VOLUME 107 No.4 December 2015
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RAILROAD THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW BRANCH OF THE RAIL, TRAM & BUS UNION
Stop the Privatisation of Newcastle Transport
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NSW Branch NSW BraNch
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Head Office Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, head Office Sydney NSW 2000
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Bus and Tram Division
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RAIL & ROAD is the official journal of the NSW Branch of the Rail, Tram and RAIL & ROAD is the official journal of the NSW Branch of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union and is produced as part of the union’s communication strategy Bus Union and is produced as part of the union’s communication strategy to inform and report on matters of interest to members. to inform and report on matters of interest to members. All editorial and advertising inquiries should be addressed to Peter O’Connor Telephone: 0430 188 116 e-mail: poconnor@rtbu-nsw.asn.au All editorial and advertising inquiries should be addressed to Peter Printing - Brightset, Banksmeadow, (02) 9316 4800 O’Connor Telephone: (02)- 9264 2511 e-mail: poconnor@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Art & Design - P Design proberson@hotmail.com - Phone 0402 032 949
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redfern NSWPitt 2016 Level 4, 321 Street Sydney Tel (02) NSW 2000 93197277 Tel (02) 92643400 Fax (02) 93194341 Fax (02) 92647679 nswbus4@bigpond.com Email nswloco@rtbu-nsw.asn.au
Newcastle Office 33 Gordon Avenue, Division Locomotive
Hamilton NSW 2303 Level 4, 321 Pitt Street Tel (02) 4961 4311 Sydney Fax (02)NSW 49612000 4779 Email newcastle@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Tel (02) 92643400
Fax (02) 92647679Office Wollongong Level 1, 306a Crown Street, Email nswloco@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Wollongong, 2500 Tel (02) 4227 5798 Email wollongong@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Newcastle Office 33 Gordon avenue Branch Executive SecretaryNSW 2303 Alex Claassens hamilton President 4311 Joanne McCallum Tel (02) 4961 Assistant Secretary (Road) David Woollams Fax (02) 4961 4779 Assistant Secretary (Rail) Robert Hayden
Elected Full-Time Officials Wollongong Branch Secretary Office Alex Claassens Level 1, 306a crown Street, Wollongong, 2500
Tel (02) 4227Divisional 5798 Secretary Locomotive Robertwollongong@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Hayden Email Tram and Bus Divisional Secretary
Chris Preston Branch Executive
Secretary alexPresident claassens Tram and Bus Divisional Gary Way President Phil Kessey assistant Secretary Organisers Wollongong
Mick Schmitzer
John Curley Freight Organisers Steve Wright Organisers Kevin Pryor Newcastle Mick Schmitzer Passenger Organiser Bob Newham Wollongong John curley Jessica Epps Frieght Organiser Steve Wright Branch Organisers Lizanne Bennett Branch Organisers Brendan Edghill Helen Bellette Paul Douglas Mick Cartwright BobMichael haydenFarhat Graham Fozzard Lead Organisers Luke Hayden Phillip Kessey Communications Officer Peter O’Connor Doug Klineberg
Lizanne Bennett Education Officer Maryanne Stuart Industrial Officer
Peter O’connor
From the Branch Secretary This issue of Rail & Road is coming into the holiday and festive season, and I take this opportunity to wish members and their families a Merry Christmas and a safe and relaxing festive season. Apart from public holidays, the union office will continue to operate on normal hours during this period, and be available for members calls and enquiries. It goes without saying that 2015 has been another big and busy year in our industry with a NSW State Election in March, a change in Prime Minister, and a number of major public policy debates around transport, including allocations to rail and road infrastructure, the second Sydney Airport, light rail in Sydney, and a number of announcements by the NSW Government in relation to pulling up the rail lines in Newcastle, and the proposal to privatise public transport services. This issue of our journal highlights the concerns and campaigns to resist these proposals. RTBU delegates and officers have also been actively engaged in discussions
around proposed station reforms and reviews by Sydney Trains, cuts to staff and security on stations, and have successfully completed a number of major enterprise agreement negotiations. The RTBU has been active in other campaigns and public debates around issues that are directly relevant to our members and their families. The RTBU has been attending the peaceful assemblies at Port Botany in support of our MUA colleagues, and are pleased to announce that this matter has now been resolved, with a new agreement being voted up by members. We have also been actively involved as a partner in the Sydney Alliance in developing a draft transport proposal to keep transport as a high priority on the public and government agenda. RTBU activists were also instrumental in organising events to commemorate White Ribbon Day, and to show our support for the international climate change rallies. The ALP National Conference earlier in the year committed the Labour
Party to achieving a number of major transport policy changes, in areas such as rail safety, undertakings to keep the ARTC in public ownership, investment in public transport and truth in bargaining enterprise agreement negotiations. At our recent RTBU National Council, the union resolved to put even greater efforts and resources into supporting and improving our already strong delegate networks. This focus by our union is an acknowledgement that most of our strength and future depends on strong, well informed and active delegate structures in the workplace. During the holiday period and into the new year, we will continue to advocate for our members working conditions, and to be front and centre of efforts to maintain the best working conditions and standards on our transport services, and defending the jobs of staff that are essential to maintaining these services and standards.
In this Issue Industrial News Sydney Trains – Reform Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Industrial Notes ARTC EA Negotiations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Bus Marshalls Shelter in Shipping Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 HUBS and PODS Dispute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 General News Opal Card Reader Breakdowns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 15 Minute Wait at Nightmare CBD Intersection. . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Newcastle Public Transport Privatisation Announcement. . . 10 International Rallies for Climate. Justice. Jobs. . . . . . . . . . . 10 Liverpool Station Staff Host White Ribbon Day Event. . . . . . 12
Member Survey Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Stop the Privatisation of Newcastle Transport. . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Sexual Harassment in the Workplace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Power of Union – Keeping the RTBU Strong. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 RTBU in the Media. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Strengthening Our Delegate Structures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Farewell to Gary Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Safety Matters Overcrowded Buses Accident Waiting to Happen. . . . . . . . . 26 Left In Service Saga. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Whistlestop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
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Industrial News Sydney Trains Reform Update The Sydney Trains reform process is still in its very early stages and there is a lot of work to be done before RTBU Train Crew Delegates and Executive are able to make any predictions on whether a possible package that meets the key objective – protecting your wages and conditions – can be found.
the issue. These surveys are vital in giving the RTBU an understanding of members views on key issues, so thank you to everyone who took the time complete it. Below is an overview of the survey findings:
The following information will give you an overview of the latest in the reform process. What Members Think The second Sydney Trains reform member survey, which looked at some of the specifics of the Sydney Trains’ reform process, has now closed and the results have been analysed. More than 530 RTBU members recently completed the survey – a real sign of the engagement from members in
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Working group An initial combined working group meeting took place on Wednesday 11 November to set the ground rules for when the four working groups start. It is clear that there will be overlap across all the areas which each working group will be taking the lead on. It is important to note that the working groups are not negotiating, but rather purely meeting to discuss and, if possible develop, a number of options for consideration by delegates. Unless your working groups delegates, depot delegates and Executive can be confident that any potential package/s meets the requirements set by members (which will be based on regular surveys, depot tours, Newsflashes and delegate meetings) then no in-principle agreement will be given. Change to any existing conditions and or allowances/payments as provided for in your EA can only be changed if there is agreement with the RTBU and affected Train Crew members. And finally, remember‌ Unless you hear it and or see it in writing from the union, it is probably a rumour. You shouldn’t hesitate to contact your delegate, the Divisional Office and or send an email to the dedicated RTBU Member email address: sydneytrainsreform@rtbu-nsw.asn.au
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Industrial Notes ARTC EA Negotiations The ARTC negotiations have been ongoing since April 2015 with little on offer from ARTC. However nothing could prepare the membership for the announcement from ARTC when they attended the September meeting. The announcement was that ARTC is governed by the Federal Government’s “Public Sector Workplace Bargaining Policy”. This policy dictates:
Bus Marshalls Shelter in Shipping Container State Transit Authority (STA) has gone to a new level in relation to cost cutting. The STA have installed a three (3) metre shipping container for use by Bus Marshall’s for shelter from weather conditions. The shipping container was installed without any consultation or risk assessment being carried out. As a consequence, the shipping container poses a number of health and safety concerns in addition to breaching a number of State and Local Government legislations whilst placing the general public at risk. This issue is still ongoing whilst the RTBU is endeavoring to have the STA install a proper weather shelter for Bus Marshalls.
