RTBU Fears Train Guards Will Go in New Fleet

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

The Rail Tram and Bus Union is concerned hundreds of jobs will be cut during the rollout of a new intercity rail fleet coming to the Hunter in 2019.

The Union is referring to a NSW Government plan to eliminate train guards at stations in Newcastle, the South Coast and Blue Mountains.

"We're looking at losing about 300 jobs if [Transport Minister Constance] gets his way in taking the guards off the train," Union Secretary Alex Claassens said. 

"The guards play a very important role in making sure our trains are safe and they run on time...

"We know from time to time," he continued, "kids will block the doors...you can imagine what's going to happen if the driver's got to walk back everytime to fix those things for his or her self." 

The intercity trains, sourced from South Korea, will begin testing and commissioning in early 2019, with passengers expected to be able to jump aboard the Central Coast and Newcastle Line from late 2019.

It looks as though train guard jobs for diesel trains in outlying regions will remain.

Artist's Impression of the New Intercity Fleet.