Union Raised Safety Concerns Day Before Major Train Derailment

The New South Wales Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) claims it alerted Southern Shorthaul Railroad (SSR), the operator of a freight train involved in a major derailment, to safety issues just 24 hours prior. The incident occurred Saturday at a level crossing in New Berrima, Southern Highlands, when five wagons rolled off the tracks. While no one was injured, the derailment caused significant traffic delays. SSR's accreditation was suspended Sunday by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR), preventing it from operating for six weeks. RTBU locomotive division secretary Farren Campbell welcomed the suspension, highlighting that the union had met with SSR on Friday to discuss worker reports of inadequate procedures, training, aging equipment, and a toxic workplace. Campbell stressed the union's focus is on maintaining safety standards, not assigning blame. The ONRSR stated its decision was based on a series of safety incidents involving SSR, expressing concern about potential further risks. SSR has been contacted for comment. The union also noted SSR's responsibility for 20% of freight movements on the Sydney Trains Network and mentioned two previous runaway events this year involving the company. Other freight operators are reportedly covering SSR's workload temporarily, a situation the union hopes will not lead to increased road transport.

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We've resisted the urge to say 'I told you so' with cupped hands, because that's not what it's about. It's about making sure we can maintain safety standards of the NSW rail networks. It's about [ensuring] the company at the centre of this isn't able to shift the blame onto workers.