• W hat clauses and conditions can be negotiated and • Any increases in pay are restricted to a cap of 1.5%. The cap of 1.5% has been under attack by Unions and workers in a number of Public Sector agencies which has lead to the Federal Government revising the cap to 2%.
The RTBU and other Unions are reviewing the original Log of Claims. Now is a timely reminder for all workers at ARTC of how important it is to be in a union. This is a time to demonstrate solidarity to enable an effective fight be launched to protect your rights and conditions within your EA.
HUBS and PODS Dispute RTBU representatives attended conciliation with Sydney Trains at Unions NSW in relation to the numerous issues surrounding the installation of HUBS/ PODS. The outcome of the conciliation resulted in the following: • Comfort breaks can be taken outside the planned regular intervals • where ever possible and practical job rotation will occur at around mid-shift so Station Staff have a variety in duties and locations • Control Rooms will remain available to staff,
RAIL & ROAD December 2015
• arrangements have been put in place for staff working ‘B Gate Line’ at Central Station to be provided access to the Ticket Office facility during its opening hours and after hours • local risk assessments and consultation will be conducted prior to the installation of any HUB/POD at individual stations. Sydney Trains further reiterated that they do not expect Station Staff to be attached to the HUBS/ PODS for the entirety of the shift. The HUB/ POD is intended as a tool. It is intended that these tools give you the flexibility to use your
time during the shift whether this be cleaning and customer service. Sydney Trains also confirmed that further communication would be put out to clarify the point that Station Staff are not feel they are chained to the HUB/ POD at their location. In addition, Sydney Trains had the view that if there are no customers around and duties are up to date there are no objections to station staff sitting for a few minutes. If there are any comments or questions please contact your local delegate or the RTBU Office.
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General News Opal card reader breakdowns worst on buses, SMH report finds In a recent report in the Sydney Morning Herald, it was found that more than half of the 15,000 breakdowns of Opal readers over the past year have been on buses, leading to a loss of state revenue and confirming Sydney bus drivers' complaints about the smartcard system. The NSW government's revenue from public transport fell almost 3 per cent in the year to June despite a fare rise and increased patronage, a report from the state's acting auditor-general, Tony Whitfield, shows. A quarter of all Opal trips – or 74 million – were free, according to the report released on Thursday. About half of all ferry journeys were free, as were about a quarter of trips on buses and trains. Opal allows commuters unlimited free trips after the first eight paid journeys each week. The free trips last financial year equated to $189 million. While the acting auditor-general's report said the breakdown of readers had led to a loss of revenue, Transport for NSW was unable to estimate the cost to the state from the lost fares. The 15,000 incidents of Opal readers failing over the year equates to 41 each day across the public transport network. Buses accounted for 53 per cent of all breakdowns. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union said bus drivers had long complained about Opal readers failing. The RTBU Tram & Bus Division Secretary, Chris Preston, said the readers had become a daily bugbear for most drivers, and resulted in some passengers forking out more for trips because they could not swipe their cards to pay when they got off buses. "On a daily basis, all bus drivers are seeing problems with Opal," he said. Mr Preston said the union and its members feared that the NSW government would use a fall in revenue due to Opal as a reason to privatise the bus network in Sydney in coming years.
The acting auditor-general found the Opal system was not giving the state-run trains "sufficient information", such as 24 hour boarding and exiting figures at stations, to ensure resources adequately matched demand. He recommended Transport for NSW require the Opal service provider, Pearl, to provide revenue information directly and "independently confirm the effectiveness of its internal control processes". Labor transport spokesman Ryan Park said the failure of Opal readers inconvenienced passengers, distressed bus drivers and meant that funds needed to improve public transport were "going missing". "At the same time the government is demanding people purchase Opal cards, it is failing to ensure the system is operating efficiently, with 300 Opal readers not working properly each week," he said. Greens transport spokeswoman Mehreen Faruqi said broken Opal card readers were one of the most common complaints. "It really is outrageous that there have been 15,000 reader breakdowns in a system that was only launched a few years ago and is costing taxpayers over a billion dollars. Having working card readers is a pretty basic requirement," she said.
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15 minute wait to turn at nightmare CBD intersection Bus Members who regularly drive on Bridge, Loftus, Gresham and Park Street near Circular Quay in Sydney’s CBD already know: this area is likely to be a major congestion hot spot now that George Street has finally closed. Tram and Bus Divisional Secretary Chris Preston and Assistant Branch Secretary David Woollams visited the area recently to talk to members who complained about several issues in the area: 1. After leaving the stop on Loftus Street, banked up traffic is forcing many bus drivers to wait up to 15 minutes before they are able to make the turn into Bridge Street. 2. A badly-placed stop on Bridge Street means that buses must be in the left hand lane to pick up passengers and then have to
try and maneuver through thick traffic into the centre lane straight away so they can then make a right hand turn into George Street 3. On Loftus Street, the bus stop fits only two buses at a time. Because of the extra bus routes there are now often several buses queuing to load passengers – disrupting traffic and causing very late bus departures and some buses being forced to skip the stop altogether. 4. A taxi rank on Bent Street is causing buses to have to travel over double white lanes
– a situation that needs to be immediately fixed so that bus drivers aren’t forced to break the rules. All of these issues are already causing delays, congestion and frustration for passengers and bus drivers alike – and unfortunately they are only likely to get worse with the George Street closure – funnelling more traffic into the area. The RTBU has notified State Transit of the problem but so far we are yet to see a solution.
Employer Superannuation Contributions
Proud to Be UNION My union fought for my Employer Superannuation Contributions * ... And Won!
*Superannuation became a universal entitlement after the ACTU's National Wage Case in 1986. Employers had to pay 3% of workers' earnings into Superannuation. This later increased to 9% and on November 2, 2011 the ACTU and its unions’ “Stand Up for Super” campaign celebrated another win, when the Labor Government moved to increase the compulsory Superannuation Guarantee to 12% over 6 years from 1 July 2013 to 1 July 2019.
To all RTBU Members and their families
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year
Newcastle Public Transport - Privatisation Announcement On the same day that they started ripping up the heavy rail line in Newcastle, The NSW Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance, announced that the government has plans to privatise the buses, light rail and ferry system in Newcastle from June 2016. The plan is to bundle all the transport system up together and sell them off as one. The government has said that it won’t allow State Transit to tender –despite the fact it currently runs both the buses and ferries in the area. If this plan goes ahead, it will result in job losses for many RTBU members. The RTBU will fight tooth and nail to protect the jobs of workers in the area. The privatisation of public transport services in Newcastle will also impact on the types and range of services available to the Newcastle community. We know that private companies need to make money, and that often services suffer as a result. When your main aim is to make
a profit, you start to cut costs wherever you can. That’s when you start to see things like maintenance and services take a hit. We can’t afford to let that happen in Newcastle. Why is the Government Doing This? The State Government has a responsibility to provide reliable, safe and affordable public transport systems. It’s out-sourcing its responsibility to the people of Newcastle. This is a classic case of the government putting profits ahead of people.
everything we can to get the government to reverse this decision. We are seeking urgent meetings with the government to discuss the situation and will feed back all the information we get to the membership as soon as we can. We won’t take this lying down. If the State Government insists on going down this path, it needs to ensure it allows State Transit – the company currently running the bus and ferry network and which has a long track record in transport management – to tender for the system.
What is the RTBU doing about it?
We will keep you up to date with all the information as we get it.
We are completely opposed to the privatisation of our transport systems and will be doing
RTBU Officials have held a number of onsite meetings with members and are available for member enquiries.
