2019 Rail and Road - June Edition by Rail, Tram & Bus Union (NSW Branch)

VOLUME 111 No.2 June 2019

AND

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

Vale Robert James Lee Hawke 1929 - 2019 ACTU President 1969 - 1980 Labor Prime Minister 1983 - 1991 Print Post Approved 25500003-01148

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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Tram and Bus Division 83-89 Renwick Street Redfern NSW 2016 Tel (02) 93197277 Fax (02) 93194341 Email info@rtbu-nswbus.asn.au

Locomotive Division

RTBU Holiday Park Vacancies - Book your holiday now

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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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

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 Babineau Assistant Secretary (Rail) Robert Hayden

Elected Full-Time Officials Branch Secretary Alex Claassens Locomotive Divisional Secretary Robert Hayden Tram and Bus Divisional Secretary David Babineau Tram and Bus Divisional President Daniel Jaggers

Organisers

Director of Organising Freight Organisers

Toby Warnes Steve Wright Kevin Pryor Passenger Organiser Bob Newham Branch Organisers Helen Bellette Mick Cartwright Luke Hayden Trent Hunter Industrial Officers Lizanne Bennett Jessica Epps (Locomotive Division) Communications Officer Peter O’Connor

From the Branch Secretary Since the last issue of Rail & Road there have been some major developments affecting RTBU members and their families and communities. We have had State and Federal elections where the Berejiklian and Morrison Liberal Coalition Governments have been returned for another term. In that time we have also witnessed the roll out of Sydney’s first driverless trains, as the North West Metro continues to go through its ‘teething’ problems. Perhaps the biggest election shock was the re-election of the Morrison Federal Government, against all expert predictions of a Labor victory. Under the Coalition Government, casualisation and insecure work has become rife, wage growth has stagnated to the lowest it’s been since the 1930s, and big company profits are soaring. While the rich get richer, the working class of Australia aren’t getting a fair go. The industrial rules have been stacked against the average Australian worker for far too long. The union movement of Australia saw the election as an important chance to change the rules by changing the government. While we weren’t successful in changing the government – we must still continue the fight to change the rules. The re-election of conservative Governments at the State and Federal levels means that Australian workers will have to fight harder for our rights,

and now is the time for every worker to be union. More recently, we have witnessed the opening of Sydney Metro – the state’s first driverless trains. As we’ve said loud and clear for many years, the RTBU hold serious concerns about the safety of trains without drivers, guards or other staff. While initially Sydney Metro is being told to run every train with a customer service representative on board, it is understood they will remove those employees from the train entirely in the very near future. The concern around all rail safety workers being removed is in addition to the union’s long-held worry about the trains being run without drivers. In its initial period of operation there have been a series of incidents and issues, which came as no surprise to us and we will continue to keep staff aboard the Metro and keep the travelling public safe. Sydney’s new metro trains were also closed for maintenance just 26 days after opening – raising serious doubts about the safe operation of the trains and how the Government has spent $7.6 billion on a network that hasn’t been able to run for more than 26 days without closure. Commuters deserve a reliable service without regular weekend closures. In other industrial matters, unions across NSW have had a massive win in

June by preventing the Government’s last minute effort to rush through a Bill that would see Roads and Maritime Services vanish, and strip the amount of long service leave that public sector workers are entitled to. The Government tried to sneak this through quietly in the state budget – but Unions NSW acted quickly and together, we won. We’ve also been back in the Fair Work Commission with NSW Trains – who have essentially reneged on the promise that we secured from the Transport Minister to keeps guards on trains, “in the role of a guard”. The proposal that NSW Trains is putting to their employees has absolutely not been endorsed by the RTBU and we are gearing up to take the battle back to the Fair Work Commission again in July – while we also prepare to launch another public campaign. New data shows that the decision from the NSW Government to privatise buses have only resulted in a deterioration of Sydney’s public transport system. New figures reveal that the buses in Region 6 – now run by Transit Systems – have failed to meet the on-time running key performance measure of 95 per cent of buses running on time every month since the private company took over the contract in July last year.

