Letter From Stephen Grantham Hi all. My name is Stephen Grantham. I’m a Principal Guard at NSW TrainLink’s Lithgow Depot. Over the last year or so, I went through an experience that I wouldn’t wish to be repeated for any worker. During 2020, I was the elected Health and Safety Representative for my workgroup. I did my best to raise their health and safety concerns (including their serious concerns relating to the operation of the New Intercity Fleet) so that passengers and workers could rest assured that transport safety risks were being controlled to the lowest reasonably attainable level. Unfortunately, my passion for safety resulted in increased personal scrutiny and strain in my professional life, leading to my sudden suspension from duties in October 2020 and eventual dismissal from NSW TrainLink after 22 years transport service without any disciplinary issues. With the full help of the RTBU and overwhelming support of my
workmates, however, I applied to the Fair Work Commission to try to have the dismissal overturned as an unfair dismissal. Following a hearing at the Fair Work Commission, the Commission found that the dismissal in my case was indeed harsh and unreasonable, and therefore unfair, ordering NSW TrainLink to reinstate me to the position I had held prior to dismissal, with restitution of lost pay. The Commission was openly critical of how I had been treated in relation to the dismissal process and its decision was a most welcome relief after the emotionally difficult roller coaster ride of losing my job. It was an especially trying time for my family while the future seemed uncertain. I really want to thank everybody for your support during what was a hugely challenging period for me. I want to thank my workmates from Lithgow and the Blue Mountains who gave me their instant unquestioning support right
from the start. I want to thank my intercity colleagues for their ongoing encouragement that helped me through the process. And I want to thank the RTBU and all its members who contribute and provide the opportunity to help individuals like me who find themselves in unfair situations and in need of strong backing while they stand for their rights. One of the most surprising and heartwarming aspects of my experience was when RTBU members I had never previously met would contact me with their good wishes, simply because of our shared industry background and solidarity. I am grateful to you all.
RTBU appoints first female National President The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has appointed Luba Grigorovitch as the Union’s first ever female National President. A meeting of the Union’s National Executive also appointed former National President Shayne Kummerfeld to the vacant role of Assistant National Secretary, replacing Allan Barden who retired earlier this year. Shayne Kummerfeld is member of the Locomotive Division and a long-standing union activist from the Queensland Branch. Luba has previously made union history by becoming the first female and youngest person to serve as Secretary of the Victorian Branch, a role she has held since 2014. She will continue to hold the Victorian Secretary position.
The National President is responsible for leading the union’s national governing bodies – including the National Executive and b-iennial National Council. National Secretary Mark Diamond said Luba Grigorovitch was the perfect fit for the National President position. “Luba is one of our union’s most hardened generals,” Mark said. “She’s dynamic, knows unionism and always holds others to account as much as she does herself. “And it’s about time we had a woman as our President!”
RAIL & ROAD December 2021
Page 15
