Retired driver speaks up about railway tragedies 

Trigger warning: death and suicide. If you need support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Image: Saber Baluch, SBS Insight

This week’s insight program will feature a story from Mick White, a retired driver and RTBU Locomotive Division member from the Blue Mountains, about the horrific realities of deaths on our railways.

On behalf of the NSW RTBU Locomotive Division and all train drivers near and far, we’d like to thank Mick for telling his story, as it will shine a spotlight on the experiences of train drivers that is all too common.

Because of media censorship laws preventing media reports on suicide, we rarely hear about these terrible incidents on our railways and the impact this has on drivers and all involved.

In his 30 year career as a train driver, Mick has been witness to 3 deaths, and 20 near misses. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, this left Mick with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD manifests itself in many different ways, depression, addiction, isolation and other mental challenges.

Your Union is here to support you in these circumstances, and we’d like to take this opportunity to remind all members to call us on 9264 2511 for assistance.

We look forward to watching Mick speak on Tuesday the 24th of April, at 8.30pm. You can watch the promo here:  https://www.sbs.com.au/news/insight/tvepisode/accidental-death

For anyone having a tough time, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, for someone to talk to.