2018 Rail and Road - June Edition by Rail, Tram & Bus Union (NSW Branch)

VOLUME 110 No.2 June 2018

AND

RAILROAD THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW BRANCH OF THE RAIL, TRAM & BUS UNION

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NSW BRANCH Head Office Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel (02) 92642511 Fax (02) 92611342 Email nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Website www.rtbuexpress.com.au

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The RTBU Holiday Park is a great place to escape to for a peaceful break in the National Park and a walk along the beach. Avoid the rush and the high season rates - book your holiday now. The Holiday Park is situated in a National Park and Members can enjoy a holiday by the sea and relax with fishing, tennis, boating, swimming or bushwalking. RTBU members can also now get discounted rates at the United Services Union Aquatic Resort (Motel and Caravan Park) at Port Macquarie.

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Level 4, 321 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 Tel (02) 92643400 Fax (02) 92647679 Email nswloco@rtbu-nsw.asn.au

Newcastle Office 33 Gordon Avenue, Hamilton NSW 2303 Tel (02) 4961 4311 Fax (02) 4961 4779 Email newcastle@rtbu-nsw.asn.au

Wollongong Office Level 1, 306a Crown Street, Wollongong, 2500 Tel (02) 4227 5798 Email wollongong@rtbu-nsw.asn.au

Branch Executive Secretary Alex Claassens President Joanne McCallum Assistant Secretary (Road) David Woollams Assistant Secretary (Rail) Robert Hayden

Elected Full-Time Officials Branch Secretary Alex Claassens Locomotive Divisional Secretary Robert Hayden Tram and Bus Divisional Secretary Chris Preston Tram and Bus Divisional President David Woollams

Organisers

Director of Organising Alison Rudman Freight Organisers Steve Wright

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 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: unionnetwork@bigpond.com Printing - Brightset, Banksmeadow, (02) 9316 4800 Art & Design - P Design - proberson@hotmail.com - Phone 0402 032 949

Kevin Pryor

Passenger Organiser Bob Newham Branch Organisers Helen Bellette

Mick Cartwright Graham Fozzard Luke Hayden Trent Hunter Industrial Officers Lizanne Bennett Jessica Epps (Locomotive Division) Communications Officer Peter O’Connor

From the Branch Secretary In this issue of our union journal we celebrate a number of wins for members in major industrial agreements, as well as in workers compensation. There are also reports of RTBU members coming out in support of May Day events across the State and participating in the Change the Rules campaign and Right to Strike rallies. This issue of the Rail & Road also contains notices from the Australian Electoral Commission for upcoming RTBU elections. As has been the practice in previous elections the union will produce a Special Election Supplement prior to the election, to provide candidates the opportunity to support their candidacy for the various contested positions in the RTBU 2018 elections.

believe will best represent their interests and the interests of all RTBU members. Voting in your union’s elections is an important exercise of your democratic rights and responsibilities. The union elections are conducted by the Australian Electoral Commission. To ensure your Union remains democratic all members are urged to vote in the RTBU 2018 election. Don’t leave it to someone else. I urge all members to Vote in Your Union’s elections. With anti-worker and anti-union Governments in power at the Federal and State levels, our members, our families and our communities will continue to be faced with some hard times ahead.

It is important to take this opportunity to remind ourselves that the strength and health of our union relies on its democratic structures and decision-making processes.

New challenges of continuing to fight for strong industrial laws that protect all worker’s interests, and hostile employers attempting to undermine and erode existing working conditions.

All members have the opportunity, through democratic elections, to choose the representatives that they

The next few years will require our union to be on top of its game to ensure that all of our members

and their families are protected and defended against any attacks. To be able to effectively defend jobs and working conditions in this environment, to be able to negotiate collective agreements that benefit our members, we need the best union representatives available. The union will be as strong and as effective as its leadership and its union representatives in each and every workplace. This makes your vote in these elections an important decision on the future of our industry and our members. I urge all members to consider their vote very carefully to be sure that you choose the very best person/s to represent members. Most importantly, do not waste your democratic rights, be sure to vote by returning your ballot papers in accordance with the instructions provided. I wish all candidates well in their desire to represent RTBU members in the future.

In this Issue Industrial News The Ongoing Battle for a Fair Deal at ARTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Airport Link Huge Win for Members. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Industrial Notes John Holland EA Negotiations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Aurizon Coal EA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 RailTrain EA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 SSR EA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 General News Locomotive Division Delegates Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Newcastle Transport Interchange Builders in Dispute. . . . . . . . 11

RTBU Secretary Sleeps Rough for Homeless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RTBU Members Turn Out For May Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Right to Strike Rally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stop the Secrecy at Sydney and NSW Trains. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Regional Transport Forum – Goulburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turnbull’s Unfair Budget. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RTBU Election Notice – NSW Branch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Safety Matters Retired Driver Speaks Up about Railway Tragedies. . . . . . . . . . RTBU Locomotive Member Compo Win Sets Precedent. . . . . . . Whistlestop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11 12 13 14 16 17 19 23 24 25

Industrial News The Ongoing Battle for a Fair Deal at ARTC We have been in negotiations with ARTC since October 2016 to renew the NSW Infrastructure Maintenance agreement. Our members have been fighting for a new Agreement for ARTC infrastructure maintainers since October 2016. Despite management trying every trick in the book, our members are holding staunch and have voted down management’s latest offer by a bigger percentage than when they rejected the previous offer. The key issues in bargaining for members have been 4.0% increase to wages and allowances per annum effective from the expiry of the previous agreement and improvements to the classification structure, particularly scheduled career progression over a 24 month period. Management’s key claims have been compliance with the Commonwealth Government’s bargaining policy.

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Management has now forced three offers out to a vote and ARTC members have rejected them three times. ARTC members have also voted up two protected action ballots. At the end of 2017, our members took part in an indefinite ban on using work emails; an indefinite ban on stay away from home overnight as well as bans on travelling to work locations by plane, doing on-call or overtime and an indefinite ban on completing workplace documentation which saw members stood down. The result of these actions was that management put a revised offer on the table about increases to allowances, they also withdrew cuts to the union rights clauses. Our members’ response was clear, this was an improvement but not enough.

Management continues to try to use the Fair Work Commission to force members to accept their deal but so far, they have been unsuccessful. Instead the Fair Work Commission has told them to keep talking to the negotiating team. Following management’s failure to offer a fair deal, even after changes to the Commonwealth Government bargaining policy that significantly lifted restrictions on government owned enterprises, our members at ARTC are now preparing for strike action. Strikes will start on the 9th July 2018 and we welcome the new members who have joined to participate in the action. Their wins are proof that when we have big membership numbers and strong leaders in the workplace we can win, no matter what the boss throws at us.

