Media Release – Commuters the big losers as Government axes frontline rail jobs

The NSW Government has axed frontline rail jobs in favour of backroom jobs at a time when the state’s commuters are crying out for better service on our train stations.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens, said the recently released Sydney Trains annual report shows the government is prioritising bureaucracy over customer needs.

157 frontline jobs were cut in the 2014/15 financial year, while at the same time backroom corporate roles increased by 100

“The NSW Government’s priorities are completely wrong,” Mr Claassens said.

“The Government is more focused on producing glossy brochures and having board meetings than it is on delivering what the commuters of Sydney want – better public transport.

“We know that commuters are crying out for improved safety and customer service on our train stations.

“Commuters would rather see a worker at their local train station than an extra suit in the CBD.

“Safety on the network is serious issue for rail workers and commuters at the moment. Rail workers have been calling on the government to increase staff to help address the safety issues, but all the government has done in response is slash frontline numbers, putting people at increased risk.

“This government claims to be customer focused but these statistics show the opposite to be true.”