Train operator and Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) delegate Robert Car was sacked by the privately-owned Metro Train Sydney (MTS) company on March 27.
In response, the RTBU, together with members from the Maritime Union of Australia, the Electrical Trades Union, the United Services Union, and the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union, rallied outside MTS headquarters in Rouse Hill to demand Car’s reinstatement on April 3.
Below is Car’s address to the rally.
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I was the union delegate for RTBU until last Wednesday, when I was sacked for no reason.
I was fighting for a mass determination petition, which would democratically ensure that all my colleagues, who I love, at Metro Trains Sydney would have their industry standards. I am for Metro Trains Sydney employees having a democratic and fair say in their employment conditions.
It is my belief, and the RTBU’s, that I lost my job because of this mass determination petition, and that my termination was unlawful.
Thank you for everyone who has come today, I am overwhelmed by your support.
My message for everyone at Metro Trains Sydney is that nobody gets left behind.
Your safety, in my eyes, is written in your enterprise agreement, and it is unsatisfactory. Your pain is my pain.
My message for Nick Dickinson, who is the Chief Staff Performance Officer for Metro Trains Melbourne and Metro Trains Sydney, is to see sense and call me.
My message for Ivan Lai of MTR Corporation is to see sense, call me.
My message for all of MTS management is that good people do terrible things all the time, thinking they are doing something great.