Train stations lose staff

BLUE MOUNTAINS — Blue Mountains train stations have lost one-fifth of staffing hours each week, after the implementation of RailCorp's review, said figures supplied by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).

The figures were reported in the November 11 Blue Mountains Gazette.

More than 624 staff hours a week have disappeared. Mount Victoria (142 hours), Katoomba (112 hours) and Springwood (104 hours) are the stations that have been the worst affected.

Twenty-three weekend shifts have been eliminated.Glenbrook and Lawson stations will join the already high number of Blue Mountains stations that are unstaffed on Saturdays and Sundays.

The result will be less safety and security for passengers, less help for the elderly and people with disabilities, dirtier platforms and closed toilets.

RTBU NSW branch secretary Nick Lewocki told the Gazette this was a "slap in the face for front-line workers … This is a cost-cutting exercise ... Worse than that it's taking away services for commuters out there at a time we're trying to encourage more people on the train."

From GLW issue 818