Auckland train staff safety initiative supported

The Rail and Maritime Transport Union is supporting a roll out of improved safety measures for train operating staff in Auckland.

Transdev and Auckland Transport are commencing a 3 month trial of personal lapel cameras on Ticket Inspectors serving Auckland’s rail network.

Assaults on rail operating staff and Maori Wardens in recent months had prompted calls for improved safety measures on Auckland’s rail network, and Rail and Maritime Transport Union General Secretary Wayne Butson said the union supported the trial of personal cameras.

“This is one of the proactive measures we have been pursuing to combat recent assaults. These cameras are in keeping with a ‘safety first’ approach that should exist in all New Zealand workplaces,” Wayne Butson said.

“We are hopeful of a good outcome from the cameras. If effective they will help to keep our members safer and they will help keep the passengers on the trains safer also.”

“Rail staff should be able to come to work, do their job and go home safe at the end of their shift. Initiatives like the personal cameras are welcome,” Wayne Butson said.

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