In a ramp-up of a long-standing issue, the RTBU is threatening to shut down one of Melbourne’s busiest stations unless more is done to improve air quality by reducing the “toxic fumes” caused by diesel engines from trains and buses. Employees rallied at Southern Cross Station on Wednesday last week in hazmat suits and masks to raise awareness amongst the public and to demand action from their employers and other stakeholders.
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 the new Safe Work Australia Workplace Exposure Limits (WEL) come into force on 1 December 2026. Mr Sharma said the new targets to be introduced under the SWA guidelines recognised “the role and health of workers and passengers within the station”.
Despite the station’s roof being described as “designed to facilitate natural airflow within the station”, staff experiences show that the air quality is affecting their health.
“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.”
Read more: Rail union threatens to shut down Southern Cross | Herald Sun
Why Melbourne's Southern Cross Station may have some of the 'least clean' air in the city - ABC News