Public Transport Not for Private Profit The following article appeared in the Newcastle Herald 11 Nov
By Mehreen Faruqi
Fresh from cutting the rail line connecting the heart of Newcastle with Sydney CBD and the upper Hunter, the Transport Minister announced the privatisation of all buses, ferries and interchanges.
THE NSW government has again shown it doesn't care about evidence, consultation or the longterm sustainability of our state's second-largest city.
There is speculation that the government has put all public transport on the table because there has been little commercial interest in operating the light rail shuttle,
OPINION: Getting from A to B not for private profit
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and private companies want a bigger piece of the pie. Who is the government running the transport system for? This announcement fits into the government's broader goal of selling off NSW. It is undeniable that there is a problem with public transport in Newcastle. I have highlighted the dismal patronage record of Newcastle buses. But by neglecting the buses, allowing massive drops in patronage and fare box revenue, and cutting the Newcastle rail line, the Baird government has created the problem it is now trying to fix. It is unforgivable that the system has been run into the ground to justify the privatisation of the network. One day soon, Newcastle might wake up to a private sector monopoly of all public transport. The government has failed to initiate a single publicly operated
train service since coming to power. The Coalition suffered huge losses across the Hunter at the March 2015 election. These are seats they are unlikely to win back in the foreseeable future, so it seems that they have decided that the people of Newcastle will be the petri dish of their long-term goal of privatising public transport across the state. The experience of privatised public transport has been poor around the world. In Melbourne, the trains skip stops up to 15 times a day to meet on-time running targets, massively inconveniencing commuters who never know if the next train will stop at their station. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn's proposal of renationalising British Rail to undo the mess created by the wholesale privatisation of its network is hugely popular. In September, the Baird government scrapped its public transport mode-
share targets, which included a target of 20 per cent of Newcastle peak-hour trips by public transport by 2016, opting instead for targets to build pet projects such as Newcastle light rail. It's now no longer about improving public transport for the benefit of commuters, but about building what the government wants - without scrutiny or consultation and letting the private sector benefit. Public transport is an essential service and must be run for the public interest, not private profit. Private operators may not be obliged to publicly release performance information or other analysis as state-run transport does. Transparency in transport is obviously off the agenda. The people of the Hunter region need to stand together and challenge the sell-off of their public transport. Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC is Greens NSW spokeswoman for transport.
International Rallies for Climate. Justice. Jobs. An injury to the planet is an injury to us all More than 40,000 people attended a major rally on Sunday November 29 in Sydney, matched by similar rallies in every major city and regional area around the country, timed to coincide with the Paris global climate talks, involving over 190 countries. In many countries across the world unionists marched with a myriad of community organisations, environmental and faith groups to show the world leaders the depth of community desires to seriously address climate change and for the conference to reach meaningful binding targets.
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RTBU members and retired members joined the union contingent turning out for is reportedly the biggest climate march the world has ever seen. Branch Secretary Alex Claassens featured in an interview collage that was broadcast on big screens at the rally. The marches and rallies around Australia were about putting pressure on the Federal Liberal/National Government to take stronger action on climate change and ensure climate change action takes account of the rights and needs of workers during the UN Climate talks in Paris in December.
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Liverpool Station Staff and Train Crew host White Ribbon Day Event at Liverpool Station White Ribbon Day was brought about by a handful of men in Toronto who decided they had a responsibility to speak out about and work to stop men’s violence against women that came from an event in Canada when a man walked into Ecole Polytechnique University and massacred 14 of his female classmates. The purpose of the White Ribbon Campaign is about recognising the positive role that men play in preventing violence against women. It fosters and encourages male leadership in the prevention of violence against women, based on the understanding that most men are not violent. The Campaign is a means for men to speak out against violence against women. The RTBU was honoured to be invited to support the work being done by our members to bring about the White Ribbon Event that was held on the 25th November at Liverpool Station.
Ragini Naidu was the driving force behind the event with the amazing support from many of our members from stations, train crew and other areas. The White Ribbon event included Sydney Trains South West Boys Band, the amazing Wayne Riley who was kind enough to conduct Welcome to Country, amazed us all with his performances with the Didgeridoo (also Didjeridu) and made us all think that Elvis had arrived in the building. We will also treated to Belly and Bollywood dancing from a troupe made up of Station and Train Crew led by Ti Tiata who joined the troupe. The dancing proved so enticing it was noted that four boys from Miller High School joined in very enthusiastically. The BBQ also proved to be popular with hungry commuters who were more than willing to support such an important cause. Special thanks to the D’Souza family that assisted in chopping the onions at 10pm the night before. However, nothing
came close to the cake stall with succulent treats served by amazing volunteers. The event raised a total of $1,302 on the day. The event then moved to join with the Liverpool Council Gala Day event which included a march. Peter D’souza carried the banner through the parade supported by many RTBU members. The RTBU would like to congratulate the volunteers that are too many to name that created such a special event to mark an important occasion as White Ribbon Day.
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A commitment to paid domestic and family violence leave must be a Turnbull government priority In a recent media release the ACTU has called on the Turnbull Federal Government to commit to paid domestic and family violence leave, in support of its claim before the Fair Work Commission. The ACTU very much appreciates the Labor Opposition’s recognition of paid leave for those affected by domestic violence. Domestic and family violence should not be a political issue. We call for a bipartisan approach and ask that the Turnbull government also commit to paid leave for those most at need. It is critical that people experiencing domestic violence are able to
maintain their jobs and financial independence in order to escape violent situations. The current ACTU claim in the Fair Work Commission is for all workers to receive 10 days paid leave. Paid leave offers support for employees across the range of issues that arise through domestic and family violence - such as urgent medical care, legal appointments or making sure their children are safe and secure while keeping their jobs. Unions have negotiated 860 agreements containing paid domestic violence leave with employers - covering almost two
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million workers - and we are pleased that the Labor Party has recognised the importance of extending this right to all Australians. ACTU President Ged Kearney said that “Research shows companies already offering paid domestic violence leave or changes to work arrangements have reported virtually no problems in their workplace. In fact, most employers reported positive benefits of providing paid domestic violence leave including improvements to their relationship with their employees.�
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Member Survey Results Earlier in the year the RTBU commissioned Essential Research to conduct a survey of members, in order to develop a greater understanding of the issues of key importance to our members. The survey was conducted as an anonymous online poll, although members have been provided with the option of supplying their contact details if they’d like to play a greater role in the union. The survey was completed by 1040 respondents, which provided the union with valuable insights which have helped shape member communications, generate free media highlighting issues of concerns for members and direct the internal strategic of the organisation. The key insights from the survey include: Service Delivery: quality has declined • Half (50%) of all respondents think that the quality of public transport in NSW has gotten worse over the last four years. • 40% believe customer service has become worse. • Those working for NSW Trains were far more likely than the other groups to say that the quality of public transport has got worse (76%) • 39% rate the cleanliness of their service as poor. • At 36% safety also has a high poor rating • Just 4% of respondents have ‘a lot of confidence’ in the management of their organisation. The majority (58%) have no confidence. Dissatisfied members: dissatisfied with the union and dissatisfied with public transport in NSW • Overall, almost one in three respondents would rate their satisfaction with the union as poor (31%) • 76% of dissatisfied members have no confidence in the management
of their organisation, 50% think that customer service has become worse (compared to 40% of the overall sample). A large proportion of members have experienced an assault from the public • Almost half (44%) of respondents had been assaulted by a member of the public. • Bus drivers (53%), guards (83%) and station staff (60%) were more likely to report having been assaulted. Job security is a key issue for members (and the union) • Overall, one third of respondents think it is likely they will lose their job in the next two years. • Those respondents that were more likely to state that they thought it was likely that they will lose their job included station staff (74%) and infrastructure workers (57%). • Those who thought it was very likely that they would lose their job in the next two years were more likely to rate their satisfaction with the union as poor (46%)
91% of respondents rated job security as a ‘very important’ issue; far more than any other issue including wages (70%) and workplace safety (83%) Interaction with the union is mixed • Just over three quarters of respondents (76%) know who their local delegate is. • Almost three quarters (74%) would consider their delegate to be active.
members rated privatisation as their top issue and a large number were undecided in their vote • A quarter of respondents were interested in getting involved with RTBU campaigns • Just 15% of respondents think that the RTBU currently exerts sufficient political pressure to promote their interests. • 90% of those who rate their satisfaction with the union as poor believe that the RTBU does not exert enough political pressure on their behalf. The last State Election: members rated privatisation as their top issue and a large number were undecided in their vote One outcome of this survey was that the union has been making contact with the members who responded in the RTBU survey that they wished to be more involved in union activities. The calls were made after hours by a small group of volunteers. With a majority of these calls members were very happy to talk to their union and long conversations followed about how they could be more involved in thier union activities. The RTBU thanks the volunteers that made the calls and welcome aboard to the members that wish to be more involved with their union. As an incentive for members to participate in the survey, the union offered members a week-end holiday at the RTBU Holiday Park at Jervis Bay – this was won by Infrastructure member Anthony Koziol.
