Darren Galea
Organiser
Medicals
Recently, it has been brought to the RTBU’s attention that Metro are attempting to change the category of medicals that both Metrol and Signalling departments take part in. Metrol Train Controllers, PIDS, Fleet and Signallers are all required to conduct a certain category of medical to perform their role.
Each medical is categorised based on how safety critical a role is. Currently these grades conduct category two medicals.
Based on the recommended national standards, these grades of workers are all accurately placed in a category two medical, however Metro is still looking to change this. With the assistance of Metrol Sub-Section Secretary and Delegate Diego Esqueria and other RTBU Delegates, the RTBU has advised Metro of it’s opposition to unnecessary change as the working group has articulated the reasoning to retain the current national standard. While the RTBU is happy to discuss with Metro, the RTBU and members believe that the current category two medical is sufficient for them to perform their role.
The RTBU is currently in discussions with Metro with regular working party meetings involving management, RTBU Delegates, HSRs and members ongoing.
Rosters
Rosters for the Metrol and Signalling departments have for some time been inadequate due to short staffing, fatigue and many other issues.
The RTBU has brought to Metro’s attention that there are a number of issues with the rosters. We have raised this at numerous monthly delegate meetings and many other occasions, however it is only in the last month that Metro have finally begun to consult with us about this.
We have had Delegates and HSR representatives from all the designated work groups across Metrol involved in a working party looking to bring the rosters up to scratch.
As per the Metro Trains Melbourne Rail Operations Enterprise Agreement 2015-2019, Metro are obliged to consult with the RTBU on any major changes to the employees working conditions.
For these proposed two changes, the RTBU has applied pressure on Metro to consult with the RTBU before any change is implemented. The RTBU will update the affected members in due course.