In this Issue Industrial News Sydney Trains Dispute – Overtime Meal Allowance. . . . . . . . . . . 4 NSW Trains Reneges on NIF Proposal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Sydney Trains Team Leader and Work Group Leader Pay Anomalies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Industrial Notes Laing O’Rourke NSW EA 2019 Log of Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Metro Trains Sydney Operational Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 General News Morrison Government Introduces Anti-Worker Bills . . . . . . . . . . 9 We’ll Be the Resistance: ACTU. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Canberra Light Rail Comes in Under Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

May Day 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 The Fork in the Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Retired Members Fight for Workers Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Australia Pays Tribute to Labor Icon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Commuters Suffer as Privatisation takes its Toll. . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Sydney Metro a Problem Waiting to Happen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Summary of RTBU Financial Reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 RTBU Holiday Park Christmas Ballot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Whistlestop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Industrial News Dispute with Sydney Trains - Overtime Meal Allowance Unpaid Since 2010 During the last Sydney Trains EA negotiations the RTBU Infrastructure Division fought hard for a meal allowance to be paid to all Infrastructure Workers consistent with other parts of the maintenance directorate. This is an allowance which most Infrastructure Workers now receive almost each shift. It was a massive win for our members. Following from this win, the RTBU has been investigating a potential breach of past and present agreements in Sydney Trains relating to the underpayment of meal allowances. Since at least 2010 clause 139.1 (h) has been in every enterprise agreement. Clause 139.1 (h) states the following; “In relation to Employees to whom either the Signal Mechanical, Track, Structures, Resurfacing or Surveying, an Employee who is required to work overtime for more than 2 hours will, where it is reasonable to have a meal or meals away from where the Employee would ordinarily have the Employee’s meal, be allowed the sum of the amount as set out

at item 17 of Schedule 5B for each meal necessary, unless the meal or meals are supplied free by the Employer. The Employer may grant a crib allowance (to be paid for at ordinary rates) in lieu of a meal break in which case the meal grant shall be the amount as set out at item 17A of Schedule 5B.” Accordingly, if a Signal Mechanical, Track, Structures, Resurfacing or Surveying employee is required to work overtime for more than 2 hours, we think that they should receive a meal allowance payable for EACH meal where the employee was away from where they would “ordinarily” have their meal. Where a meal allowance isn’t paid, the Employer must provide a meal or pay a crib allowance. Through further investigation, the RTBU has not been able to identify a single individual within the above mentioned streams who has ever received a meal, meal allowance

or crib allowance payment on an overtime shift prior to the 2018 Enterprise Agreement. Therefore, the RTBU lodged a dispute with Sydney Trains and we are currently awaiting for agreement to escalate to Step 4 to seek resolution with the Fair Work Commission immediately. If the RTBU is correct on this point, the potential underpayment of allowances by Sydney Trains/ RailCorp could be huge. The RTBU will continue to pursue this matter so that all members receive what they are entitled to. We will keep all of our Infrastructure members in Sydney Trains up to date through the Fair Work Commission process as new information becomes available. Any questions, queries or concerns please contact Luke Hayden on 0499 710 707 or via email on lhayden@rtbu-nsw.asn.au

