Agitators targeting Hunter trains aren’t just putting lives at risk; they’re missing the point: rail workers   

Media release, 10 July 2024:

People dangerously targeting trains in the Hunter Valley are putting lives at risk and targeting the wrong people, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union said.

In a letter to Blockade – the group behind the disruption of train in the Hunter recently – Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW Secretary Toby Warnes urged the group to rethink its life-threatening attacks on local rail workers.

Mr Warnes said while rail workers strongly believe in and support the right to protest, targeting individual rail workers as part of the protest is not only dangerous, but counterintuitive.

“The lives of innocent rail workers are being put by at risk by those participating in this disruption which no matter what the cause, is entirely unacceptable.

“When it comes to the environmental issues we face, we do need a fundamental shift in how we address it. But disrupting trains isn’t the answer – to the contrary, supporting them is.

“No matter what you think about climate action, the reality is the system is changing and will continue to change. Our rail freight and public transport systems need to be the centrepiece of action on climate change because they are without questions the cleanest, greenest solutions to many of our transport related environmental issues.

“The community wants to see a shift to better public transport and better use of rail freight, so our governments need to recognise that and keep up.

“Rail workers understand the issues completely, but these reckless people in the Hunter who are putting rail workers at risk seem to be picking a battle with the very people they need to be part of the solution.

“Jumping in front of trains, dangling from bridges – these are ridiculously dangerous actions seemingly undertaken with no regard for the safety of other people, including the train drivers and emergency responders, they’re putting at risk.

“Dangling off a bridge in front of a moving train and risking someone’s life is not the answer, but neither is sticking our heads in the sand and pretending change isn’t coming.

“It’s time for these agitators to stop targeting the people at the centre of the solutions and start finding ways to engage in the conversation in the more meaningful and productive way.”