Page 14 RAIL & ROAD December 2015
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Stop the Privatisation of Newcastle Transport RTBU members, other unions, a diverse range of community organisations and community members turned out in Newcastle on 1 December to send a clear message to the NSW Baird Government about its plans to privatise Newcastle buses, ferries and light rail services. Civic Park in Newcastle was filled with people from all walks of life demonstrating their concern at the debacle which has become public transport in the Newcastle area. The public rally heard speakers from local government, a number of political parties, unions and community groups highlight their concerns and point out the main perils in privatising public transport in Newcastle. The assembled crowd noisily called on the Premier, who was attending a function at Town Hall to address the rally and explain the privatisation decision. This call has mostly fallen on deaf ears with previous governments over many years. To his credit, Premier Mike Baird did leave the function and briefly addressed the hostile crowd. The Premier opened by apologising to the people of Newcastle and to transport workers for how the announcement had been made, and promised better consultation in future. While those in attendance were largely unmoved or convinced by the Premiers statements, many were respectful of the fact that he made the gesture and had political strength to face the crowd.
The Premier was followed by a rousing speech by RTBU National Secretary, Bob Nanva who described the Premier as the ‘Demtel man of NSW politics’ whose smooth sales pitch and charm is capable of conning people into buying something they have no use for. Mr Nanva confessed to be a ‘sucker for sales pitches from blokes in shiny shoes and smart suits’. “I’ll admit that I own a three in one carrot slicer which has never sliced, diced or shredded a single carrot in the 3 years that I’ve had it. Frankly, I never needed it and I never will. But I bought it because I was conned by a salesperson into thinking that I couldn’t live without it.” he said. Mr Nanva hastened to add that the proposal to privatise transport is “… just like my carrot slicer, we don’t need it; we don’t want it; and we never will. Selling our public transport system down the river, in a grubby backroom deal, can’t easily be spun into legitimacy.”
RTBU National Secretary Bob Nanva addressing the rally
The tone of the rally remained upbeat and positive about building a strong community campaign to ensure that the proposed privatisation, under the guise and slogans of an ‘integrated transport plan’ will not go ahead, and that public transport in Newcastle will remain in public hands.
NSW Premier fronting the rally
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Sexual Harassment in the Workplace The RTBU has been advised by a number of members that they have been exposed to some form of sexual harassment in the workplace. It is clear from these conversations that many members are confused and unable to recognise sexual harassment, feel isolated if they experience it, and have concerns in relation to the consequences if they report the behaviour. The RTBU would like members to be aware of what sexual harassment looks like, understand that they are not on their own when it comes to this experience, and be aware of the various options available to them in relation to reporting. It is worth noting that sexual harassment crosses all divides such as white collar, blue collar through to executive. The definition of sexual harassment is: “any unwelcome or unwanted sexual behaviour which makes a person feel offended, humiliated and/or intimidated where that reaction is reasonable in the circumstance.” Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) Examples of sexual harassment include: unwelcome physical touching, staring or leering, suggestive comments or jokes, unwanted requests to go out on dates, requests for sex, emailing pornography or rude jokes, sending sexually explicit texts, intrusive questions about your private life or body and displaying posters, magazines or screen savers of a sexual nature. The available statistics clearly illustrate that sexual harassment is widespread in many different workplaces. There are a number of options available to address complaints about sexual harassment including: • You may want to deal with the situation yourself by raising it directly with the person or people involved. • Address your complaint to your supervisor, manager or to Human Resources. • Address your complaint to your union delegate or union organiser • Make a complaint to the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board of NSW • Contact the NSW Police. The RTBU would also like to remind members that they always have the option of using EAP for support. If you have any comments or questions about this important subject please contact your local delegate or the RTBU Office.
Rail Tram and Bus Union – NSW Branch
RAIL & ROAD December 2015
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Power of Union: Keeping the RTBU Strong RTBU delegates from around Australia met at the RTBU National Council in Sydney in November, reviewing recent developments and charting a clear course for the future of our union. To set the tone of the Council, we have reproduced extracts from RTBU National Secretary Bob Nanva's address the 2015 RTBU National Council. Good morning delegates, and welcome to the 2015 RTBU National Council. As our Union’s highest decisionmaking body, we’ll be reporting on the work we have done, debating our biggest issues, making our big decisions; and setting our agenda for the next two years. It’s always an exciting two days, and it’s an absolute privilege to be part of it. It’s a privilege that none of us should take for granted. Sitting on the National Council of any union is truly an honour. But ours isn’t just any other Union. Ours is a Union that has been at the forefront of the Australian labour movement since 1861. Given we are meeting in New South Wales today, it is fitting to remember that ours is the Union of JST McGowan, Bill McKell and JJ Cahill – who all rose from the Eveleigh rail workshops, through the Union, to become Premiers of NSW. In the case of JST McGowan, he was Labor’s first NSW Premier. In the case of Bill McKell, he went on to become Governor General of Australia.
RTBU National Secretary Bob Nanva delivering an inspirational address to National Council Ours is the Union of Ben Chifley – the train driver from Bathurst who went on to become one of Australia’s most loved and respected Prime Ministers. Ours is the Union of Eddie Mabo – the Queensland railway worker who fought for aboriginal land rights and justice - whose landmark High Court case overturned the appalling notion of Terra Nullius - and became an icon for his people. Ours is the Union of the Great Strike of 1917 – the strike that started on
the NSW Railways and saw 100,000 workers walk off the job across Australia. Delegates, ours is the Union of the Adelaide and Melbourne public transport strikes of 2015. Our predecessors fought for the rights of working people, and not just for the rights of rail freight and public transport workers – they fought for the rights of all Australians. They fought against the odds, against the financial power of the
A snapshot of some of the RTBU delegates from around the country. National Secretary Bob Nanva with delegate Tommy Jones
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corporate barons, and – at times – against the sheer firepower of the state. As the custodians of this great Union, it is our responsibility to carry this tradition with the same dedication, the same passion and the same commitment as the people who have come before us. It’s a heavy burden to carry. Given some of the great names I just mentioned, we have a lot to live up to, but it’s also an inspiration. Because we’re not walking in the footsteps of giants, we’re standing on their shoulders. Building on their legacy, and creating our own. Today we have our own leaders who are leaving their mark - like the hundreds of RTBU workplace delegates in crib rooms across the country. Workplace Delegates that are the heart and soul of our Union. They are our strength, and that’s why a central theme of this year’s Council will be investing even more in those delegates - providing them with the support, training, advice and encouragement they need and deserve… In the Industrial space we are working on more national enterprise agreements than ever before. Our National Organisers are constantly on the road, travelling across the country and working with branches and divisions to negotiate Enterprise Agreements that deliver the best outcomes for RTBU members…
RTBU NSW Branch Secretary Alex Claassens addressing National Council
We’ve come a long way, but as far as we should all be concerned, we’re still only at base camp, looking up at the mountain. Our successes in the past are no guarantee of our success in the future. We have to confront the changing political environment, and we can’t be caught flat-footed… Hard-line, anti-union, right wing politics is still in town – don’t you worry about that… Whatever happens in Canberra, or whatever happens in the Fair Work Act, doesn’t change who we are or what we do. We deliver outcomes for our members through our industrial strength. And our industrial strength comes from our density. While we still have one of the best union densities in the entire movement – where almost every person who could be a member, is a member - we can’t take our success for granted. Our Delegates are critical to our density. Mr Nanva used his address to pay tribute to long standing Tasmainan delegate. "I speak of Tommy Jones, who after 45 years of service to the RTBU as a member and delegate, has recently retired from working on the Tasmanian railways. A man who, when Tasrail was privatised, refused on pure principle to sign an individual contract. Bear in mind the entire workforce was made redundant and reemployed on individual contracts - but this man, on principle, would not have it. He would not be bullied, coaxed or cajoled into signing an AWA. His conviction cost him thousands. There is a personal price someone pays for this sort of leadership, for this sort of belief - the stress and the uncertainty of standing one’s ground and saying ‘I believe in my rights and those of working people, and I’m taking a stand.’ This is a man who paid this price because he believed in his
RAIL & ROAD December 2015
Some of the RTBU women attending National Council principles, believed in his capacity to change his workplace, and believed in his union. He assiduously unionised the workforce in spite of the challenges - and the result to his immense credit - was a decent and fair EBA for himself and his colleagues…. This is what our Union is all about. It is what every trade union is all about. Good people doing great things for our community." Workplace Delegates are our team captains on the shop floor –looking after their mates, and making sure that the workforce stays strong and united… And in the RTBU, that isn’t a product of luck or good fortune. It’s a product of enviable delegate structures and tough, motivated delegates. Delegates, this brings me to the substance of our agenda for the next two days, which is designed to power up even further the most critical part of our national union structure – our army of Workplace Delegates…. The RTBU exists for one reason and one reason only – to advance the interests of its members. Our job is to protect them, and help them. That’s why we’re active in workplace safety issues, why we do corporate research on employers, why we advocate for our industries, and why we invest in our Workplace Delegates - so they can be empowered to do an even better job for our members.