RAIL & ROAD June 2018

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Airport Link - Huge Win for Union Members The Airport Link Company Enterprise Agreement was completed in February 2018 when the members overwhelmingly endorsed the new EA by a 98% YES vote. The negotiations began with management offering a pay rise of 2% with a rollover of conditions, it was rejected and a clear message sent to the company that their offer was nowhere near the mark. Members refused to sit back down at the table if the company was going to continue to press a ridiculous figure considering the rates of pay they were on compared to the industry standard. Members also argued that the cost of living in NSW and the patronage numbers throughout the city has sky rocketed over the past 4 years especially around the airport areas, meaning a steep increase in revenue for ALC. The fight was also to recognise that ALC is a company with a female dominated workforce which we wanted protected, respected and acknowledged. The saddening and terrible statistics of domestic

violence in this country, which shows that the majority of domestic violence victims are female, is something that everyone needs to play their part in addressing. Domestic Violence Leave was a claim pushed from the outset and no one wavered until it was achieved. From 4 months of negotiations and amazing solidarity, the following proposal was achieved by the union through these negotiations; • 4 Year agreement, expiring in 2021 • 3.75% per annum, back dated to the 1st July 2017 (15% over 4 years) • Introduction of 1 Week Paid Domestic Violence Leave and 1 Week Unpaid Domestic Violence Leave (2 Weeks total) • Introduction of an Early Morning Shift Allowance Penalty of 115% (Effectively giving the 04:00am-

06:00am starters an extra 1 hour pay per day) • Introduction of the MOR Station Controllers into the agreement, receiving a 7% pay rise in 2017 and 3.75% every year following (17.50% over 4 years) • A review of the structure that was conducted during negotiations that identified 2 permanent positions that could be added – these new positions have already been advertised by the company • A commitment in writing from ALC to adopt a committee with the union to discuss Employee Paid Journey Cover and whether or not employees want to opt in This is an amazing outcome for all involved and should be a beacon of hope as to what is achievable by a strong union workplace.

Laing O’Rourke Productivity and Site Allowance – Step 3 Dispute Conciliation was held in the Fair Work Commission late last year to deal with Laing O’Rourke not paying the Productivity and Site Allowance to employees who were working on the North Shore Project. This allowance applies when a project blows out to over $30 million dollars. Laing O’Rourke was awarded a portion of this contract in 2016 which totalled $21 million dollars. Since then, Laing O’Rourke has received more portions of the North Shore Project through contract variations, this portion was designated ‘Portion 7’ which brought the total cost of the contract to over $100 million dollars. Laing O’Rourke stated they did not have to pay the allowance to employees once achieving portion 7 as the allowance is only payable

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based on the original contract value and not on variations. The RTBU disputed this as we believed that irrespective of how Laing O’Rourke is awarded $100 million dollars worth of work, the allowance applies. The Commissioner agreed with the union and provided a recommendation to Laing O’Rourke that they pay the allowance to all employees on the North Shore Project from the date the project exceeded $30 million dollars. Laing O’Rourke wrote to the RTBU after the hearing stating they agreed with the Commissioner and would pay all employees who worked on portion 7 of the North Shore Project the allowance from the date it exceeded $30 million dollars. We wrote to Laing O’Rourke again stating that their interpretation of the

Commissioner’s recommendation was completely incorrect as the allowance applies to all employees who work on the North Shore Project, not just portion 7. We immediately filed in the Commission again asking for the matter to be relisted and a determination to be made by the commissioner. The hearing was held on the 15th May 2018. The hearing was adjourned to allow sufficient time for the commissioner to review all the evidence presented by the RTBU and the company prior to making a decision. A further hearing will be scheduled for a determination once the Commissioner has reached her decision.

RAIL & ROAD June 2018

Voestalpine Enterprise Agreement Negotiations & Protected Industrial Action A protected action ballot conducted in December 2017 was voted up by 100% of members at Bathurst workshops. Members began action at the beginning of the year with an overtime ban. This one action saw an improved offer placed on the table by management. The new offer is; • 3 year agreement • 2.25% wage increase the first year; 2% per annum for the second and third year • NES Provisions with an increase from 12 weeks to 16 weeks, capped for employees over 10 years of service • Compliance with the ABCC • A new Loyalty Bonus for service to VAE (starting from 6 years service)

• Superannuation as per legislation • Removal of Shower Time • Removal of Laundry Time • Removal of Blood Donor’s Leave • Medical evidence of sick leave to be provided after 2 days down from 3 • Personal Leave to be paid on termination (subject to provisions) • Cashing out of Personal Leave (subject to provisions) • Book Off Day to remain; subject to individual and/or collective agreement to vary due to production requirements • A Lump sum payment of $1000 gross per person for a “Yes” vote

Members rejected this offer. A further offer was presented in April 2018 which included a pay rise of 3.0% per annum alongside introducing various provisions within the National Employment Standards (NES); this new offer did not address concerns or provide protections members have with various working conditions at Bathurst Workshops. Regardless of the bargaining team disagreeing with the new offer, the company put the offer out for a vote and it was overwhelmingly rejected. The members fight continues for a fair deal.

When Turnbull attacks unions, working people are the victims

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Authorised by S. McManus, ACTU Secretary, 365 Queen St, Melbourne 3000. ACTU D No. 130/2017

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RAIL & ROAD June 2018

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Industrial Notes

John Holland Enterprise Agreement Negotiations Enterprise agreement negotiations with John Holland for the NSW Rail agreement have been ongoing for the last 6 months. We have managed to bring the company to a 4 year agreement with a wage offer of 3.5% per year for the first 3 years and 3.75% (up from a 2.0% per annum offer by the company) in the final year including back pay to January 2018. The deal also includes improvements to the rostering provisions within the agreement, improvements to clothing and equipment being supplied by John Holland, improvements on expenses for travel and new classifications added in the electrical stream to incorporate qualifications with 5 years experience. The RTBU team also protected an overtime meal allowance from being removed as well as increasing the penalty rate of travelling time when travelling on the weekends. The RTBU will be conducting member meetings at Seven Hills and Rutherford depots to talk to members about the negotiation process, the current offer and what are the next steps. Country Regional Network (CRN) A meeting was held in February 2018 to discuss the upcoming restructure of the re-sleepering division of John Holland CRN. The re-sleepering work on the John Holland CRN network has almost run out, therefore John Holland CRN provided various proposals to TFNSW in an effort to redistribute the employees in the re-sleepering division to elsewhere within CRN. TFNSW rejected these proposals which resulted in a cut to John Holland CRN’s budget, meaning a restructure and redundancies are more than likely to occur this year with a view that 60 Infrastructure positions would be lost. However, a further meeting was held on Monday, 30th April 2018 with John Holland management and RTBU members to discuss changes in the projected job losses. John Holland presented a business case with various proposals to TFNSW which included bringing Vegetation Control back in house in an effort to save jobs. TFNSW accepted this proposal and restored some of the funding that was cut from John Holland CRN’s budget. This new development has decreased the projected job losses in Infrastructure from 60 down to 36. Further consultation around this restructure will continue as new information comes to light and we will continue to support RTBU members through this difficult process.

