Sesame Street-themed quiz used to teach Metro staff about restrictions
After learning almost 30 workers were invited to a colleague’s farewell party, Metro Trains bosses issued a Sesame Street-themed “COVID-19 Quiz” to teach their staff a lesson on Victoria’s lockdown rules.
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Metro has issued a Sesame Street-themed quiz on coronavirus restrictions after workers were caught throwing a party during lockdown.
The rail operator disciplined staff after almost 30 workers were invited to a colleague’s farewell party at Newport station in September.
A source told the Herald Sun three employees not scheduled to work that day also attended, in breach of Melbourne’s stage four lockdown.
Metro later issued a Sesame Street-themed “COVID-19 Quiz” to remind staff they were not allowed to host social gatherings, attend work on days off or travel to other stations unless for work purposes.
“Elmo’s station master Bert is retiring after work for the railways at Footscray station for 50 years; the team are organising a surprise going away morning tea at the station. Elmo is on a rostered day off, can he attend?” one question asked.
Another asked: “Ernie has worked with Bert for 20 years, he’s been a mentor and great mate, Ernie is working the day of his celebration at Sunshine, can he attend?”
The quiz also told staff a colleague could bring a pavlova — Bert’s “favourite dessert” — to share, but could not use their permitted worker permits to the station to the office for a party.
“Going to a station to attend a social gathering does not meet the guidelines of the permitted worker permit and breaches the government regulations,” the document said.
“Everyone can attend a celebration for Bert at a later date when government regulations allow us to do so.”
A health department spokesman also told the Herald Sun “attending work purely for social reasons is not a permitted activity”.
A source, who asked not to be named, hit out at Metro for failing to take stronger action, particularly against the three staffers there on their day off.
“They put a lot of Metro staff (and) their family members at risk,” the source said.
The party came days after a photo was snapped at Footscray station showing 10 workers, including two who allegedly travelled from North Melbourne, huddled around cakes and sweets without social distancing.
Asked about the Newport gathering, a Metro spokesman said the safety of passengers and employees was the rail operator’s top priority.
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