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Keep Our Super Safe Australian Unions built the most successful financial story in Australia – industry superannuation. Now Malcolm Turnbull wants to dismantle it. The Turnbull Government is proposing changes that will hand over our super to the big banks. A Bill is before the parliament to force industry super funds to change their low fee paying governance structures and introduce a high-fee banking model instead. At the same time, the government is also introducing legislation to reduce penalties for employers who fail to make superannuation payments on time, despite evidence workers already lose about $2.6bn a year from noncompliant employers. The ACTU has launched a national campaign to protect Australians’ industry superannuation savings from the Federal Government’s growing attack on Australian’s retirement savings. ACTU President, Ged Kearney kicked off the campaign in November
with 300,000 recorded phone calls to voters in marginal seats warning them about the government’s plan to give the big banks more control over their retirement savings. A further one million people were targeted on social media throughout Australia over the following week Industry superannuation has low fees and high returns because they are run in the interests of their members, not to make profits for banks. All profits are returned to members, there are no sales people and it is secure. All of this is at risk if Turnbull succeeds in letting the big banks get their hands on our super. “The big banks have their eyes on the trillions of workers’ money in industry super, they want to get their hands on it and the Turnbull Government wants to assist them.” Said ACTU President Ged Kearney.
If you’re young these changes will cost you the most. You could end up paying up to a quarter of your retirement savings in fees. We can’t let this happen. After a lifetime of work and saving, you deserve better than that. Supporters across the country are being asked to contact their senator or MP and express their concerns about giving the big banks more control over retirement savings. The current system of default superannuation funds ensures workers get the best returns on their retirement savings – not the big banks.
We built superannuation. Now we need to defend it. For more details, go to www. australianunions.org.au
RTBU in the Media The NSW Branch continues to be active in the media space, and in recent months has produced media releases on a range of topics including security screens on buses, assaults on transport workers, transport needs of Badgerys Creek Airport, Opal Card, State Budget, violence on public transport, and fire prevention systems on buses. This has produced coverage in metro media outlets such as the Sydney Morning Herald, MX, the Daily Telegraph, all metro TV channels and radio news stations, and a large number of rural and regional media outlets. The Branch has also actively responded to a large number of media enquiries, ensuring the union’s views and concerns are highlighted wherever possible. Examples of coverage:
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Power In Union – Strengthening Our Delegate Structures Discussion at the recent RTBU National Council focused squarely on the central role of delegates in our union and the critical role delegates play in the future of our union. In his address to National Council, RTBU National Secretary, Bob Nanva described the need to focus on developing delegate structures and resources in the workplace.
National Council endorsed a series of important resolutions that will help us to keep the RTBU strong over the coming years by investing in our Workplace Delegates.
“Today we have our own leaders who are leaving their mark - like the hundreds of RTBU workplace delegates in crib rooms across the country.
These resolutions recognise the critical role that Workplace Delegates play in helping rank and file members, and will help Workplace Delegates to develop and improve their skills.
Workplace Delegates that are the heart and soul of our Union. They are our strength, and that’s why a central theme of this year’s Council will be investing even more in those delegates - providing them with the support, training, advice and encouragement they need and deserve…”
The Resolutions involved: • D eveloping of a National Delegates Portal on the RTBU national website, providing a wide range of resources for delegates; • D eveloping coordinated national Delegates training, and providing more resouces to assist Branches
and Divisions in providing more and better delegate training ; • E stablishing a National Delegates Conference, to improve delegates networks and provide greater opportunity for delegates to sahre resources and experience nationally; • Establishing a National Delegate of the Year Award. Workplace Delegates are the unsung heroes of the RTBU, and their contribution deserves to be recognised. National Council endorsed the creation of a National Delegate of the Year Award. It is proposed that the Award be named in honour of Eddie Kaiko Mabo – pending consultation with the Mabo family.
Tram & Bus Executive Tours Belmont Depot The entire executive committee of the RTBU Tram and Bus Division toured Belmont depot recently. Belmont is our smallest depot and sits near the city of Newcastle. It was unprecedented to have the entire twenty-odd executive team do a tour and it was great for both members and the executive to meet face to face and discuss local issues. With the announcement by the NSW Government of its intention to privatise Newcastle Buses, the visit was timely and likely to be repeated as the campaign builds to keep Newcastle Buses in public hands.
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Rail to Badgey’s Creek The construction of a second Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek will provide an important economic stimulus for Western Sydney. The airport will create local jobs, and will provide better to access interstate and overseas markets for Western Sydney businesses. Furthermore, the airport will make air travel far more convenient for people in Western Sydney by reducing the need for expensive and time-consuming cross-town trips to Kingsford Smith Airport. Without a fast and efficient rail link to the Airport, however, commuters will be forced to use road transport, and will therefore add further congestion to the local road network. The NSW Government has not committed to building a rail link to the Badgerys Creek site. While it has announced a preferred rail corridor, this will not be developed for at least ten years. Without a fast, direct service linking the airport to both the city and Parramatta, the Badgerys Creek airport will not fulfill its potential for Sydney, and will only add to the city’s transport congestion problems.
Sydney's Badgerys Creek Airport will not have a rail connection
However, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development deputy secretary Andrew Wilson said the airport would not have a rail link at the time of its opening.
Aviation industry executives have criticised plans for the second Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek, saying they are too small for a world-class facility.
"Rail is just one means of public transport," he said. "The first public transport to and from the airport will be buses provided through an efficient road network. Rail is a longer-term requirement."
The federal government says the airport in the city's west will be capable of handling 10 million domestic and international passengers a year through a single terminal when it opens in 2025, but it will lack a rail connection.
"In the last few weeks I have driven from Bankstown to Sydney Airport. It is not a pleasant experience. Buses from Badgerys Creek to the CBD? Who are you kidding?"
Paul Bredereck, the managing director of regional airline Jetgo, told an aviation industry conference in Sydney the plans for Badgerys Creek appeared to be "small league" in terms of vision. "For God's sake, it is a major international airport and no express rail service to the CBD?" he told the CAPA 2015 Airport Innovation Day. The federal and NSW governments have announced a $3.5 billion roads package to improve links to Badgerys Creek.