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Aurizon Coal EA Aurizon Delegates are currently at the pointy end of negotiations and the company is trying to get some reduction in 1 of the current allowances to justify the outcome. So far the RTBU Loco Division negotiation team has been able to negotiate the following benefits: • 76 hour duty cycle • 1 hr lift up / lay back at home depot and 1 change • 2hr lift up lay back at barracks and 1 change • Included Shunting, provisioning, Roll By, Dump Stn Door Inspector as 10 hour shift limit • Representatives at disciplinary meetings (not as a support person) • Cert 4 issued with competencies • No sign on after midday • 1 in 3 weekends off • Rest breaks instead of meal break • Picnic day for each depot • Paid leave for Emergency leave • New Domestic violence leave • Include grain working clause instead of company using IFA to run grain working, and • Include workplace privacy, employee surveillance & Communications clause A sticking point at the moment is the company wants a reduction from 10% Distributed Power allowance to 5 %, or reduction of Driver only mainline allowance from 18% to 13%.

RAIL & ROAD June 2018

RailTrain EA The Company has now advised the National Office that they have withdrawn from the current negotiations and are going to re-commence the bargaining process from scratch, based on state based agreements at the same time not providing any increases or improved entitlements/conditions to members. While this is disappointing, we will not walk away and along with the National Office continue to represent our members working for RailTrain. In another bit of news, the Company recently announced that they had found a new CEO and that the successful person was Steve Cowan who for those that don’t know was the CEO of Pacific National Coal and Bulk in NSW/ East Coast for a number of years and who we negotiated the Bulk/Coal Agreement with.

Linx Cargo Linx Cargo took over the Aurizon Intermodal business between Enfield and Pt Botany and Enfield and Newcastle and is currently using SRS (Sydney Rail Services) to run their trains until they gain their own accreditation and start employing their own Crew. We have had a number of meetings with the Company so far which have all been positive and we are confident they are genuine and not looking to undercut industry standards/rates.

RAIL & ROAD June 2018

Rhomberg Australia National Enterprise Agreement Negotiations Rhomberg Rail EA negotiations began in February 2018 for the renewal of the national enterprise agreement. The RTBU has conducted the last few enterprise agreement negotiations with Rhomberg Rail. This time around, Rhomberg attempted to quietly start the negotiations without notifying the RTBU. Rhomberg Rail also tried to stop the RTBU being involved in the enterprise agreement by stating that due to no members nominating us on the ‘Notice of Representational Rights’ form, they could not recognise us as a representative. The Fair Work Act states that members of a union are by default represented in any industrial matters such as enterprise bargaining negotiations. Rhomberg Rail has quit their silly games and is now negotiating a new EA with your RTBU bargaining team. Further meetings were conducted throughout May 2018.

SSR EA

After bargaining for over 18 months, SSR told our bargaining representatives at the last meeting that they would take the Enterprise Agreement out to employees for a vote. This was despite the fact that the parties had not reached agreement on what constituted a reasonable pay increase and were still awaiting the redrafted EA. Following this meeting, the RTBU were provided with a final draft version of the Enterprise Agreement. SSR were advised that the RTBU would view this document in order to ensure that the document accurately reflected what had been agreed in negotiations. Ordinarily, this stage of the bargaining process is simply to double-check the document, and does not usually pose many issues. However, when we went through the document we found that there were

numerous changes to the Enterprise Agreement – including the insertion of several new clauses that had not been discussed with our bargaining team. Some of the surprise changes were, • The insertion of five new clauses without discussion with the RTBU • The rewriting of clause 8.6 • The addition of words to clause 12.1.5 • The addition of words that allow SSR to waive the 2 hours’ notice for liftup, despite only having just agreed to insert this clause into the document • The deletion of words from clause 24 without discussion or agreement. We have demanded another meeting before this Agreement goes out to a vote to address these serious attempts to undermine the bargaining process.

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General News Locomotive Division Delegates Conference 2018 On the 27th and 28th March 2018, Locomotive Division delegates gathered for the 2018 Delegates Conference. The conference theme was “Stand Up, Fight Back”. Over the two days your RTBU Team listened to experts, learned from union fights overseas and planned how we fight back against inequality at work and in our communities. The conference was a fantastic opportunity for our delegates to collaborate with each other and also with international rail experts about where we go from here. It was inspiring to listen to our delegates speak up about the modern challenges we face in organising the railways and the importance of our collective power in overcoming these problems. Each challenge that we face and conquer together will only make us stronger. Our Guest Speakers were as follows: RMTU from New Zealand - Todd Valster (Organiser ex LE), Mike Williams (KR Freight LE & RMTU National Management Committee) and Leighton Mosese (Transdev Auckland LE and Auckland Branch Secretary) ASLEF from the UK - Michael Whelan (General Secretary), David Calfe (Executive Committee Member 7 Driver Virgin Trains) and Andrew Hourigan (Executive Committee member for District No.3)

Mel Gatfield – United Voice National Secretary, and

We heard about the realities of how the economy hurts workers.

Shannon O’Keeffe – ITF

We were reminded about the role that unions play as a collective economic change agent and the importance of hope in sustaining us through these big fights.

Michael Barnes – Carrol O’Dea Lawyers Our National Secretary Bob Nanva opened the conference by reminding us that now is the time to be bold and take the fight directly to the rich and powerful who want to destroy us. We had a special address by ACTU Secretary Sally McManus:

We heard that taking on power is the only way we win, and that regardless of where we work, our fight is the same so global solidarity is key to winning.

JRU from Japan - Mr. Akinori Yanagi (General Secretary - JRU), Ms. Tomoko Mukawa (Interpreter) and Mr Masayuki Fukushima (Driver of JR East and General Secretary of JREU Youth Section) Jim Stanford Ph.D. - Economist and Director of the Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute

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Newcastle transport interchange builders in $2.5m bill dispute The builder of Newcastle’s $200 million transport interchange and one of its subcontractors are embroiled in a fight over almost $2.5 million in disputed payments. Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction took action in the Supreme Court last month against rail infrastructure subcontractor, Monford Group, attempting to have an adjudicator’s decision about payment overturned. The dispute relates to a bill for $2.47 million Monford lodged with Laing O’Rourke in September last year for work the company claimed was done on the transport interchange at Wickham. The construction of Newcastle Interchange In October, Laing O’Rourke told the subcontractor it was not paying and Monford Group made an application under the Construction Industry Security of Payment Act to have an adjudicator rule on the dispute. Monford claimed it was owed $2.72 million for work and variations to its original contract. According to the adjudicator’s original decision, Monford provided details of the work carried out on the transport interchange by identifying the number of bolts used on each platform. It also submitted daily timesheets signed by Laing O’Rourke and

a purchase order detailing costs incurred. In November, the adjudicator ruled Monford was owed $1.17 million, including $590,288.97 for variations or additional work. Unhappy with the decision, Laing O’Rourke took action in the Supreme Court disputing claims for variations valued at more than $2 million. It claimed that some of the work carried out by Monford did not constitute a variation and so the money was not owed. Justice James Stevenson found

the adjudicator’s decision was made “without jurisdiction” and overturned the decision. He found the adjudicator ruled in favour of Monford based on rejecting Laing O’Rourke’s arguments about the variations, “without any consideration of whether Monford had carried out the work, or the value of the work carried out”. He also found that in six of the claims the adjudicator did not consider whether the work was a variation to Monford’s original contract.