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 Page 4

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

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When It Matters

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Transport for NSW Reneges on NIF Proposal Since the last edition of Rail and Road, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has reneged on the Minister previous commitment to RTBU members. On 3 June 2019, NSW Trains presented an updated train design package that substantially reduces the role of the Guard in the new intercity fleet and imposes extra burdensome duties on drivers. The RTBU has rejected this new operating model. As anticipated, NSW Trains proposed an operating model that greatly reduces the current role of the Guard to what is now being termed a Customer Service Guard (CSG), not a great divergence from the previous Customer Experience Officer (CXO) position touted in 2018. This unimaginative CSG position plays little to no role in the platform train interface except when required for boarding assistance etc. and “assists” the driver by viewing CCTV images of the external cameras at departure whilst being “locked” in the crew cab owing to the inexplicable introduction of traction interlocking to all crew compartment doors. The application of traction interlocking to crew cab doors was the subject of a contract variation review to assess its viability and necessity for NIF operations however, we were advised that its removal was “not feasible” during departure owing to “engineering constraints” with the crew cab doors operating capability “at speed” owing to the “wind”. This simple design flaw is an easy fix if there is a will to do so. The second, yet more telling point about the removal of traction interlocking is that NSW Trains say there is a risk of a guards standing at an open door whilst the train is in motion with the risk of them falling out. They say that the risk transfers from RailConnect (the train supplier) to TfNSW as the Government owner of the asset and they are not willing to accept

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that risk. However, the risk to passengers seems to be a secondary consideration. What this translates to is that traction interlocking is applied to the active crew cab door, thereby negating the guard’s ability to visually and audibly assess the Platform Train Interface (PTI) during the crucial departure process on the justification that it’s too much risk for the guard.

This so called risk is minimal and when weighed against the greater risk to hundreds, if not thousands of passengers, does not add up. These weak arguments about traction interlocking on crew cab doors are nothing but an engineered solution to remove the guard’s current roles and duties, especially when weighed against the latest Sydney Trains “B” Set introduction without crew cab door traction interlocking.

Passengers on NIF services will face a dramatic change in how the PTI will be managed compared to Sydney Train’s operations. It is their proposal that a NIF train will arrive and depart without any train crew member being visible. The entire process will be conducted via CCTV alone. The NSW Trains proposed operating model has the driver assuming responsibility for: • passenger door operations, • boarding assistance requirements, • all safe working duties; and • non-revenue services, meaning full driver-only operation on empty cars including all yard movements. The CSG will perform no tasks in relation to train preparation, stable etc and will sign on for duty and assist station staff until the service arrives from the yard or maintenance centre where they will then perform a “more customer focused role” including “roaming throughout the train”. Pay and conditions for drivers and guards under the NSW Trains proposal remain unclear. The RTBU’s delegate committee has undertaken a rigorous review of the 100+ page proposal and will continue to meet with NSW Trains in an effort to reach a safe outcome for our members and the travelling public. Members are assured that nothing has been agreed to nor endorsed by the RTBU.

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

Sydney Trains Infrastructure Team Leader and Work Group Leader Pay Anomalies During the Sydney Trains Enterprise Agreement 2018 (EA negotiations) the RTBU put forward a claim for our members in Track and Structures and Rail Traction. The claim was for Sydney Trains to review pay for our members due to the increased workload and generalisation of the position descriptions across the streams. The RTBU and Sydney Trains met to discuss these issues and were to meet with subject matter experts (SME) members to discuss these anomalies. Due to time constraints and getting members booked off to attend, the RTBU agreed to wait until Sydney Trains responded in writing to our request for review. On the 15th March 2019 Sydney Trains Industrial Relations (IR) responded in writing and concluded the following; Team Leader and Work Group Leader positions are covered by the competency based classification structure included in Section 5 of the Sydney Trains Enterprise Agreement 2018. Classification levels for each stream have been determined based on the competencies and qualifications required for each stream. The supervisory and leadership tasks associated with Team Leader and Work Group Leader positions are similar across the various streams however the

complexity of the work being supervised is different. The competencies and qualifications required by the Team Leader and Work Group Leader positions across the various streams do vary based on the nature of the work being overseen. The differences in the classification levels between the various competency streams are justified based on the level and complexity of the work being supervised and the Competencies and qualifications required. This conclusion is inadequate and unsatisfactory. Therefore, the RTBU has created an online survey to put to all our Team Leader and Work Group Leader members to present a business case to Sydney Trains confirming that our Team Leader and Work Group Leader members in Track and Structures and Rail Traction are being underpaid for the jobs they have been tasked to do. This survey will allow ALL of our members to have a say in these discussions. Take some time to fill out the online survey and make your voice heard in this matter. To fill out the online survey go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/W6W76BS

