Signaller Sub-Division wins a reprieve in campaign to retain Regional Boxes and Complexes

Bulletin No. 4.24

Congratulations to the Signaller Sub-Division Membership on their unity and collective effort, which resulted in a giant leap forward in our campaign to maintain the Regional Manned Signal Boxes/Complexes.

After a lengthy battle with Sydney Trains, we are delighted to announce that due to our delegates’ and members hard work the tide is beginning to turn.

Sydney Trains was on a mission to implement their Network Control Plan (NCP) within three years, a move that would have led to the loss of over 110 regional signalling jobs, and centralised operations to Homebush Control Centre (HCC) directly impacting Signallers and their families lives. Furthermore, the NCP posed serious risks to the safety and integrity of the rail network.
The RTBU responded to the original proposal by providing a counter-offer in the form of a business case. Unfortunately, Sydney Trains rejected the proposal based on cost assumptions based on unsupported figures.

Undeterred by that rejection, delegates and members immediately jumped into action and developed a plan that included writing and visiting their State Members of Parliament (MPs). We followed by lobbying over 16 MPs in NSW Parliament, including the Labor (ALP), Liberal (LIB), National, Greens, and Legalise Cannabis parties. At the same time, we involved WHS Representatives in the fight by demanding risk assessments that were relied on to support the NCP.
Simultaneously, a draft motion was distributed to ALP Branches seeking support from rank-and-file members for a motion to be put through the ALP State Conference on 28 and 29 July 2024. The RTBU spoke to the motion and with the strong support of Country Labor representatives and the motion was passed.

The RTBU has now sent a letter to the Transport Minister and Regional Transport and Roads Minister to facilitate a meeting including all stakeholders to commence the process towards either the refurbishment of existing boxes, or the construction of regional signal boxes/complexes. Click HERE.

We await a response from the Ministers and look forward to our delegates continuing our ongoing struggle to maintain our jobs.

Issued By:                                     Authorised By:
Helen Bellette                               Toby Warnes
Branch Organiser                       Branch Secretary

Click HERE to download the bulletin.