RTBU Secretary Sleeps Rough for Homeless CEO Sleepout: One night isn’t a lot, but it can make a whole lot of difference On Thursday 21 June, I slept rough yet again for the 7th time to raise funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness as part of the 2018 Vinnies CEO Sleepout. As a union leader I am committed to social justice and protecting the rights of workers and I know how easy it can be to find yourself out of a job, fall on hard times and spiral into homelessness. It would be unimaginable to have to live through a Sydney winter without a roof over your head and it’s important we all remember that there are now over 105000 men, women and children in Australia who do so every year. It’s these people I thought of as I huddled up for the night at the White Bay Cruise Terminal. - Alex Claassens, RTBU Secretary

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RTBU members turned out at May Day events around the State to march for workers rights #ChangeTheRules

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RAIL & ROAD June 2018

Right to Strike Rally RTBU members came from far and wide to join the MUA and other unions gathered at Sydney Town Hall on May 29, and marched to the offices of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) where a lively rally was held calling for an end to laws limiting the right to strike. In calling the rally, the MUA said: “Breaking the shackles on our right to organise and strike is the way workers can rebuild union strength and membership, grow wages and push back the growth of corporate power over all aspects of our lives. “The Maritime Union of Australia, Sydney Branch, has initiated this rally in the face of multiple attacks from bosses using the ‘Fair Work’ Commission. At Hutchison Ports, bosses tried to force workers straight back into unsafe conditions following a serious industrial accident that has left a straddlecarrier driver in a coma. “Union officials were denied entry to the workplace in the wake of the accident. Workers have been stood down for exercising their rights under Workplace Health and Safety laws. “Workers across the country on picket lines are being targeted and scab strike breakers are being used during ‘protected’ action to do their work, all with the backing of the Fair Work Act. The branch and officials are facing lawsuits. Nationally, the MUA faces fines or damages costs totalling more than

RAIL & ROAD June 2018

$200 million. “MUA members in Sydney [are] taking a strong stand on May 29 to say enough is enough. We want big contingents from all unions to show that workers are willing to stand together to fight for our right to strike, our right to work with dignity and our right to come home alive.” The workers marched through city streets to the FWC, chanting, “The workers united will never be defeated” and “One struggle, one fight, we demand the right to strike”. MUA Assistant national secretary Warren Smith told the crowd outside the FWC office: “Congratulations to all the workers at Port Botany, who have walked out today, and all other workers on strike for this action. We will continue this campaign until we win the right to strike in this country.” MUA Sydney deputy branch secretary Paul Keating said: “We have seen our freedoms slowly taken away. It is not enough to change the rules; we need to change the system.” MUA national women’s liaison officer Mich-Elle Myers said: “This struggle is not just about maritime workers, it’s about every worker in this country. They have been treated abominably by the bosses, the Fair Work Commission and the government. “We need to mobilise in our communities and fight to win the right to strike.” Other speakers included representatives of the Electrical Trades Union; the National Tertiary Education Union; the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Electrical Union; and Greens MP David Shoebridge in calling for support

for the ACTU’s Change the Rules campaign, leading to the abolition of the laws limiting the right to organise in Australia. Graham Drysdale who is a Train

Guard at Newcastle and an RTBU member and travelled from Newcastle on his day off to attend The Right to Strike Rally today and marched from Town Hall to the Fair Work Commission in William Street to protest against the unfair industrial Laws and Decisions of the Commission against working people of Australia.

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Award wages up by 3.5% from July 1 On June 1, The Fair Work Commission granted award-reliant workers a 3.5% increase, the largest increase to the minimum wage since 2010, lifting the national minimum wage by $24.30 a week or 64 cents an hour in this year’s annual wage review ruling. The new weekly minimum wage will be $719.20 – or $18.93 an hour – from July 1. The ACTU had asked the panel for a $50 (7.2%) increase in the federal minimum wage, boosting it to $744.90 a week. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) called for the panel to order no more than a 1.9% ($13.20 a week) increase, while the Australian Industry Group (AiG) sought a 1.8% rise, which equates to $12.50 a week for the lowest paid.

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RAIL & ROAD June 2018

Stop the Secrecy at Sydney & NSW Trains A veil of secrecy is starting to fall over Sydney and NSW Trains, this direction has clearly come at the political request from Transport for NSW. Delegates are now being asked to sign confidentiality documents before they have discussions with management about their working conditions. As a member/delegate employed by Sydney/NSW Trains you are already covered by the Code of Conduct and there should be no need for you to sign an additional confidentiality form in normal circumstances. As a union member and an employee you must be consulted when management is considering a major change to your working conditions. So it is outrageous that Sydney and NSW Trains are now telling delegates that they have to sign confidentiality agreements before being consulted on issues – this is not true. They have even told delegates that they cannot participate in discussions about your working conditions if they do not sign these documents. The documents that management are asking your delegates to sign, limit their ability to represent you by banning them from talking to you about management’s proposed changes. This is unacceptable. If you or your delegates are asked to sign any type of document that mentions “confidentiality”, DO NOT SIGN it and please call the union office on 9264 2511. It is time to stop the secrecy. Management must respect your right to union representation.

Know Your Union Representative Julie Lawlor A proud RTBU union delegate for the Blue Mountains line in NSW Trains. Julie is passionate about building power in the workplace and defending RTBU members’ rights at work. Julie decided to become a union delegate because there was no union representative for the station staff on the Blue Mountains Line and believed management was treating our members unfairly. Last year Julie and the RTBU members from the Blue Mountains line had an important win. Julie and the Station Staff were tired of the constant workload pressures and the long hours. Together, Julie and the RTBU members told management that leaving 10 jobs on the line vacant and unadvertised was unacceptable. After petitions, disputes and messages from RTBU members NSW Trains management finally listened and filled those positions. This win was only possible because the RTBU members stuck together and showed management they are united. Its delegates like Julie who stand up to ensure our members are treated with respect and dignity. Congratulations Julie and the RTBU members on the Blue Mountains line.

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Panel unanimous in changes needed for regional transport At the core of proceedings at Politics in the Pub on April 16 in Goulburn, was the south east region, and in particular transport in the Canberra-Goulburn-Sydney corridor, needed to change. Problems did not stop at the track’s viability or investment in technology, but extended to the timetable and the lack of consultation between residents in smaller townships. The lack of connectivity between bus and trains in regional centres, and the focus on larger metro projects, such as the inner-Sydney light rail and train network, put regional Australia on the back burner. As the Goulburn Post reported, political affiliations, which usually spearhead the directive, came to a halt as Goulburn National Party representative James HarkerMortlock, Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) state secretary Alex Claassens, Southern Tablelands Rail User Group (STRUG) president Greg Price and Goulburn Labor candidate Dr Ursula Stephens were all in the same carriage, looking out at the same image. Over the past years, multiple factors have led to the characterisation of today’s climate. Consolidated Land and Rail Australia (CLARA) aims to build a line from Melbourne to Greater Shepparton, and later, a Sydney to Goulburn service with the intention of connecting the two main cities. Having recently won a share of the Faster Rail Prospectus funding, this $200 billion business case sits alongside Transport for NSW’s ambitious 40-year vision. With a new fleet expected to roll out in 2020 and unsuccessful changes to the Goulburn rail timetables, it almost feels that a lot is being done, but not in the right places. For Dr Stephens, it was a three pronged approach: Improve stock, improve the timetable and invest in upgrades to existing tracks.