Industrial Notes Laing O’Rourke NSW EA 2019 Log of Claims Survey

In a true sign of union power, RTBU members led a dispute against Laing O’Rourke for the non- payment of the Productivity and Site Allowance on the North-Shore Project, which saw all employees on the project back paid to September 2017 with a total cost of approximately $300,000-$400,000 in owed wages. Our next battle is just around the corner. Enterprise Agreement negotiations will soon begin at Laing O’Rourke which will cover wages employees working at Sydney Rail Operations (SRO) and Hunter Valley Rail Operations (HRVO), therefore as a collective force it is time we prepare. To prepare we must formalise your Log of Claims that will be presented to the company so we can begin negotiations. We are seeking that all workers, union and non-union fill out your Log of Claims survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/WHBNY3Y Now more than ever is a time to be a part of and involved in your workplace union alongside your workmates. Workplace conditions are under attack in all industries around the country by a conservative government hell bent on making your life far more difficult than it already is. We must stand together and fight back on this attack to ensure your conditions of employment are protected, improved and are not eroded. To join your workmates and stand alongside them in solidarity to increase your bargaining power in these negotiations with Laing O’Rourke, contact the office on (02) 9264 2511 or nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au to join the RTBU today!

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Metro Trains Sydney (MTS) Operational Agreement On 6 March 2019 the RTBU wrote to Metro Trains Sydney (MTS) requesting the commencement of bargaining for an Enterprise Agreement covering Operational classifications. Shortly after, MTS responded that they were unclear as to what the RTBU was asking. The RTBU responded to MTS clearly putting forth our position – namely, that the existing Greenfields Agreement applies only to professional/clerical classifications and we therefore wish to bargain for an Operational Agreement. The RTBU is aware that numerous MTS employees and RTBU members have signed the revised contracts of employment stipulating that pay increases will be paid to employees on the condition that they are no longer employees of MTM but MTS and therefore are covered by the Greenfields Agreement. The RTBU’s advice is that the mere signing of new letters of offer does not mean that the Greenfields Agreement applies to member’s employment. The RTBU is therefore campaigning around a Majority Support Determination (MSD) – this will force MTS to bargain with us and will determine once and for all who is covered by the Greenfields Agreement. Should the RTBU be successful, we will be negotiating an operational Agreement for everyone not working in professional, technical and/or clerical classifications. In order to do this, however, we will need to ensure that a majority of the workforce makes clear that they wish to bargain. There are petitions being handed around at the moment, so if members see one of these in the workplace, sign and return it. If you have not seen the MSD petition, please email metro@rtbu-nsw.asn.au in order to get a copy.

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

General News Terminating at Unattended Locations After a number of assaults on our members at unattended locations, Sydney Trains agreed to meet with RTBU Train Guards representatives, to address your safety concerns. On the 11th March, we met with Sydney Trains management to address the issue and we also raised concerns with the new TfNSW timetable which will require trains to be terminated at unattended locations. We suggested that we should look at terminating trains at attended locations such as Strathfield or Lidcombe. However, due to the timetable already being released that request could not be considered. Following our discussions we can now confirm that Sydney Trains has put in place security officer contracts for the following terminating locations:

• Homebush – 7 days a week from approximately 22.00 hours to 02.00 hours (to commence shortly) • Gordon – 7 days a week from approximately 23.30 hours to 02.00 hours (commencing from 28thApril) A security officer will also be placed at Schofields and Quakers Hill after 22.00 hours for special events and track work where train services are to be terminated and depart as non-revenue services. We would like to thank all members and Delegates for their constant vigilance for the safety of their workmates. If any members become aware of any changes to the new security staffing agreement at those locations please contact the RTBU office on (02) 9264 2511 or nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au

