Long battle ends as Sydney Trains staff win right to wear shorts

After a battle lasting more than a decade, hot and sweaty Sydney Trains staff have won the right to wear shorts on the job.

It’s been a 10-year battle for Cherrielyn Bonamis and Mohamed Elhallak to be allowed to wear shorts to work at Sydney Trains. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Sydney Trains workers have won a decade-long battle to wear shorts on the job, with all staff able to ditch the long pants unless there is an unacceptable risk to safety.

In a Fair Work Commission ruling delivered last week, it was also made clear that ­Sydney Trains could also not dictate where long pants were needed due to a perceived ­safety risk without proper ­consultation.

The dispute began after the then transport minister Gladys Berejiklian decided to spruce up the image of frontline workers with a uniform overhaul, which included a ban on shorts.

Workers immediately revolted, with the NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union declaring that “Jetstar airline staff” uniforms would not be appropriate for rail staff, especially forcing men to wear long pants in summer.

However, a review of uniforms conducted at the time concluded that shorts exposed rail staff to safety risks such as insect bites, UV radiation and vegetation exposure.

It was also ruled that longer pants were more presentable to the public for staff working on station platforms.

The dispute was still under way when former Liberal MP David Elliott took over the portfolio, with the outspoken minister describing the shorts ban as “ludicrous”.

Senior shunters at Sydney Trains Cherrielyn Bonamis and Mohamed Elhallak wearing shorts whilst at work in Lidcombe maintenance yard today. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

During the most recent enterprise bargaining period, the union and the Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries (AMWU) — which represents track workers — again raised the blanket ban on shorts.

Ruling in favour of the unions, the Commission noted how there had been five review meetings held in relation to wearing shorts.

One of those meetings held last year discussed an “on-off” model whereby workers wore shorts for some activities and not for others.

However, Sydney Trains had not been in favour of such an approach.

It also raised concerns about UV exposure, cuts and abrasions, slips and trips, electrical and chemical hazards and skin irritations or abrasions from flora and fauna should staff ditch long pants.

By the end of last year, Sydney Trains agreed certain workers would be able to wear shorts. However, the issue arose again in January this year when a cleaner turned up to a station in shorts, prompting an email from management to Illawarra staff to ensure the uniform of long pants “and long-sleeved shirts” was adhered to.

Declaring it “a long battle”, NSW RTBU secretary Alex Claassens said he was glad commonsense had prevailed.

“This is an important win for workers who just wanted the right to wear an appropriate uniform,” he said.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said it was important station staff and train crew were comfortable “during periods of extreme heat” while making sure staff in train maintenance were properly protected.

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