|
Monday 27th March 2006 is the International Transport Federation's Rail Safety Day for 2006.
Every year, the International Transport Federation (ITF), which represents rail, urban transport and other transport workers around the globe campaigns for safe rail transport and in support of a safe and healthy work environment for rail transport workers.
The Australian Services Union, which represents operational, support and administrative staff in Australia's rail and public transport networks is actively supporting Rail Safety Day 2006 and is calling on all ASU members and everyone interested in rail and other public transport to do the same.
The ASU has developed and is launching a Rail and Public Transport Charter and Action Plan as part of its 2006 activities. The Union has also called on all Australian Governments - Federal and State - to adopt a comprehensive approach to rail safety, as part of the Union's on going work in rail and urban transport issues.
Everyone interested in rail and public transport can sign the Rail Charter and support the Union's work. Organisations and individuals who subscribe to the Principles and Action plan set out in the Charter can signify their support for it.
Union Members and all public transport users are also encouraged to write to their local Minister for transport (and to the Federal Minister) urging Government to support rail safety and public transport generally. A draft letter can be found here and Ministers' names and contact details are here.
In launching the Charter and the Union's participation in Rail Safety Day, ASU Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean, said that rail safety often focused only on the prevention of accidents and the safety of passengers and the general public. While this was obviously important, he said, health and safety issues in public transport were much broader and deeper but frequently overlooked.
"The fact is that while Australia has a good public transport accident safety record by international standards, public transport workers face violence, harassment, stress and fatigue and other incidents at work. These threats come from some of the users of the services, or those that commit crimes against the travelling public", he said.
Greg says that rail safety is under continuing threat in Australia from deregulation, privatisation and the efforts of some governments and private operators to put profits before service.
"I encourage all members of the Union and all public transport users to support our charter and action plan and to contact local MPs and Ministers to ask them to work with the Union to resolve these issues on behalf of rail workers and the public".
The full text of Greg's media release can be found here.
ASU Assistant National Secretary Greg McLean is the National Officer responsible for the ASU's involvement in the Rail Safety Day campaign. For further information, please contact Greg.
|