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Politics in the Pub panel Goulburn National Party representative James Harker-Mortlock, State Secretary Alex Claassens, Southern Tablelands Rail User Group (STRUG) president Greg Price and Goulburn Labor candidate Ursula Stephens. “Successive state government’s have fiddled around the edges of commuter frustration, and from our perspective, have fiddled with the train and bus timetables to suit the majority of the population coming down the line to the Highlands, without much thought for the people who come further along the line to Goulburn, or beyond,” she said. “Rather than pie-in-the-sky fantasies costing hundreds of billions of dollars and taking decades to build, what we need is an achievable and affordable strategy that can improve travel times between Sydney and Canberra, to match or outmatch travelling by car, and will encourage people to take the train.” It was electrifying the network and providing tilt trains to decrease travel times for Mr Price. He repeated stories of stonewalled conversations between Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance and STRUG, who have lobbied for years on the improvement of the timetable and tilt train technology. “Regional rail action for NSW.. should be focused on improving all regional NSW. A more focus

regionally and community interconnectivity,” Mr Price said. “Tilt trains allows people to go where they are to where they want to go quicker.” He concluded the government needed to regain control of the Treasury. “We share the blame equally,” RTBU Secretary Mr Claassens said. “Part of the problem is the short term election cycles. It’s easier to build a road and buy buses than put rail in.” He criticised the lack of foresight in failing to pick Goulburn as a rail centre for future works. Both Mr Claassens and Mr HarkerMortlock repeated it was interconnectivity of services that was key, discussing alternative local options to improve transport, such as utilising school and club buses during the day. “We’re arguing as loudly as we can to get noticed,” Mr HarkerMortlock said, dismissing the need for complexity and pushing for practicality in the decision making process.

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Turnbull’s Unfair Budget We knew Turnbull’s Budget would be for the wealthy and big business. How could a Budget with $80 billion in corporate tax cuts to big business and the banks be anything but? But the devil is in the detail. When you scratch the surface you find a radically unfair budget looking to lock in inequality for years to come. Turnbull’s unfair Budget represents a lot of what we need to change. Here are just three unfair aspects of Turnbull’s Budget: 1. LOCKS IN UNFAIR TAXATION Turnbull’s tax reforms will put people who are on the full-time minimum wage of $37,000 per year in the same tax bracket as people earning $200,000 a year. In seven years time, people earning the minimum wage of $37,000 per year will get a tax cut of only $3.76 a week, while those earning $200,000 a year will get a $137.60 per week tax cut Now that’s obviously just not fair is it? 2. NO PLAN FOR WAGE RISES The whole budget is also predicated on the idea that wages magically are going to go up. We know that pay rises don’t just fall from the sky.

Especially when on 1 July there’s going to be a penalty rates pay cut again. Especially when Turnbull won’t even support increasing the minimum wage. Especially when 40 per cent of the workforce is in insecure work and Turnbull is doing nothing about it. 3. CUTS TO JOBS & SERVICES Malcolm Turnbull is also cutting more public sector jobs in the Budget with 1,280 more jobs cut from the Department of Human Services. There are already 55 million unanswered calls when people contact Centrelink. We can’t afford to have more good jobs cut out of our services like that. And there will be more debt collecting for welfare recipients. If you’re unemployed or if you’re on the pension or you’re a family that relies on payments from Centrelink, you’re going to be hounded. They’re not going after the 732 corporations who paid no tax in 2015/16. They’re not going after the 62 millionaires who paid no tax, not even the Medicare levy.

They’re only going after pensioners that really don’t have that much money to begin with. They have failed to deliver fair funding for schools and have cut funding of students with a disability. There are new cuts to TAFE and apprenticeships. Vocational education and training is facing a 3% funding cut. There’s still no permanent preschool funding and the continued freeze on university funding means tens of thousands of eligible students will miss out on a place at university. They’re cutting $87.3 million from the ABC, depriving Australians of reliable reporting on the affairs of their government. They’ve failed to ensure safe staffing in aged care. IT’S TIME TO TAKE ACTION There’s growing speculation that the Turnbull Government will use this radically unfair Budget to go to an election sooner rather than later. Our growing movement for change will be ready. It’s time to throw this failed government out and change the rules. Will you join us?

Filipino Communities Organiser – Sydney Alliance Hi. My name is Aloysius Canete and I am the new Filipino Communities Organiser with Sydney Alliance. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW is a partner with the Sydney Alliance together working on better transport, affordable housing, protecting penalty rates and affordable & renewable power. As a community organiser and advocate for worker’s rights and welfare, I am interested in connecting with Filipino-Australian union members. Let’s work together on how we can grow the power of the union and engage our many Filipino faith and community organisations in Western Sydney to build a better city for all. I can be contacted through my mobile 0434 255 700 or by email acanete@sydneyalliance.org.au Looking forward to being in touch!

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RTBU Supports 2018 Rhythm n Rail Festival Tenth Anniversary The 2018 Junee Rhythm n Rail Festival held over the week-end of 9th & 10th March,highlights included: The Athenium Theatre saw a Bush Dance on the Friday evening, a Youth Disco for 9-15yrs on the Saturday Night and the annual Combined Church Service on Sunday. There was plenty of live entertainment at the pubs, clubs and cafes around town all weekend. Saturday saw the Memorial Park come alive with the Festival Markets and performances on the Main Stage. Railway Square hosted a Rail Precinct with model train displays, miniature train rides by Mincher Railway, and heritage train rides to Wagga Wagga and Cootamundra by Lachlan Valley Railway, and an information stand by ARTC Inland Rail. Activities and displays were held at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory, Junee Roundhouse Museum, Peteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hobby Railway and Broadway Museum. The VRA Junee Rescue Squad performed a Mock Emergency Rescue after the Street Parade on Saturday. The Festival saw Illabo Motorsport Park become an Event Partner for the first time with the Illabo Vintage Speedway Spectacular Race Meeting. The RTBU BBQ was supporting the event and feeding the masses. From the sales we had a surplus of over $700 which will be donated back to the Festival. This is a yearly event supported by the RTBU in which we look forward to returning next year.