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CAPA executive director Peter Harbison said it would be a "farce" if the airport did not have a rail link when it opened. "History will say what idiots were these politicians for not doing that," he said. "If the city is a world-class city and you are building a worldclass airport for the future, do it properly," Mr Bredereck said. "Do it once, do it well."
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Asciano Takeover Highlights "Dog's Breakfast" in Rail Access The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) has called on the Federal Government to fix the “dog’s breakfast” of rail access regimes that differ across States before allowing any further company mergers in the sector, including the proposed takeover of Asciano by Brookfield Infrastructure. RTBU National Secretary Bob Nanva said the Asciano takeover had exposed significant inconsistencies in the way access to below rail infrastructure was managed across jurisdictions. “Australia’s rail assets are split up among different owners, with different access regimes across the different states, and with differing levels of transparency.
“For rail freight providers, this means a highly complex regulatory environment. “The potential privatisation of government-owned network manager ARTC will further complicate this environment, particularly if it leads to greater vertical integration in the industry. “To put it simply, the scope for market manipulation under the current arrangements in unacceptably high. “Rail freight operators – and their customers – cannot have faith that the current system is working either fairly or unfairly.” Mr Nanva said national rail access regime would simplify access
arrangements, reduce red tape, and boost confidence in the future of the rail industry. “A simpler, more transparent national access regime would be of significant benefit to freight users, and is clearly in the national interest. “That’s why we strongly believe that regulatory control over access to rail networks should be transferred to the Federal Government, under the auspices of the ACCC, and a single national access regime should be put in place. “This needs to be done before any further industry consolidations or privatisations take place.”
Proud Meal Breaks and to Be UNION Rest Breaks My union fought for my Meal Breaks and Rest Breaks * ... And Won! * Before unions agitated for meal breaks and rest breaks to be introduced, workers were required to work the whole day without a break. In 1973, workers at Ford motor plant in Melbourne engaged in industrial action over many issues, one of their demands being a proper break from the production line.
Rail Tram and Bus Union – NSW Branch
Get on the Bus Express! Bus Express is constantly updated with new information from around the depots – including workplace disputes, industry updates and news about RTBU Members. Members who subscribe to the web site get a fortnightly email with links to all the latest scoops. Printed newsletters will also be distributed around depots.
www.busexpress.com.au
Farewell to Tram & Bus Division President Gary Way Tram & Bus Division President Gary Way has left the RTBU. Gary and his wife Anne both grew up in the country and they have decided it’s time to move back. They will be taking on a very different challenge – managing a motel in Bourke. This is a great opportunity for them and we’d like to wish Gary a fond farewell. Bus Express asked Gary to reflect on his career with the RTBU. 1. What drove you to get involved in the union in the first place and then eventually to take on a leadership position? I grew up in the Hunter Valley coalfields, and came from a strong union background. Since I can remember I’ve been driven by a desire to help people on wages to get better conditions. I think it was bred into me. The first thing I did when I moved to the city and got a job as a bus driver was to join the union. I quickly became involved in the union committee at Willoughby depot with David Malcolm, Sean Bourke and Victor Saloum. They taught me a lot and gave me my first union responsibility – being in charge of the raffle. I was elected as the Willoughby delegate in 2007 and then in 2011 I
decided to stand for election as the Divisional President. Chris Preston and I thought we had a lot we could contribute, so we drafted up an agenda that we took to the members, and we were elected. 2. You’ve been the President of the RTBU Tram and Bus Division for four years now. What are you most proud of achieving? I think our biggest achievement was when we won the dispute around gas buses. We told STA that members would refuse to drive gas buses until we got our safety concerns addressed. After a long fight we got what we wanted and after that our members were safer on the road. That was a great achievement. 3. Which other moments stand out? We called a snap blockage of Macquarie Street after the NSW Parliament introduced draconian workers compensation legislation. It was bad for all workers but it was especially bad for our members. RTBU members parked their buses in front of Parliament House and blocked the street. We certainly let the Government know that we weren’t going to let them walk all over us. Another highlight was when we took STA to court over casualisation of the workforce, and we won. We wanted to stop them being able
Merry Christmas
and a
Gary Way with a Metrobus to use part-time broken shifts and casuals to carry out overtime in the first instance. As a result we maintained a 22 per cent cap on casual/part-time employees at a time when many industries were getting away with casualising their workforces. 4. What will you miss the most? I’ll miss the mateship and the comradarie, and the satisfaction I get every time I help a member having a difficult time at work. I’d like to thank my colleagues as well as all the delegates and members for the many good moments I have had as part of the RTBU.
Happy New Year
To all RTBU Members and their families
RTBU Holiday Park at Jervis Bay RTBU Members can also take advantage of the United Services Union’s Aquatic Resort at Port Macquarie The RTBU and USU have a reciprocal arrangement where members of each union can book holidays at the two locations, at member discounted rates. The USU owns the Aquatic holiday resort, in a glorious location on the Hastings River at Port Macquarie on the north coast of New South Wales. The resort consists of a Motel and a Caravan Park. Stay in comfort at the holiday resort and enjoy great discounts and great style while relaxing in what many say is the best climate in Australia. No matter what type of holiday you are after your needs are covered. Lots to do any time of the year! There are a lot of attractions in the area for you and your family – have a great game of Putt-Putt golf or try Jet boating, Parra Sailing, Waterslides, Wave Bowling & Lawn Bowls which are all within walking distance. And don’t forget the fishing!Please note – there are no tent sites at the Port Macquarie Caravan Park. You can contact the motel or caravan park by calling the Comfort Inn Aquatic Motel on 02 6583 7388 or the Aquatic Palms Caravan Park on 02 6584 9155 or check the website at www.aquaticinport.com.au You can also call the United Services Union’s Head Office on 02 9265 8211 for more information. Members must provide proof of identity plus their RTBU membership card at the time of arrival at Jervis Bay or Port Macquarie United Services Union or full rates will apply.
Located in the Booderee National Park, the RTBU Holiday Park at Jervis Bay, is just a 3 hour drive south from Sydney, but a world away… Each of the 14 self-contained units sleep up to a maximum of 6 people and rates are based on a family of 2 adults and 4 children. Other rates are available, however all units only have the capacity to sleep 6 people. Units have a double bed, two single beds and a set of double bunks. You will need to bring your own sheets as only mattress protectors, quilts and pillows are supplied. The units contain a digital television, an oven, microwave, fridge, crockery, cutlery, glassware, pots and pans as well as basic cooking utensils. Make sure you come prepared as the closest grocery shop is in Vincentia, a 30 minute drive away. The RTBU Holiday Park facilities available to all guests include a Boat Ramp, Undercover Bar-B-Q area with seating, Tennis Court and a Coin Operated Laundry. There are various swimming spots to enjoy and natural areas to explore, suitable for all the family. Kangaroos, possums, wallabies, kookaburras, bandicoots, echidnas and rosellas visit the grounds of the Holiday Park daily. Enjoy fishing for whiting, flathead and bream from the calm shores or take a quick walk to experience beach fishing for tailor and salmon on the pristine Bherwerre Beach. The boat ramp allows direct access via the Sussex Inlet Channel to St Georges Basin or outside into the famous fishing grounds of Jervis Bay. Bookings can be made by telephoning the RTBU Office on (02) 9264 2511.
Booderee National Park & Bherwerre Beach
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RAIL & ROAD December 2015
In the Dhurga language, Booderee means “Bay of Plenty” and the area is the home to the people of Wreck Bay. The Booderee National Park has the only Aboriginal owned Botanic Garden in Australia. The gardens are well known for providing a centre for interpreting plants used by the local aboriginal people. The Park is also home to 200 species of birds, over 30 different native mammals including 10 species of bats, 37 reptiles, 17 amphibians and at least 180 species of fish. The White-Bellied Sea Eagle is a special bird at Booderee as it is the guardian of the Koori people of Wreck Bay and features on the Booderee National Park logo. This spectacular eagle has a white head, rump and underparts, dark or slate grey back and wings. It has an awe-inspiring wingspan of up to 2.2 metres. Within the Booderee National Park you will find beautiful white sandy beaches at Green Patch, Murrays, Steamers, Caves and Bherwerre. Bherwerre is home to some of the Boderee National Parks rarer seabirds. Pods of Bottle-nose dolphins are often spotted playing in the waves at the Sussex Inlet Entrance and Humpback whales have been known to enter the protected areas close to shore.
