CHANGES IN CATEGORY MEDICALS FOR METRO

Darren Galea 
Organiser

Back in Issue 11 of RTBU Express I wrote about Metro’s proposal to change the category medicals for Train Controllers, Fleet Controllers, PIDs operators, Signallers, TSOs and Safeworkers from a category 2 to a category 1.

Despite the RTBU pointing out to Metro that such a change would breach the Rail Safety National Law, Metro has decided to go against the RTBU and our members and implement the change.

The RTBU does not support this move because it has the potential to discriminate against people who are completely capable of doing a job on the basis of an overly excessive health assessment.

The RTBU currently has this matter in dispute and status quo will remain until we get an appropriate outcome.

The RTBU is basing our argument on the fact that the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers clearly states that:

“Health assessment standards cannot be simply set at the highest level for safety’s sake. They must be set and applied carefully to match the risks associated with the tasks to be consistent with anti-discrimination and privacy laws.”

Safety is incredibly important to the RTBU and the safety of our members must be appropriately balanced with their right to privacy and their rights not to be discriminated against.

We believe that Metro is currently requiring new Train Controllers, Fleet Controllers, PIDs operators, Signallers, TSOs and Safeworkers to undertake category 1 medical assessments. It is the RTBU’s view that this is a breach of the National Standard and must cease.

Metro’s conduct is completely unacceptable and we advise all Train Controllers, Fleet Controllers, PIDs, Signallers and Safeworkers to notify the RTBU as soon as possible if you are requested to complete a category 1 medical.

Metro’s behaviour makes a mockery of the National Standard and the Rail Safety National Law.

We will continue to fight against this and will update members as this progresses.