Article: Train stranded at Flinders St as rail union dispute continues

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From the Herald Sun click here!

Train stranded at Flinders St as rail union dispute continues

Train stranded at Flinders St as rail union dispute continues
Article from: Herald Sun

Ashley Gardiner

February 24, 2009 10:10am

A TRAIN was stranded at Flinders St station for more than two hours last night after the continuing rail union dispute flared up.
A driver on the 6.10pm Belgrave train reported a fault to the principal driver, which is contrary to Connex policy that demands drivers report faults to train controllers.

Controllers ordered the train move from the station, but the driver refused.

It was a similar stand-off to the situation last Wednesday that saw the Sandringham line closed for most of the day.

Connex spokesman John Rees said services were not significantly disrupted as other trains were routed around the stationary train.

A train on the Eltham line was also halted for a period of time over a similar standoff.

Train drivers want to report faults to principal drivers, who are fellow members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union?s locomotive division.

It is Connex policy that faults be reported to train controllers, who are members of the RTBU?s operations division.

Connex and the union will continue talks in the Industrial Relations Commission tomorrow.