Removal of Barrier Seating at Central Station

Bulletin 10  – 2015

To: RTBU Central Station Members,

Please find below response from Sydney Trains in relation to concerns raised by members.

‘I write further to the meeting of 19 January 2015, in regards to the removal of barrier seating at Central station. As discussed, Sydney Trains is committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect. Station Customer Managers (SCMs) in accordance with SPACE behaviours, will work collaboratively with staff to address any concerns about injury or support required to provide proactive and mobile customer service.

At the request of the RTBU, Sydney Trains has provided all SCMs with a refresher on how to manage employee concerns about injury.

The concerns raised about the removal of barrier seating and introduction of rotations at Central are addressed below.

The Sunday shift at Central, on Barrier ‘A’ is for a duration of 8 hours

This shift includes a 20 minute crib break and a scheduled 10 minute break which occurs 2 hours after the crib break. In addition to this, all staff have been briefed on the ability to seek comfort breaks as required by contacting the SDM on duty to provide cover.

The ‘A’ Barrier anti fatigue mats are less effective than the other anti-fatigue mats available at Central

This feedback was provided to the customer environment project team and new anti fatigue mats have been ordered for barrier ‘A’.

On Central platforms 16 and 17 services are so frequent that employees are unable to take comfort breaks if required

The above outlined process for arranging comfort breaks is in place, and after the peak travel period, there is between 5 to 10 minutes in between train services.

Members are advised to contact Chris Doyle, Tony Bonaddio or Mick Cartwright on (02) 9264 2511, email: mcartwright@rtbu-nsw.asn.au if Sydney Trains fail to comply with their letter to the RTBU or any other matter with the removal of seating from the barriers.