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RAIL & ROAD June 2018

Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union New South Wales Branch ELECTION NOTICE - E2018/81 Scheduled Election

Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 Nominations are called for: New South Wales Branch Branch Offices: Branch President Branch Secretary* Assistant Branch Secretary (Rail) Assistant Branch Secretary (Road) Branch Council Delegate Affirmative Action (Woman) from Tram & Bus Division (1) Branch Council Delegate Affirmative Action (Woman) from Rail Divisions (1) Locomotive Division Branch Divisional Offices Branch Divisional President Branch Divisional Vice President (Freight) Branch Divisional Vice President (Passenger) Branch Divisional Secretary* Assistant Branch Divisional Secretary (Freight) Assistant Branch Divisional Secretary (Passenger) Branch Divisional Delegates to Branch Council as follows: • Metropolitan District (3) • Northern District (2) • Western District (1) • Southern District (1) Sub-Divisional Representative on Branch Divisional Committee (Council) as follows: • ETR/ Railcorp Group 1 (1) • ETR/ Railcorp Group 2 (1) • ETR/ Railcorp Group 3 (1) • ETR/ Railcorp Group 4 (1) • Intercity/Railcorp Group (1) • CountryLink /Railcorp Group (1) • North Coast Group (1) • Western Group (1) • North-West Group (1)

• South-West Group (1) • Central Group (1) • Metropolitan Group 1 (1) Sub-Divisional Representatives (Depot Organisers) as follows: ETR/RailCorp Groups • Hornsby (1) • Blacktown (1) • Penrith (1) • Richmond (1) • Flemington (1) • Campbelltown (1) • Liverpool (Leppington) (1) • Auburn Maintenance Facility (AMF) (1) • Central (1) • North Sydney (1) • Mortdale (1) • Cronulla (1) • Waterfall (1) Intercity/Railcorp Group • Newcastle Interchange (1) • Gosford (1) • Wollongong (1) • Eveleigh (1) • Mount Victoria (1) • Moss Vale (1) • Lithgow Countrylink/RailCorp • Sydney (1) North Coast Group • PN Intermodal Brisbane (1) • PN Intermodal Taree (1) Metropolitan Group 1 • PN Intermodal Sydney (1) • PN Intermodal Pt Kembla (1) • PN Bulk Enfield (1) • PN Coal Pt Kembla (1) • PN Bluescope Pt Kembla (1) • QUBE Sydney (1) Western Group • PN Intermodal Parkes (1) • PN Intermodal Broken Hill (1)

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• PN Bulk Parkes (1) • PN Coal Lithgow (1) South West Group • PN Intermodal Junee (1) • PN Bulk Cootamundra (1) • PN Bulk Moss Vale (1) • QUBE Junee North West Group • PN Bulk Werris Creek (1) • PN Coal Gunnedah (1) • Aurizon Coal Quirindi (1) Central Group • PN Bulk Morandoo (1) • PN Coal Port Waratah (1) • Aurizon Coal Mayfield ( Newcastle) (1) • GWA Mayfield West (1) • RailTrain Newcastle (1) • PN Coal Greta (1) • Aurizon Coal Antiene (1) Rail Operations Division Branch Divisional President Branch Divisional VicePresident Branch Divisional Secretary Branch Divisional Delegates to Branch Council as follows: • Metropolitan District (4) • Northern District (1) • Western District (1) • Southern District (1) Sub-Divisional Representatives on Branch Divisional Committee (as follows): • Train Guards Sub-Division (1) • Customer Service Attendants Sub-Division (2) • Terminal Operators SubDivision (1) • Signallers Sub-Division (1) • On-Board Passenger Train Sub-Division (1) • Transport Officers SubDivision (1)

Sub-Divisional positions (as follows): Train Guards Sub-Division • Branch Sub-Division President • Branch Sub-Division Vice President • Branch Sub-Division Secretary Depot Sub-Division Secretaries (as follows): • Blacktown (1) • Campbelltown (1) • Cronulla (1) • Flemington Maintenance Centre (1) • Gosford (1) • Hornsby Maintenance Centre (1) • Lithgow (1) • Leppington (1) • Mortdale Maintenance Centre (1) • Moss Vale (1) • Mount Victoria (1) • Newcastle Interchange (1) • North Sydney (1) • Penrith (1) • Richmond (1) Rail Operations Division • Central (1) • Sydney Inter-City (1) • Waterfall (1) • Wollongong (1) • Auburn Stabling Yard (ASY) (1) Customer Service Attendants Sub Division • Branch Sub-Division President • Branch Sub-Division Vice President • Branch Sub-Division Secretary Terminal Operators SubDivision • Branch Sub-Division President

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• Branch Sub-Division Vice President • Branch Sub-Division Secretary Signallers Sub-Division • Branch Sub-Division President • Branch Sub-Division Vice President • Branch Sub-Division Secretary On-Board Passenger Train Sub-Division • Branch Sub-Division President • Branch Sub-Division Vice President • Branch Sub-Division Secretary Sub-Division Secretaries (as follows): • Sydney (1) • Albury (1) • Dubbo (1) • Grafton (1) Transport Officers SubDivision • Branch Sub-Division President • Branch Sub-Division Vice President • Branch Sub-Division Secretary Infrastructure Division Branch Divisional President Branch Divisional VicePresident Branch Divisional Secretary Sub-Divisional Representatives on Divisional Committee (as follows): • Sydney Trains (10) • Australian Track Corporation (2) • John Holland Pty Ltd. (2) Branch Divisional Delegates to Branch Council • Metropolitan District (2) • Northern District (1) • North Coast District (1) • Western District (1) • Southern District (1)

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Fleet Manufacture, Overhaul, Maintenance and Service Division Branch Divisional President Branch Divisional VicePresident Branch Divisional Secretary Branch Divisional Delegates to Branch Council as follows: • Metropolitan District (1) • Northern, Western & Southern District (1) Sub-Divisional Representatives on Divisional Committee (as follows): • Metropolitan District Group (3) • Metropolitan District Group ( Bus • Engineering) (1) • Northern District Group (1) • Southern District Group (1) • Western District Group (1) Administrative, Supervisory, Technical and Professional Division Branch Divisional President Branch Divisional VicePresident Branch Divisional Secretary Sub-Divisional Representatives on Divisional Committee (as follows): • Metropolitan District Group (7) • Northern District Group (1) • Southern District Group (1) • Western District Group (1) Branch Divisional Delegates to Branch Council as follows: • Metropolitan District Group (2) • Northern District Group (1) • Wester & Southern District Group (1) • STA Group (1) Tram and Bus Division Branch Divisional President* Branch Divisional VicePresident

Branch Divisional Secretary* Sub-Divisional Representatives on Divisional Committee (as follows): • Mona Vale (1) • Brookvale (1) • Willoughby (1) • North Sydney (1) • Kingsgrove (1) • Ryde (1) • Leichhardt (1) • Belmont (1) • Hamilton (1) • Waverley (1) • Randwick (1) • Port Botany (1) • Burwood (1) • Pyrmont (Sydney Light Rail) (1) • Tempe (1) Branch Divisional Delegates to Branch Council Tram and Bus Division (5) NOTE: All offices that are followed by an * are identified as paid positions. For duties and responsibilities of each office please refer to the organisation’s rules. Nominations, which must be in writing, signed and comply with the registered rules of the Union, may be made at any time after 9:00am (AEST) from 2/07/2018. They must reach my office, postal address or AEC email inbox not later than 5:00pm (AEST) on Monday 23 July 2018 Nominations cannot be withdrawn after 5:00pm (AEST) on Thursday, 2 August 2018. A Nomination form is available from me or from the branch office of the Union. HOW TO LODGE NOMINATIONS By Post: Returning Officer, Australian Electoral Commission, PO Box 496, HAYMARKET NSW 1240

