a main line". That sounds inherently unsafe to me. I would have
expected (at least) a pilot to guide the movement from the leading end. But more importantly, what does
the rule book say? Was this a breach of operating rules? If so, why were the rules breached? I would
immediately suspend any staff members involved in an apparent violation of operating rules that infringed
the security of the main line if I were the boss! If the rules were not breached, then why the
suspension? Were reasonable procedures followed? If not, get on to the union.........

In the last few days, I have finally managed to obtain and read the interim report on the Glenbrook Rail
Accident. Sad and sorry stuff. I have the clear impression that a good safety shakeup is necessary in NSW
railways........

Bill

Ron Christie wrote:

> Passengers wonder why train crews don't care any more.  The reason is rock-bottom morale.
>
> On Saturday, two train crew members were suspended for propelling onto a main line at Waterfall.
> This is a perfectly safe movement, and is used daily at Bankstown, Campbelltown, Penrith and
> Thirroul.  Unfortunately, a Crew Area Manager saw them and suspended them on the spot.
>
> There are now rumours going around (true or not is irrelevant) that these two crew members, both with
> extensive experiance, and one of them being a driver trainer, will be sacked.
>
> This sends a shiver up the spine of all workers, especially those in train crewing.  How can these
> people be threatened with this when you have others (AH) who break more rules than they keep, but
> still have a job.
>
> Same goes for a driver at Cronulla, who has been sacked over the accident at Cronulla recently, when
> the guard who caused the accident only got a short suspension (hiding behind lack of training) and
> the Duty Manager is still misrouting trains at Cronulla.
>
> This new heavy-handed management style will only serve to alienate its employees, and cause lower
> morale, and more accidents.