Morrison Government Introduces Anti-Worker Bills Scott Morrison’s IR Minister Christian Porter has just introduced two bills to attack working people – the Ensuring Integrity Bill that I wrote to you about last week – that would give Scott Morrison, big business and their lobbyists power to interfere with how unions are run, to disqualify union officers, to shut down unions, and stop unions from merging. They have also introduced another bill the Proper Use of Workers Benefits Bill that would make it illegal for workers to run funds for things like insurance cover, redundancy protection, and training, just to name a few. This is a serious attack on working people and the trade union movement. Scott Morrison does not have a mandate to introduce these laws. These laws will undermine workplace safety, increase wage and superannuation theft, and make it harder for workers to get pay increases and be represented when they need help.

They want to make it harder for unions to do our job of standing up for working people. When unions are under attack, all working people suffer. These bills must be stopped. Because working people and unions have made contact with Senators about this, crossbench Senators have pushed for a Senate inquiry. That Senate inquiry is expected to report back in October, so the government can’t simply ram these laws through right now. The inquiry buys us some time to build our campaign, but it’s not a lot of time. Join the ACTU campaign to stop Scott Morrison’s antiunion laws at australianunions.org.au We will need everyone to take action again in coming weeks to stop these anti-worker, anti-union laws in their tracks.

www.locoexpress.com.au RAIL & ROAD June 2019

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‘We’ll be the resistance’: ACTU defends union campaign, vows to take on Morrison In the Sydney Morning Herald Report by Davis Crowe in the week following the federal election, Australian Council of Trade Unions secretary Sally McManus is reported to have called for tougher rules on social media to prevent “subterranean” political campaigns from inﬂuencing voters with false claims and scare campaigns. Shocked at Labor’s defeat in the election, the union leader likened the falsehoods on Facebook about a “death tax” to the fake claims seen during the United States election three years ago. Ms McManus defended the union campaign against claims it had hurt Labor in some seats, where its volunteers were regarded as “blowins” rather than local constituents, and she blamed campaign tactics rather than policy ﬂaws for the defeat. ACTU polling, conducted by uComms, showed Labor was ahead during the election contest, in line with the trend in published polls. “I knew that something was not right, especially in the last two weeks,” Ms McManus said. “For most of the election campaign there was an uneasy anxiety but the polls kept saying something else.” The ACTU detected social media messages about its support for an inheritance tax in the week before Prime Minister Scott Morrison called the election, with one fake tweet making it look like Ms McManus was calling on Labor to implement the policy. “It just grew and grew and grew. What I saw happen was a subterranean social media campaign. It’s an area that’s unregulated and is almost impossible to stop,” she said. “It grew in momentum, so much so that in the last couple of weeks it was the main thing we were talking to people about in communities,” Ms McManus said. “Our members on polling day were dealing with having to explain that there is no death tax and that the Labor Party’s policy on tax meant

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Sally McManus likened the falsehoods on Facebook about a “death tax” to the fake claims seen during the US election three years ago. working people would get a bigger tax cut.” The ACTU secretary said the social media claims were not caught by the usual electoral rules on authorising political statements and should be subject to tighter regulation. “There clearly needs to be more done in this area,” she said. “When I looked at it, I thought it was exactly what happened in the United States in the Trump election and in the UK with Brexit.” Ms McManus said the money spent on advertising by mining magnate Clive Palmer, estimated at around $60 million including billboards and print and television ads, also cost Labor the election. “That had a lot to do with the money he put in in the last two weeks, when he went from campaigning for his candidate or his party, to a full-on battering-ram anti-Labor anti-Bill Shorten message. That was a factor,” she said. “He just blew everyone out of the water in the last year and especially the last two weeks,” Ms McManus said, adding that controls on political expenditure needed to be seriously considered in the light of the experience. “You’ve got to balance the fact that people should be able to put their messages out, but you’re distorting

