In-cab recording devices

Last year, the RTBU was advised that Aurizon proposed to retrofit 75 Standard Gauge Locomotives with in-cab forward facing camera’s that stores visual and audio data.

This was met with serious concern by the National Locomotive Division as this is against our National Locomotive Division Policy on Video and Audio surveillance.

Pacific National had trailed such intrusive devices under the Workchoices Legislation.

The RTBU National Locomotive Division representatives have been meeting with Aurizon over our members concerns since then.

At a meeting held in Sydney this week Aurizon representatives were asked if the proposal would be rolled out across their entire fleet and the reply from management was a honest and direct ‘at this stage no but that may change into the future’.

The push by loco manufacturers to have this equipment installed on all locomotives is being touted for safety reasons to ensure drivers are carrying out their duties such as calling signal, all required employee being in the cab while moving and other safety requirements of the company’s accreditation, regulatory and legal obligations to ensure that Traincrew adhere those provisions in case of incidents.

The manufacturers also have proposed that with the amount of storage capabilities these devices have that companies can utilise it for safety incidents, HR incidents, and support training/efficacy testing of Traincrew.

Though the proposed introduction is for Aurizon operations we believe that all members across Australia need to be aware, informed and understand that this is occurring.

National Locomotive Division and the RTBU National Office and Aurizon will continue consultation over the coming months and members will be updated on the matter.

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