By Hand: Australian Electoral Commission, Level 10, 59 Goulburn Street, HAYMARKET NSW 2000 By Fax: 02 6215 9910 By Email: A properly completed nomination form including all necessary signatures may be scanned and submitted as a pdf file to nswelections@aec. gov.au. PLEASE NOTE: Emails to the AEC inbox that appear to be spam may be blocked. It is the responsibility of senders to ensure that their email reaches the AEC before the deadline for nominations. You may call the contact number provided to check. Voting Period The ballot, if required, will open on 3/09/2018 and close at 5:00pm AEST on 24/09/2018. Attendance ballots will be held on Thursday, 20 September 2018 between 7:00am and 4:30pm (AEST) for all offices which represent members within the Tram and Bus Division only. These will be advertised separately at each workplace. Scrutineers A candidate shall be entitled to appoint, by notice in writing to the Returning Officer, another person to act at his/her own expense as a scrutineer on his/her behalf. A form is available from the Returning Officer for the purposes of appointing. Other Information Changed Address? Advise the Union now. Note: A copy of the AEC’s election report can be obtained from the Union or from the Returning Officer after the completion of the election.

RAIL & ROAD June 2018

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RAIL & ROAD June 2018

Safety Matters Retired driver speaks up about railway tragedies

Image: Saber Baluch, SBS Insight A recent Insight Program on SBS, on 24 April, featured a story from Mick White, a retired driver and RTBU Locomotive Division member from the Blue Mountains, about the horrific realities of deaths on our railways. On behalf of the NSW RTBU Locomotive Division and all train drivers near and far, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to thank Mick for telling his story, as it will shine a spotlight on the experiences of train drivers that is all too common. Because of media censorship laws preventing media reports on suicide, we rarely hear about these terrible incidents on our railways and the impact this has on drivers and all involved. In his 30 year career as a train driver, Mick has been witness to 3 deaths, and 20 near misses. Unfortunately and unsurprisingly, this left Mick with severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD manifests itself in many different ways, depression, addiction, isolation and other mental challenges. Your Union is here to support you in these circumstances, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to take this opportunity to remind all members to call us on 9264 2511 for assistance. For anyone having a tough time, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, for someone to talk to.

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RTBU Locomotive member WIN sets state-wide precedent In an excellent win not just for our member, but for workers across NSW, the Workers Compensation Commission has made a landmark decision to grant compensation for retired railway worker Sam Baldacchino for an injury incurred over a decade ago. RTBU NSW Locomotive Division Secretary, Bob Hayden explains, “when first Sam told us about his injury, we knew that he would need a strong legal team to fight for him so that he could get the compensation he deserved.” In 1999, Sam sustained serious damage to his knee as a shunter driver. He was later left with no choice but to undergo an expensive knee replacement and intensive rehabilitation. Our legal team at Carrol & O’Dea lawyers worked with Sam to compile a strong case for compensation, despite 2012 legislation changes that made it even harder for Sam to win. “In a landmark decision, Sam has won compensation for his knee replacement, creating an incredible precedent for workers across the state.” “Essentially, what this means is that members can now apply for compensation for replacement surgeries due to injuries that happened even decades earlier. This is particularly important for our retired members.” “This is another fantastic win not just for Sam and the Locomotive Division, but to all workers in NSW, retired and active.” Mr Hayden said. An opinion piece in the Newcastle Herald made the following observations on the decision: “There are many facts of life that are inescapable for most of us as we get older and a steady increase in aches and pains as we age may seem like one of the more unremarkable ones. For many the entry into the retirement years may also be accompanied by some of the common ailments, which have significant impacts on lifestyle and for which surgery may

be the only option to a return to a pain-free way of life. But what if it is more than simply the ageing process at play? For retired NSW railway worker Sam Baldacchino, what might have been the effects of ageing was in reality the significant and ongoing deterioration of a workplace injury sustained years earlier in 1999. And in news that that will be welcomed by workers and their families in the Hunter and across the state, his win to be compensated for the cost of a knee replacement has rewritten the compensation laws in NSW. A work place accident or injury can result in enormous stress and uncertainty for any worker, not only at the time of the injury but years after, particularly if consequences are ongoing and require ongoing medical treatment spanning years if not a lifetime”. Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers who successfully ran the case for Mr Baldacchino, explain the far-reaching implications of the decision: “The interpretation by the Commission of the phrase ‘artificial aid’ so as to include a knee replacement is enormously significant for injured workers across the state whose injuries worsen over time and who are currently excluded from compensation”, said Carroll & O’Dea Lawyers’ Peter Lleonart. “Any worker who now requires knee replacement surgery as a result of a deteriorating workplace injury, no matter how long ago that injury occurred, could now be eligible. “Indeed it is now also very likely that any person requiring any other type of joint replacement from an injury, such as for a hip or shoulder, will be compensated, no matter how long ago the injury occurred, assuming, of course, the need for the procedure can be related back to their injury. “The decision will also ensure that injured workers will not lose their entitlements as a result of delays in the determination of disputes including deliberate stalling tactics from insurers”, said Mr Lleonart.

John Whitty John Whitty was the Southern and Western Salaried Branch Councillor, John also represented Rail Operations members in his area, when NSW Trains announced the restructures in Regional Areas John agreed to be part of the Staff Review team to try and keep Regional Stations open and jobs for our members.NSW Trains intended to close eleven stations, John and the team were able to keep eight stations open and of the three that were closed, trains had stopped running there thirteen years prior. John was successful in assisting members keep jobs in many locations but unfortunately he was unable to save his own role and was forced to accept redundancy. John was given a Certificate of Appreciation by the RTBU for his tireless efforts in assisting our members across the State and on behalf of all RTBU Members we thank him and wish him and his family a great future.

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Whistlestop Marg’s Leaving after 32 Years in The Union On Friday 18th May 2018, the Newcastle Office bid a very sad farewell to Margaret Mahon, after she has worked for 32 years for our Union. Margaret worked in Sydney Office’s under the banner of the Australian Railways Union from around 1986 until amalgamation of the Unions formed the Rail Tram & Bus Union in 1993. From 1993 up until 2014 Marg worked in Sydney before moving to the Newcastle Office (Hawaiian Branch). On Friday 18th May 2018, we celebrated Margaret’s career with a lunch at Queens Wharf Brewery

on Newcastle Harbour with her Newcastle Colleagues and Friends. We wish Marg all the very best in her future career and her journey wherever that may take her & Bob. Margaret & Bob you will both be sadly missed and hope you can call in whenever in Newcastle for a cuppa.

