
Issue No 20		02 July 1999

News

Square Eyes Workplace Warning

Rail signallers have discovered what parents have always known - watching too much television is bad for you.

Members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) are concerned about the increasing use of VDU technology, with proposals for each worker to monitor six screens simultaneously at the new CityRail Blacktown control centre.

It says the close monitoring required is leading to eye fatigue amongst members and has also flagged concerns about the way the Control Centre has been designed.

The RBTU is worried that an informal agreement that all workers would receive half hour" eyestrain" break every two hours is no longer being honoured by CityRail management

While CityRail has a screen based safety policy for data entry workers, the union fears that this is not appropriate for people intently watching six screens at the one time.

"The screens a signaller are required to monitor are very detailed including things like network maps, track circuit, signal and point numbers, crossovers and warning information," RBTU signallers president Shane Astley says.

"All this is displayed in an array of colours that would not be out of place on the flight deck of the USS Enterprise."

Labor Council industrial officer Mary Yaager has stepped into to help the signallers and is organising a WorkCover inspection of the new control centre to develop safety guidelines for the Centre.

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Issue 20 contents

Interview: They�re Not All Bastards
The Australian Industry Group�s Roger Boland is one employer representative who believes trade unions will continue to play an important role in the economy - and society - of the future.

Unions: Always the Pay is No Good
Fair Wear's campaign for clothing industry homeworkers is changing the way we think about consuming.

History: A Refreshing Advance
Women workers organising in the NSW Rail and Tramways Department Refreshment Rooms in the 1920s.

International: MAI Back on the Agenda
After being ditched in the wake of an international cyber-protest, the World Trade Organisation is trying to salvage the MAI from the ashes.

International: Courage Against the Odds
A Cuban trade union leader urges for a 30 year blockade to be lifted, with a fundraiser to be held this Thursday.

Review: Without You I'm Nothing
British pop music doesnt come any better than Placebo.

» Direct Links to Timor Militia Revealed

» Child Laws Cause School Camp, Sport Chaos

» False Advertising Complaint on Second Wave

» Its Official. Howard's Public Sector Cuts Hurt Everyone

» Hard-Hats Only as Builders Strip for Outworkers

» Unions Unite to Protect Jobs in the Bush

» Square Eyes Workplace Warning

» WorkCover Scheme Has Passed Use-By Date

» Bruised Not Beaten: FSU Battles On

» Gordonstone Miners Win Battle, But Robbed of Justice

» Currawong Spots Up For Grabs

» Workers Online Turns 21!

» Guest Report

» Sport

» Trades Hall

» Piers Watch

» Thanks from the Hyde Park Hyatt

» The Chant of a Jilted project Co-ordinator

» Have the Times Really Changed?

» You've Got to be Kidding!

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