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Safety Matters Overcrowded Buses are an Accident Waiting to Happen Many of Sydney’s buses are overloaded in peak times and more services combined with stronger regulations are urgently needed, the Rail Tram and Bus Union said today.
RTBU Bus and Tram Division Secretary Chris Preston said the problem needed to be addressed before a serious accident occurred. “On some routes, buses are routinely so full it would be impossible to squeeze even one more person through the door,” said Mr Preston. Channel 7 news reports RTBU concerns “Overcrowded buses are not only uncomfortable for commuters, but also put their safety at risk. “All it would take would be for the driver to brake suddenly to avoid an accident and the passengers standing at the front could be flung through the windscreen. “It’s also dangerous when passengers are standing too close to the rear doors because they could get caught and dragged along the road.” “We urgently need more buses on these routes for the safety and comfort of our commuters.”
to display stickers that stated a limit of 15 standing passengers, but that these had been removed. “We’re concerned that the NSW Government prefers to have commuters packed in like sardines rather than invest in providing an adequate number of services. “Since the 15 standing limit stickers were taken down the driver no longer has any power to stop people climbing aboard an already full bus. “At the end of a day when an incident occurs it’s the driver who will have to live with the consequences. “With no guidelines visible it’s near impossible for drivers to limit how many people board the bus. “Passengers understandably don’t want to wait for the next service which is often late or so overcrowded that it doesn’t even stop to pick them up. “A combination of more services as well as an enforced legal limit of 15 standing passengers is urgently needed before an accident occurs.”
Mr Preston said that State Transit Authority buses used
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Left in Service – the Saga Continues There have been numerous instances of management attempting to force drivers to take a train from a maintenance centre, even though it has exceeded the time allowed for ‘trains left in service’. Drivers have been sticking to their guns and preparing the trains as per regulation despite intimidation and threats from management. Drivers were told that the “left in service” train had already been prepared and to just get on and go however, when the driver went to the train he found that a maintenance red flag was on display and the train was undergoing repair. Once this was reported, another train was allocated (supposedly prepared again) which was found to have numerous significant faults, the end result being an extended delay to that train service. To date, the RTBU has reminded management of the allowable timeframes and has provided the appropriate documentation that supports this agreed timeframe. We’ll be keeping a very close eye on this, and please don’t forget to report any concerns you have to your local delegate.
Rail Tram and Bus Union 2015/2016 Festive Season Office Hours
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union, Pitt Street Office, will be attended as follows:Monday, 21st December 2015
Normal Hours
Tuesday, 22nd December 2015
Normal Hours
Wednesday, 23rd December 2015
Normal Hours
Thursday, 24th December 2015
8.00am - 12.00pm
Friday, 25th December 2015
CLOSED
Saturday, 26th December 2015
CLOSED
Sunday, 27th December 2015
CLOSED
Monday, 28th December 2015
CLOSED
Tuesday, 29th December 2015
8.30am - 4.30pm
Wednesday, 30th December 2015
8.30am - 4.30pm
Thursday, 31st January 2016
8.30am - 1.00pm
Friday, 1st January 2016
CLOSED
Normal Union Office Hours are 8.00 – 16.30.
The RTBU Executive, Officers and Staff wish all members and their families
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year RAIL & ROAD December 2015
Page 27
To all RTBU Members and their families
Merry Christmas
and a
Happy New Year
Have You Left the Industry? Retired? Or No Longer Want to be in the Union? If you have left the industry, permanently or for a period, have retired, or are off work due to illness, or no longer want to be a member of the RTBU, you must resign, or suspend your union membership, in writing. Our union rules provide that members leaving the union for whatever reason, must do so in writing. If you do not resign in writing, you will continue to be included on our union membership and liable for the dues owing for that time. Please note: Regardless of whether your union dues were paid by direct debit or through payroll deductions, the employer is not authorised to change your membership details after resignation or leaving the union. You must do this personally. Please contact the membership office at the union for more information.
Join the RTBU Retired Members Association
For more information, contact Don McKechnie on 0409 813 643 or the union office on (02) 9264 2511
RTBU Express Website
www.rtbuexpress.com.au
Page 28 RAIL & ROAD December 2015
Whistlestop Stepping off the Footplate after 62 Years The Newcastle Herald has reported that after 62 years and 10 months riding the rail, train driver Terry Gardiner has blown the fnal whistle on his career. Mr Gardiner, 78, was officially farewelled by his NSW TrainLink co-workers at Hamilton railway station on Wednesday 25 November. He retires as the most senior driver in NSW and the last of a “dying breed” of steam train drivers. Mr Gardiner is renowned at railway stations around the Hunter not just for his longevity, but for his work ethic. In nearly 63 years he had only 14 days of, meaning he won’t ofcially fnish work until more than three years of sick leave expires. “He is revered on the rail line,” fellow train driver Johnny Ridden said. “The last of a dying breed, one of our old “steamies”. “He is the kind of man we all look up to and I think he underestimates the amount of respect we have for him. “He is a bloke with a rock-solid work ethic. “You talk to the train guards and they love working with him. “He never messes anything up, treats everyone with respect and does his job like clockwork. “The guards love him because he doesn’t run early, he doesn’t run late, you get the smoothest ride in the business.” Mr Gardiner started in 1953 at Broadmeadow as a shop boy, writing out tickets for repair work that needed to be done.
RAIL & ROAD December 2015
FAREWELL: NSW TrainLink driver Terry Gardiner is retiring after 62 years on the job. He started as a 16-yearold at Broadmeadow in 1953 and was offcially farewelled at Hamilton Station on Wednesday. Picture: Ryan Osland He started driving steam trains in 1961 and has since driven passenger, freight and coal trains all over the Hunter. “When I was a kid I always wanted to drive trains,” Mr Gardiner said. “It was a passion of mine. “I’ve always enjoyed my work and made a lot of mates. “It’s been a good run, but you can’t go on forever.” Mr Ridden said train drivers often enjoyed long career, but none like Mr Gardiner’s. “To a certain extent it is a job you are born into,” Mr Ridden said. “A lot of people don’t have the ability to do it, but it just takes a certain mindset and a certain skill set and Terry obviously has had that in spades all his life.” As other drivers and mates come and congratulate him on his long career, Mr Gardiner has a simple response. “I was just doing my job,” he tells them.
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The People You Meet in a Scottish Pub Greg Gull, Stations Customer Manager, Hornsby Group, Sydney Trains, recently returned from a holidaying trip to Scotland. One afternoon he was in a pub having a couple of quiet beers and got talking to the bloke next to him, who turned out to be Adam Montgomery. Adam Montgomery is the son of George Montgomery, miner, trade unionist, Labour Party member, who then became one of the founders of the Communist Party of Scotland in 1991. The recent political system in Scotland, around the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, and the more recent independence referendum, is volatile and confusing for the outside observer, so we proceed with some caution. Adam is also a Labour Councillor on Midlothian Council, in the Ward of Penicuik (‘Penny Cook’). Given that the meeting was also in a Scottish pub, we are not prepared to take at face value that only a ‘couple’ of beers were consumed, or that all details are accurate. Nonetheless, when, Greg was due to come home, Adam presented him with a book (containing historical background, writings and poems of George Montgomery, and some coal carvings by the local coalminers (see photos).
Mark Thompson with his T-shirt on its way to Scotland
When Greg arrived home and back to work he mentioned the meeting with some colleagues, and some suggested that we reciprocate Adam's generosity with some of our own labour history. Some RTBU memorabilia went the way of bonny Scotland. Mark Thompson, President of the Salaried/Admin Division, donated a T-shirt that he says he was very proud to wear during the Work Choices campaign when all the Unions rallied at Blacktown Show Ground.
