Trains to sound whistle as part of protected industrial action

Media release, 4 July 2022: Trains across the state will sound their whistles today as part of protected industrial action being taken in attempt to force the NSW Government to deliver the safe railways and fair workplace conditions commuters and rail workers deserve.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens, said the action, like the majority of workers’ industrial action lately, obviously won’t have any impact on services, but is rather designed to make a point to management and the government.

“Train whistles stopped sounding about five years ago as a result of noise complaints, but we’re bringing them back today as part of ongoing protected industrial action,” Mr Claassens said.

“It’s outrageous that we’re being forced to take action in order to get the NSW Government to deliver on what should be a basic responsibility of government – providing a safe railway and fair working conditions for its workforce.”

Mr Claassens said rail workers are still waiting on the NSW Government and transport officials to officially sign a document stating it will honour its promise to fix the safety issues on the New Intercity Fleet, and confirming that the cost of doing so won’t result in rail workers taking a cut to their take home pay and conditions.

Mr Claassens said rail workers would also like to remind commuters to take additional care and leave extra travel time when travelling during adverse weather conditions.