Sacked QR guard says passenger violence harming staff health

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June 25, 2010

A SACKED train guard who says he's saved 20 passengers from getting bashed during his career claims the mental health of QR staff is in crisis as violence plagues the Citytrain network.

The Courier-Mail can reveal QR-appointed psychologists have conducted 16 sessions in the past 11 months just for staff affected by assaults, and 424 for all work or non-work issues.

Latest figures show a staggering 1117 reports of disorderly conduct on Citytrains last year, with 236 reported assaults. (That's almost one a day)

Jon Stankevicius was dismissed in 2009 after 12 years as a Citytrain guard when he "snapped" at Bundamba station; kicking a teenager who had spat at him and challenged a passenger.

The same youth and his brother had previously pelted Mr Stankevicius with either rocks or full soft drink cans on two separate occasions when the guard tried to stop their rampage.

And while repentant for his last act, Mr Stankevicius has urged QR to better physically and mentally support all guards, drivers and platform staff facing violent and boozed passengers - particularly on Friday and Saturday nights - entering the city and Fortitude Valley.

He also took a swipe at QR's uniform non-intervention policy during disputes, which protects staff but lets passengers get attacked while guards watch and wait for police or security backup.

It was rarely an option for a man who stood up to the bullies but paid for it with his job and health.

"I thought I was in a war zone for a while," said Mr Stankevicius, 48, who suffers anxiety. "And part of the reason I'm talking to you is for the other staff.

"There have been that many marriage bust-ups and (mental) breakdowns - stacks, and a lot of (workers) fall back on alcohol.

"I spoke with my manager about the number of assaults on the trains and she sent me to a confrontation manager (who) I had a coffee with.

"She said I was morally correct and QR were the ones with the problem not dealing with the assaults."

Other QR staff approached by The Courier-Mail about escalating violence and the adequacy of support declined to comment on the basis they feared they might lose their jobs.

QR cited confidentiality when it refused to state how many staff had sought counselling because of passenger violence at work.

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You'd better believe that Aussies are under attack by thugs and it appears that no-one in authority gives a fuck.

CALL YOUR LOCAL MEMBER AND TELL HIM / HER THAT IT'S NOT ON. HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE FOR 1) FAILING TO PROTECT YOU and 2) DENYING YOU THE RIGHT TO THE TOOLS TO PROTECT YOURSELF