’Toxic fumes’ lead Victorian Rail, Tram and Bus Union to threaten closure of Southern Cross Station

At Southern Cross Station, workers say they are exposed to fumes from diesel engines all day, every day. They’re sick of it.

The rail union is threatening to shut down Southern Cross if pollution concerns aren't addressed. Picture: Matt Johnston

Victoria’s Rail, Tram and Bus Union is threatening to shut down one of Melbourne’s busiest stations unless more is done to address poor air quality.

Workers in hazmat suits and masks rallied at Southern Cross Station on Wednesday morning to demand action on reducing “toxic fumes” caused by diesel engines from trains and buses.

They say there has been inadequate progress towards new air quality standards that will be enforced by Safe Work Australia next year, and that they fear for the health of staff and public transport passengers.

The station services 20 million passengers a year, and is the workplace for hundreds of people. Picture: Matt Johnston

Southern Cross Station is owned and operated by industry super funds giant IFM Investors under a 30-year deal with the State Government.

The station services 20 million passengers a year, and is the workplace for hundreds of people.

State secretary of the RTBU, Vik Sharma, said the union had tried to engage with the company and the Government about implementing new standards as soon as possible, rather than wait until a legal deadline on December 1, 2026.

Mr Sharma said workers would be handing out information to passengers about the dangers of poor air quality, but the union would step up its action if nothing was done.

Victoria’s Rail, Tram and Bus Union is threatening to shut down one of Melbourne’s busiest stations unless more is done to address poor air quality. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling

“Failure to implement changes that drastically improve air quality at the station will leave us no option but to escalate the campaign,” he said.

“This may include the need to shut down the station until a safe environment can be achieved.”

Mr Sharma said new targets to be introduced under Safe Work Australia guidelines recognised “the role and health of workers and passengers within the station”.

“Industry superfunds have a responsibility to ensure Australian workers can enjoy their retirement and that starts in the workplace,” he said.

An IFM Investors spokesperson said they worked closely with portfolio companies, investors, governments and unions to “maintain high standards of safety, meet our obligations across all of our assets, including Southern Cross Station, and identify ways to implement improvements”.

“Southern Cross Station continues to work with the Southern Cross Station Air Quality Working Group which was established to coordinate air quality activities and potential changes within the precinct,” they said.

“The Working Group is continuing to review air quality monitoring processes, ventilation and opportunities to further improve data collection.

“The data from the monitoring will inform any future actions and will take account of the new Safe Work Australia workplace exposure limits which come into effect in December 2026.”

The IFM also said the station’s roof has been “designed to facilitate natural airflow within the station”.

Originally published as ’Toxic fumes’ lead Victorian Rail, Tram and Bus Union to threaten closure of Southern Cross Station