Union Win In Death Train Safety Row

An 82-year-old passenger of a luxury rail operator died after falling from a train in the middle of the South Australian outback.

Great Southern Railways has agreed to improve safety after Unions alleged a litany of safety breaches by the operator, including frequent cases of carriage doors being left unlocked.

Unions called on South Australian Transport Minister, Trish White, to conduct an independent inquiry into the operator of The Ghan, The Overlander and the Indian Pacific following the tragedy.

The Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) claims the death of the elderly passenger, who lay undiscovered for hours until spotted by the driver of a freight train travelling in the opposite direction, underscores even deeper problems.

Great Southern Railways have been embroiled in a long running safety row amid accusations that it is working its casualised workforce, employed under AWAs, "into the ground until they leave".

"There has been an ongoing campaign since Great Southern Railways took over The Ghan, the Overlander and the Indian Pacific to get fair employment conditions," says Greg Harvey, RTBU assistant national secretary. "They get young kids in straight from McDonalds. It doesn't take the kids long to realise that it's not all that great."

"They don't sack them. They just don't bother giving any work to anyone who speaks up."

The RTBU had threatened legal action against Great Southern Railways for breaching safety laws, but the operator agreed to union demands for improved safety in last minute talks.

United Trades and Labor Council (UTLC) of South Australia Secretary, Janet Giles says commonsense has finally prevailed.

"This is not just a win for unions, but a win for worker safety, and importantly a win for public safety," says Giles. "GSR will have no choice but to adhere to proper health and safety standards."

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:36 EST