RTBU Members Have Their Say About Safety Vest Removal

Bulletin 18- 2015

To: RTBU Station Staff and Train Crew Members:

“Taking away safety vests is a major step backwards in staff and customer safety. The grey blends in with everyone else bright orange stands out.” Quote from RTBU Member.

The RTBU would like to thank all their members that took part in the RTBU Safety Vests Survey in the past weeks. Please find below the results from survey broken down to questions;

Question 1:

I would prefer to wear a high visibility vest when performing right of way procedures:

Question 2:

I think high visibility vest make a positive impact on safety for staff and customers:

Question 3:

I would feel safe performing right of way procedures without a high visibility vest:

Question 4:

I believe I have been properly consulted about changes to safety procedures:

Question 5:

I am happy with the new uniform

As can be seen from the above results, the majority of CSA’s and Guards believe that by Sydney Trains removing the vest they are compromising staff and customers safety. There was an additional concern in relation to customers being unable to identify CSA’s to ask for their assistance. One of the major concerns for Station Staff and Train Crew is that Sydney Trains have not addressed in a prompt manner the issues our members have raised about the uniform that Sydney Trains require them to wear.

The RTBU will be pursuing this issue and the survey results will form the basis of the argument for the retention of the safety vest. For further information please contact your Union Delegate or the RTBU Office.