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Australian railway workers ram home the “right to union representation” message
16 June 2005
Railway signalling staff in Melbourne, Australia, have underlined their stance on workers’ rights to union representation. This follows a dispute with a major transport operator over the harassment of an employee.
Signal workers employed by Connex – a global passenger service operator – and represented by the ITF-affiliated Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) of Australia, walked out on strike across Melbourne on 3 June in support of a colleague. He was alleged to have been harassed by his line manager.
The worker, it was claimed, was denied trade union rights, including the right to union representation at disciplinary hearings; management also stated that the employee would be penalised if union involvement was sought.
Connex’s attempted removal of the worker from his signal box on 6 June prompted further action on the same day.
On 7 June the matter was brought before the Industrial Relations Commission, where the RTBU and Connex agreed to abide by the commission’s determination; further industrial action connected with the dispute was called off.
“In taking this action signallers have sent a crystal clear message to Connex about the rights of our members to union representation,” commented Vic Moore, RTBU’s Rail Operations Division Secretary.
Mac Urata, ITF Inland Transport Section Secretary added, “Multinational companies should respect trade union rights. The ITF, together with our affiliates will continue to monitor the behaviour of global companies such as Connex through the ITF Urban Transport Multinational Network.”
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