A huge congratulations to Eugene Accornero who recently celebrated an amazing 50 years working in the Victorian Rail System and as a staunch Union member.
His colleagues and friends celebrated with a well catered morning tea, telling tales (some of them true) from their time on the rails.
He currently works at Metro Trains as a Station Officer at Essendon Station.
Eugene began his career in rail on the 15th of January 1973 as a Junior Station Officer at Flemington Bridge Station on the Upfield line. Throughout his career Eugene has worked as a Train Shunter, has completed his Safe Working, and even acted as Station Master!
Eugene says he enjoys the variety that comes with his work, with no 2 days ever being the same. He loves talking to customers to help them on their journey around Melbourne. He fondly recalls helping one lady find an expensive pair of shoes she lost, ensuring their safe return and the owners gratitude!
Eugene acknowledges that there have been challenges throughout his time in rail. The industry moving from paper-based systems to computer-based systems was a significant adjustment. He recalls the customer confusion when the Kennett Government split the rail system in two, and the extra layer this added to his job.
Eugene says that his time in rail, and with the RTBU has been overwhelmingly positive.
Eugene has been a Union member for as long as he has been in the rail industry, being inducted into the Union very shortly after gaining his employment. He says he appreciates the culture the Union provides, being there for people, helping continue the fight for job security in a constantly changing environment.
We’d like to thank Eugene for his time for this story and the RTBU extends our gratitude for his work now and into the future.