democracy if you allow only people who have incredible means to be able to get their messages across,” she said. “It’s a frightening distortion of democracy.” In workplace relations policy, she said, the unions won the argument because the government did not set out any changes to the existing law. “Scott Morrison would not go near it. Wouldn’t engage on it. Wouldn’t touch it,” she said. “For a while, Labor was asking him what were his policies and he wouldn’t come out with any. There were none. He kept on the tax issue for the whole time.” Policies are popular. “He’s got no mandate whatsoever. He had plenty of opportunities, he was asked many times to state his position and he wouldn’t, so he’s got zero mandate on that issue.” Ms McManus said this meant the union movement would take on the government if it made any changes or attempted a combative approach in workplace relations. “If we have to be the resistance we’ll be the resistance,” she said. “We’re going to keep talking strongly and campaigning strongly on the issues, and that’s better rights for working people. And we’re going to do it for as long as necessary and if we have to step it up we will.”

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

Canberra Light Rail Comes in Under Budget

Stage One of The Canberra Light Rail was opened on 20 April 2019. On 27 May, the Canberra Times reported that Transport Minister Meeghan Fitzharris released costings for the final bill for construction of stage one of Canberra’s light rail has come in at $675 million - $32 million under budget. Ms Fitzharris said the result, which she had forecast ahead of the system’s April 20 launch, had validated the ACT government’s promise to “[deliver] an affordable and sustainable light rail network”. Government figures show the total cost for the design and construction of the 12 kilometre city-to-Gungahlin line was $675 million. The result is $32 million below the project’s anticipated cost in the contract signed with Canberra Metro in 2016. That figure was revised down from a previous estimate of $783 million. The final bill still exceeds a 2010 cost estimate of $614 million for stage one of light rail. A four-month delay to the launch of light rail meant Canberra Metro missed out on millions of dollars in

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payments from the ACT government to operate the service. Ms Fitzharris last month said the delay, along with saved availability payments, was not the reason the project had come in under budget. She reaffirmed that position on Monday. She said the result was the product of two factors: the clear terms of the original contract and the nature of the government’s arrangement with Canberra Metro. “Canberra Metro bore substantial risks in the construction of this complex project,” she said. “The sheer number of resources dedicated by Canberra Metro to the project demonstrated its commitment to delivering a world-class light rail system for Canberra.” The cost and potential benefits of light rail has for years been the source of intense debate in Canberra. The project’s total cost, including construction, operations and financing, was estimated at $939 million when the deal with Canberra Metro was struck. A 2016 report from then auditorgeneral Maxine Cooper found the nominal cost - not discounted to today’s dollars - would be as much as

$1.78 billion over the project’s 20-year lifespan. The audit report urged caution against claims the project would deliver $198 million in wider economic benefits. Ms Fitzharris this week said the light rail was already proving popular with Canberrans, with patronage tracking at levels not expected until 2021. The business case predicted 15,120 people would be riding the light rail in 2021. Extra light rail services had been added during peak periods to cope with demand, Ms Fitzharris said. The encouraging early patronage figures may be in part due to the government offering free trips on light rail and its buses between April 29 and May 26 to allow Canberrans to familiarise themselves with the revamped public transport network. “Along the light rail corridor the benefits are plain to see: with light rail getting people to work, opening up new customers to local businesses and seeing hundreds of Canberrans employed on building and construction projects along the alignment that are already using their proximity to light rail to attract buyers,” she said.

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May Day 2019: Newcastle & Sydney events in pictures In a fantastic show of solidarity, RTBU members were out in force at both the Newcastle and Sydney May Day events during the first week in May. Tram and Bus Divisional President, Daniel Jaggers, who attended the Newcastle rally, said it was great to see so many members at the 1 May event in the Hunter region. “We had a great turn-out at the Newcastle rally with a number of members joining our Hunter delegates Robin O’Donogue from Belmont; Glenn Saunders from Hamilton and Matt Geyer from Wickham,” Daniel Jaggers said. “We’re really keen to grow participation in future rally events to show the strength and commitment of the Tram and Bus Division in the Hunter, so it would be great if all of our local members could keep an ear out for future events like this near you. Divisional Secretary, David Babineau, was equally as impressed with the RTBU turn-out at the Sydney May Day rally and family fun day held on Sunday 5 May. “May Day is an important day for workers across the world. It’s a time to celebrate everything that union members throughout history have achieved and continue to fight for. It was great to see so many RTBU members and their families get along and celebrate,” David Babineau. “Despite the rain on the weekend, the RTBU contingent at the Sydney rally and Family Fun Day was strong. At this stage in the political cycle, it’s more important than ever that we all get out and show the strength of our union and our union movement.”

