I joined the rail industry in 2007 with Connex Trains as a Part-Time LSA and have since worked as an SO2, SO3 in Loop Stations. Most recently I have served as an RTBU Delegate to Members at Parliament Station.
As Station Staff we are the front line workers who bear the brunt of passenger frustration and aggression. We are the first port of call and shoulder the burden when trains are cancelled, delayed, replaced or disrupted.
During my time on the network I’ve seen first hand the unacceptable abuse suffered by Station Staff; how work that was once a “job for life” has been undermined by greed; and how automation stands to change our jobs into the future.
I strongly support equity and fairness on the job including when it comes to merit based promotion and opportunities across our industry.
Like many of us, I’ve felt the frustration of Metro treating us like mere “employee numbers”, an entry in a spreadsheet, roster or payroll database.
I’ve heard all the excuses of ‘fatigue management’ and seen the slippery corporate risk assessments that are used as justification to make staff work alone in roles that have traditionally required two and three people.
We are subject to both physical and psychological assault, the demands of shift work and lost weekends, impacting relationships and family. The same people, the essential workers who laboured through the pandemic, offered counselling, first aid and a smile when all those things were in short supply.
I strongly believe in our union in continuing to push back against this rotten system. Sticking together we will keep fighting as we bounce back from the challenges of the pandemic.
I’m excited to join the current team at the RTBU working to provide the help we should all expect of our union: Someone to respond quickly and listen to concerns, to follow through and always look for the best possible outcome.