Coal carving given to Greg Gull on his Scottish trip
“The shirt holds significant importance to me as Bernie Banton, former Asbestosis campaigner, pinned a "your rights at work" badge on my shirt and former RTBU Branch Secretary, Nick Lewocki also did the same, which are still on the shirt where they were placed originally".
Page 30 RAIL & ROAD December 2015
Resignations Dear Sirs NSW Trains - I have e with State Rail; RailCorp and now loye emp n bee e hav I ris, bou Kam y My name is Anthon U member number on me). of that time (sorry I don’t have my RTB t mos for U RTB the with ber mem a been made redundant. I have to organisational needs and was recently lus surp n bee e hav I rs yea of ple cou 5. I am taking this For the last exiting NSW Trains on 7 October 201 be will and r offe on ncy nda redu y opted to take the voluntar ement. opportunity to moving into an early retir 5. the RTBU effective from 8 October 201 from tion gna resi my of you ise adv I It is with regret that organisers have the support that you, your delegates and all for U RTB the k than to nity ortu I want to take this opp provided me with support and rge Panigiris and Mick Cartwright who Geo k than lly ecia esp to t wan I me. provided guidance through some difficult times. ortant resource etimes forgets to value their most imp som that tion nisa orga an in ity san You helped me maintain my - its people. Thank you. Anthony Kambouris
Goulburn puts on a show for the third annual Daniel Deniehy Oration A diverse group of local union and community members, and the Southern Tablelands Rail Users Group, joined dignitaries including Senator Ursula Stephens, Michael Pilbrow, the Labor candidate for the seat of Hume at the last Federal election and others to acknowledge the life and times of Daniel Deniehy. Unions NSW also bought a table for the night. Daniel Deniehy was a republican in the early to mid 1880's. He was a solicitor and was elected to the NSW state parliament representing Goulburn. When the squattocracy was proposing an hereditary upper house based on the English House of Lords Daniel defeated the proposal with his Bunyip Aristocracy speech in parliament. Peter Fitzsimons, the former rugby player, journalist and author, was one of the guest speakers.
RAIL & ROAD December 2015
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Lawyers helping Rail, Tram & Bus workers across NSW Slater & Gordon is proud to be the preferred legal service provider for the RTBU NSW Branch, its members and families. We have offices throughout NSW & ACT and offer preferential rates and services to members of the RTBU and their families.
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AM AND
RTBU Change of DeTails foRm
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Change of Personal Details
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Surname
Given Name(s)
Gender Male Female
Street Address
Suburb
Post Code
Home Telephone Number
Work Telephone Number
Date Of Birth
Mobile Number
Email (work) Email (home)
Employer
Employee Number
Occupation: Eg Train Driver
RTBU Member Number
Work Location/ Depot
Date Commenced
Employment Status Fulltime
Part time
Casual
Change in Banking Details iMPortant Members need to specify the date of their next pay so that when the membership fee debit occurs on a friday there is sufficient money in the account to ensure the transaction is not dishonoured which results in you then being charged an additional fee by your bank.
Next Pay Week
Details of Bank aCCoUnt to Be DeBiteD Name of Financial Institution (Bank)
Branch where account is held
Account in the name(s) of Bank/State Branch Number: (BSB Six Digits)
Account Number (Maximum of 9 digits)
Details of CreDit CarD to Be DeBiteD Credit Card Type: Eg Visa, MasterCard, AMX
Credit Card Number
Credit card in the name of
Expiry Date
I/We authorise and request the Rail Tram and Bus Union, until further notice in writing to arrange for my/our account described in this direct debit authority, to be debited with any amounts which the debit user may properly debit or charge me/us through the direct debit system. I/We authorise and request this direct debit authority to remain in force until cancelled, deferred or otherwise altered in accordance with this service agreement. SIGNATURE
sUBMit
DATE Please email your completed form to nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au by using the submit button Post: Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 or fax: 02 9261 1342
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RTBU MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM
AM AND
UN
ION
Surname
Given Name(s)
Gender Male Female
Street Address
Suburb
Post Code
Home Telephone Number
Work Telephone Number
Date Of Birth
Mobile Number
Email (work) Email (home)
Employer
Employee Number
Date Commenced
Occupation: Eg Train Driver
Work Location/Depot
Employment Status Fulltime
Part time
Casual
I, ___________________________________________________ the undersigned, hereby apply to become a member of the Australian Rail, Tram & Bus Industry Union, an Organisation of employees registered under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 as amended, and hereby undertake to comply with the Rules & By-Laws for the time being of the Union. Signature of Applicant _______________________________________________________ Dated _____________________ I, __________________________________________________ the undersigned, hereby apply to become a member of the Australian Rail, Tram & Bus Union NSW, an Organisation registered under the Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW) as amended, and hereby undertake to comply with the Rules and By-Laws for the time being of the Union. Signature of Applicant _______________________________________________________ Dated _____________________ 1. I agree to pay $ __________ via
DIRECT DEBIT fortnightly; OR
CREDIT CARD fortnightly or any other amounts as may be determined from time to time in accordance with the Rules of the Union. I certify that I have received a copy of Rule 14, Notification of Resignation From Membership. 2. I/We authorise and request the Rail Tram & Bus Union, until further notice in writing to arrange for my/ our account described in this direct debit authority, to be debited with any amounts which the debit user may properly debit or charge me/us through the direct debit system. 3. I/We authorise my employer to notify the Rail, Tram & Bus Union of any change of address during my employment. 4. I/We authorise and request this direct debit authority to remain in force until cancelled, deferred or otherwise altered in accordance with this service agreement. Signature of Applicant _____________________________________________________ Dated ____________________ DETAILS OF THE ACCOUNT TO BE DEBITED
Account Name OR Name on Credit Card __________________________________________________________ Financial Institution ______________________________________________ Branch ___________ Date of next pay week __________________________ IMPORTANT Members need to specify the date of their next pay so that when the membership fee debit occurs on a Friday there is sufficient money in the account to ensure the transaction is not dishonoured which results in you then being charged an additional fee by your bank.
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Please submit this Form to the RTBU’s Membership Officer by email nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au OR Mail to Level 4, 321 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 OR Fax (02) 9261 1342
IMPORTANT PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR REFERENCE
4. A notice delivered to the Branch Secretary shall be deemed to have been received by when it was delivered.
RESIGNATION FROM MEMBERSHIP
5. A notice of resignation that has been received by the Union is not invalid because it was not addressed and delivered the Branch Secretary.
2. A notice of resignation from membership of the Union takes effect:– (a) where the member ceases to be eligible to become or remain a member of the Union (i) on the day on which the notice is received by the Union or (ii) on the day specified in the notice, which is a day not earlier than the day when the member ceases to be eligible to become a member, whichever is later; or (b) In any other case:– (i) at the end of two weeks; or (ii) on the day specified in the notice: whichever is later. 3. Any subscriptions, fees, fines and levies owing but not paid by a former member of the Union in relation to a period before the member’s resignation took effect, may be sued for and recovered in the name of the Union in a Court of competent jurisdiction, as a debt due to the Union.
What happens if I get pregnant, sick for an extended period or take leave without pay? If you are on unpaid maternity leave, sick or are off work for a substantial period of time you can seek to have your membership fees suspended until you return to work by giving written notice addressed and delivered to the Secretary of his/her Branch under Clause 11 (8): (8) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Rule, should any member during any financial year be without pay owing to ill health or to other causes which a Branch Executive regards as warranting special consideration, then the Branch Executive may grant the member exemption from payment of all or any contributions imposed in accordance with the Rules for all or part of the period during which he/ she is without pay. During the period of the exemption, the member shall be deemed to be financial.
The Rail, Tram & Bus Union is bound by the Privacy Act and your information can only used for RTBU processes and cannot be used for any other purposes.
AM AND
BU S
Level 4, 321 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000
TR L
1. A member may resign from membership of the Union by written notice addressed and delivered to the Secretary of his/her Branch.
6. Resignation from membership of the Union is valid even if it is not affected in accordance with this Rule, if the member is informed in writing by or on behalf of the Union that the resignation has been accepted.
R AI
OF THE RTBU
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