Station Assistant Melanie (not her real name) sustained a debilitating injury whilst working on the barriers at Flinders St Station in 2021 and continued to battle on until 2024 when her injuries reached the stage where she was unable to continue working.
Melanie has always maintained a close relationship with the RTBU and came to her organisers for advice on what her next steps should be.
A WorkCover claim was immediately initiated but this was ultimately rejected by the insurer.
At this point the RTBU engaged Gordon Legal to assist with disputing this decision.
A series of ‘welfare check’ calls at 5am, emails threatening termination, and triggered medical and psych assessments followed in what could only be described as intimidation but Melanie stayed the course and with the help of her team was finally rewarded in February 2025 when her claim was recognised, accepted and WorkCover agreed to pay lost wages, medical expenses, travel to and from appointments as well as previous out of pocket expenses.
Congratulations to Melanie on perseverance and the entire team for showing what a united effort can accomplish.
Being injured at work can be debilitating and incredibly challenging. The RTBU is here to support members at every step of the way to ensure justice can be enforced.
H-O-T-T-O-G-O no longer – HSR WIN FOR FLINDERS STREET STATION!
Heat stress has long plagued the staff of Flinders Street Station, particularly the staff working on the concourse barriers. A lack of air flow and a tin roof has meant ambient temperatures are often much higher than the forecast.
Staff have raised this issue with management over many years, with HSRs continually pushing for a resolution in the face of an ever-warming climate.
Flinders Street Station HSRs are thrilled to announce that two industrial fans have been approved for installation at the Tabaret barriers.
This is a pertinent reminder that under the OHS Act 2004, employers have a duty to protect the health and safety of their employees by providing a safe and healthy workplace.
Workers are protected under this Act and working with the RTBU, HSRs must utilise it to the best of their ability.
Persistence wins – well done Flinders Street HSRs.
Remembering Darren James Melbourne (1990 – 2024)
An army reservist, a marriage celebrant, a V/Line train conductor and an entrepreneur – Darren was a man of many talents.
He crammed a lot into his short, beautiful life. Travelling, camping and exploring the world with his partner Greg
Darren would drop everything to solve all your problems – computer problems, electrical problems, car problems, life problems: he would be your Mr Fix It.
Our industry was shocked by his sudden passing on the evening of 12 March 2024, the night when he didn’t come home from work. An enormous number of V/Line members attended his funeral.
Sudden unexplained cardiac death (UCD) claimed Darren’s life. A leading cause of death among Australians under 50, with over 2,000 cases annually, males are five times more likely to be affected than females, and the causes are largely unknown.
To honour Darren’s memory a fundraiser for End Unexplained Cardiac Death (End UCD) has been setup. This charity funds vital research at the Victor Chang Institute and St Vincent’s Hospital and aims to develop screening tests to identify those at risk and preventative treatments to save lives.
You can support this cause and honour his legacy by donating at: https://gofund.me/5e09968e
Union Summer
Congratulations to Wolfie Sun our latest Union Summer Graduate!
Union summer is an internship program run by the Victorian Trades Hall Council in conjunction with participating unions offering the opportunity for young workers to learn more about unions and advocacy.
While Wolfie is a young activist and Delegate within the Station Grade of the RTBU the program isopen to
all young workers across many different industries.
If you are interested or have a young worker in your family (18-30) that you think might be interested in the program or simply want to find out more get in contact with the union office or your organiser today!