Ron Simmons 50 years on the job Ron Simmons celebrated 50 years on the job recently at the Parkes Rural and Bulk Depot. Ron started his career on the 06/06/1968 at Binnaway. His first job was the Mudgee Mail Train to Gwabegar and return, he was at Binnaway for a couple of years then transferred to Parkes in 1970. Ron was an acting driver for 9 years and was promoted to full driver around 1982. We have a joke with Ron that he was the last man to use a steam engine in the Parkes Yard. Ron neither confirms nor denies this. The job has had a few changes since he joined with more responsibilities put on the driver

RAIL & ROAD June 2018

and his mate. Ron has seen a lot of names changes since he started starting with NSWGR, PTC, SRA, Freight Rail, Freight Corp and currently Pacific National. He has driven just about every Loco in the P.N Fleet, he claims he doesn’t have a favourite but he looks quiet at home in a 48, probably because they are about the same vintage. Ron is our local RTBU Representative for the Bulk Depot in Parkes, he is always there for us if we get into a spot of bother, offering support and advice for us whether as a union delicate or just as Ron the senior driver, he has a wealth of knowledge if you want to listen and is in my opinion a great work colleague and mentor. Ron loves the job and reakens he will stick around for a while longer. All the best Ron from John Cornelissen and your work mates at the Parkes Depot.

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Don Regan

Graham Besley

Don Regan from Wagga Wagga, who was elected to the Salaried Divisional Management Committee, recently received a Certificate of Appreciation from the RTBU for assisting our members over many years. Don was made redundant in the Regional Staff Review and was not able to find another position.

Graham Besley was an RTBU member for more than thirty years and was made redundant during the NSW Trains Regional Staff Reviews, Graham had also been elected as the Salaried Southern and Western Branch Councillor for a number of years and was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by the RTBU, we thank Graham for his years of membership and for representing his work colleagues over many years and wish him and his family a great future.

VALE ROY SMITH The RTBU would like to extend its condolensces to family, friends and colleagues of Roy Smith who passed away on May 7. Roy started his railway career at Rhodes Station on 6th February 1964 and then when he was old enough he transferred to Eveleigh where he completed 45yrs 7months 2days. He is survived by his 3 children Melinda, Samantha & Mark and their partners Wayne, Leny & Leanne. He had 3 grandchildren who he adored namely Chloe, Krystal & Mitchell he even had their names tattooed on his arm and sadly he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live to see his new granddaughter who will arrive on the 26th August to Melinda and Wayne. Roy was called a lot of names like ROY BOY, GRUMPY, CHOO CHOO, BACK THE TRAIN UP and WACK FLUFF WACK. Also one of his sayings when you told him that someone had passed away or was sick especially when he came to our Blue Mountains Retirement Meetings and he heard these things his first words were PISS OFF. One of his mates was telling me that when Roy was in one of his GRUMPY moods he would say shut up Roy YOU GIVE MY HEAD ACHE AN ACHE. He could be such a pain when in one of these moods. Supplied by John Roseworn, a mate of 30 years

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RTBU HOLIDAY PARK CHRISTMAS BALLOT NOMINATION FORM (Saturday, 22nd December 2018 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Saturday, 26th January 2019)

Ballot Closes by noon, Friday, 27th September 2018

NAME: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ADDRESS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...................................................................................

MOBILE NUMBER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MEMBERSHIP NUMBER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

EMAIL: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

DATE REQUESTED: (in order of preference)

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................................................................................... ...................................................................................

NUMBER OF ADULTS IN CABIN: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN CABIN (under 18): . . . . . . .

Please Note: Booking for Christmas holidays are minimum 1 Week to a maximum of 2 Weeks (Book In: Saturday, 2pm and Book Out: Saturday, 10am) Email: nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Fax: (02) 9261 1342 Mailing Address: RTBU, Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 RAIL & ROAD June 2018

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got your back Proudly supporting the NSW Branch of Rail, Tram and Bus Union and their members.

RTBU Members are entitled to a free, initial consultation and discounted rates when referred by their union.

GET IN TOUCH Contact the RTBU on 02 9264 2511 for a referral to Slater and Gordon Lawyers

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 cabins sleep up to a maximum of 6 people. Cabins have a queen sized 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 cabins 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. Bookings can be made by telephoning the RTBU Office on (02) 9264 2511.

Booderee National Park & Bherwerre Beach

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RAIL & ROAD June 2018

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. 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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CHANGE OF DETAILS FORM CHANGE OF PERSONAL DETAILS 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

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.

Part time

Casual

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 Australian Rail Tram and Bus Industry 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 â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 02 9264 2511

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Consider our PDS before making a decision. FSS Trustee Corporation ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340, trustee of the First State Superannuation Scheme ABN 53 226 460 365.

Buy Your Piece of Union History Limited numbers of the commemorative badge of the 1917 Great Strike are available for purchase from the RTBU office for $10.

1917 Great Strike CDs available at cost price! Celebrate the stories and songs from one of Australia’s greatest class stuggles with a copy of the 1917 Great Strike Centenary CD! We’ve purchased 50 Great Strike CDs which we’re offering to members at cost price ($20.00 each). Get your copy at the RTBU Pitt St reception desk!

Have You Left the Industry? Retired? If you have left the industry, permanently or for a period, have retired, or are off work due to illness, 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 on 02 9264 2511 for more information. Page 32

RAIL & ROAD June 2018

Join the RTBU Retired Members Association Many retired members continue to receive copies of the journal Rail & Road, and take an interest in the life of the union. Many have also said that they would like to maintain a closer connection and involvement with the work of the union. The RTBU Retired Members Association was established to provide a forum for former members to meet, work on campaigns, address issues of particular relevance for retirees and to identify ways of assisting, supporting and contributing to the work of the union. It is expected that the Retired Members Association will function independently and pursue issues that it identifies as priorities. If you are a retired member of our union, we would like you to consider joining the Retired Members Association. Membership forms are available from the RTBU Head Office, Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney or on the union website: www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au

For more information, contact Peter Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor at the union office on (02) 9264 2511 For more information, contact Don McKechnie on 0409 813 643 or the union office on (02) 9264 2511

Page 14

raIL & rOaD June 2010

RTBU Express Website

www.rtbuexpress.com.au RAIL & ROAD June 2018

Page 33

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM 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

the undersigned, hereby apply to become a member of the I, Australian Rail, Tram and 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 and By-Laws for the time being of the Union. Signature of Applicant

Dated

I, the undersigned, hereby apply to become a member of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union of New South Wales, 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

via DIRECT DEBIT fortnightly OR 1. I agree to pay $ 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 Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry 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 Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry 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

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.

Bank/State Branch No. (BSB)

Card Type

Account No./If Credit Union Membership No.

MasterCard

Visa

Expiry Date

Credit Card Number

SUBMIT

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 â&#x20AC;˘ Tel: 02 9264 2511

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

Tel (02) 9264 2511 Fax (02) 9264 1342 E-mail nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Website www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au

ION

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WIN a $750 Coles Group & Myer *Gift Card ! As an RTBU member you’ll receive generous additional benefits such as: An immediate waiver on ALL 2 and 3 month waiting periods; $150 fuel or grocery voucher (your choice) – just our way of saying thanks for coming on board! 5% discount off every one of our health cover choices.

Contact our friendly team today, and get on the rt health bus!

And with tax time around the corner, it’s not too late to make the decision on your private health insurance. Why pay more tax than you need to.

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rtbu@rthealth.com.au | rthealth.com.au/rtbu *Join rt health between 1 May 2018 and 31 July 2018 and we’ll put you into the draw. Permit No NSW LTPS/18/23835. Railway & Transport Health Fund Limited (ACN 087 648 744)(“rt health”). 0518/3295