RTBU files “stop bullying” applications in Fair Work Commission against NSW MP

Media release, 18 February 2026: The NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) filed two applications under s.789FC of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) seeking stop bullying orders against Mr Ray Williams MP.

The applications were filed after Mr Williams posted to his public Facebook profile a photograph of two RTBU members employed by Metro Trains Sydney, returning home from their shift.

The photo was taken without the members’ knowledge or consent. The post was captioned “Special treat this evening, 2 Drivers on our driverless Metro train, who said the Minns Labor Government and their Union mates are not working for NSW?”’

The post has since attracted more than 400 public comments, mostly criticising the post. One public comment from Mr Bob Nanva MLC read “This is a disgraceful slur on Metro workers who are clearly off-duty. To take this photo, without their permission, post it on social media, and then use it to personally attack those workers (and rail workers in general), is appalling behaviour for a Member of Parliament”.

The RTBU has been informed that the members concerned have experienced stress, anxiety and heightened concern for their safety at work following the publication of the post. One member described now feeling “hyper-vigilant” while performing his duties.

Unlike drivers on the NSW Trains network, Metro operational staff do not have access to a private cabin. This means frontline Metro workers do not have a secure space to retreat in the event of harassment or confrontation while on duty.

RTBU has taken immediate action to protect their members’ rights to feel safe at work, using a novel legal approach to file for stop bullying orders against Mr Williams. This matter may be one of the first instances of this jurisdiction being invoked in relation to the conduct of a Member of Parliament.

The Fair Work Commission has broad powers under the stop bullying regime. The Commission may make a stop bullying order, as well as “any other order it considers appropriate”.

The RTBU has sought that Mr Williams:

1. remove the relevant posts and photograph from his public social media accounts;
2. delete the photograph from his device;
3. refrain from publishing further photographs of the applicants taken while they are at work;
4. refrain from interacting with the applicants while they are at work or in uniform; and
5. publish a retraction and apology.
   

The applications have been assigned matter numbers by the Fair Work Commission and are expected to be listed for conference in the coming weeks. Mr Williams will likely be required to attend these conferences.

Quotes attributable to Toby Warnes, RTBU BSW Branch Secretary

“This was an extraordinary lapse in judgement by someone elected to the NSW Parliament. Taking a photo of frontline rail workers without their consent and using it to score political points is unacceptable. Our members deserve to travel to and from work without being publicly targeted or made to feel unsafe.”

“No worker should have to worry that simply finishing their shift could result in them being photographed, posted online and dragged into a political narrative. We’ve taken this step because everyone, including MPs, has a responsibility to ensure workplaces are safe.”

“This should never have happened. Public transport workers keep this state moving. They shouldn’t be turned into social media fodder by people who should know better and who should be setting the standard for respectful conduct.”