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The Fork in the Road Prior to the Federal Election in May the RTBU National Office released a policy blueprint on federal election priorities. The document states that the Federal Election was about much more than which party will govern for the next three years, but more about the direction of the country, and whether or not Australia can be steered toward a fairer, more prosperous and more sustainable future. Driven by member issues and concerns, the RTBU has identified 13 broad policy priorities to provide a signpost towards a better Australia. These policy priorities include: Keeping Our Railways Safe Commit to implementing a prescriptive approach to rail safety, including mandated minimum shift breaks and maximum shift lengths. The Right to Strike Far reaching restrictions and hurdles imposed by the Fair Work Commission on taking legitimate industrial action, including those in the Sydney Trains Dispute, must immediately be reviewed and overturned by regulators. Restoring Public Confidence in the Corporate Sector The RTBU calls on parties to develop and implement measures that will give meaning to the notion of ‘social licence’ by making corporate social responsibilities legally binding. Urban Rail and Public Transport Infrastructure Develop a $20 billion national fund to support urban public transport infrastructure projects, managed by Infrastructure Australia, and supported by a policy framework that facilitates the use of alternative funding methods. Population, Decentralisation and Regional Infrastructure Abandon anti-migrant and anti-growth rhetoric, and develop comprehensive strategies for economic decentralization and to encourage growth in major regional centres. Establish a $50 billion Population and Infrastructure fund to build better transport connections between urban and regional centres, including high speed rail links. Country Rail Renewal A dedicated Federal Government infrastructure investment program targeted at the revitilisation of regional rail corridors to protect the viability of regional economies and support road safety.

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

Protecting and Creating High Skilled Transport Jobs A tripartite strategy overseen by government, union and employer representatives to model current and future employment and upskilling capabilities and opportunities within the industry. Inland Rail The RTBU calls on work on the Inland Rail project to be expedited as a matter of urgency, with a clear timeline for construction and priority given to economically important sections, including Toowoomba to the Port of Brisbane. Single National Rail Access Regime Regulatory control over access to all Australian rail networks to be transferred to the Federal Government, and a single national access regime to be put in place across the country. Truth in Bargaining The RTBU calls on parties to commit to ‘Truth in Bargaini9ng’ laws, by amending the Fair Work Act to mandate employer disclosure of comprehensive internal accounts, budgets and forecasts as part of the bargaining process. Transport and Greenhouse Gas Emissions The RTBU calls for the development of a comprehensive national strategy to reduce transport-related greenhouse gas emissions Building Code A commitment to re-writing the Building Code in consultation with unions to ensure that it supports safe, secure and well-paid jobs for Australians. Ending the Legal Arms Race The RTBU calls for the independent industrial relations umpire, the Fair Work Commission, to provide a more collaborative and cooperative environment for the resolution of workplace disputes. These policy priorities will remain front and centre of our lobbying and campaign efforts over the coming three years of the Coalition Government. To see the full policy blueprint go to: www.rtbu.org. au/the_fork_in_the_road_rtbu_2019_federal_election_ priorities

Page 13

Retired Members Fight for Workers Wall For over twenty years unions, academics and community organizations have been campaigning to have a Workers Wall built in a prominent location at the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops to commemorate the collective contributions of some 50,000 Eveleigh workers during 100 years of the Workshop operations. We have argued that any redevelopment of the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops must include tangible recognition of the social and cultural role played by tens of thousands of the Eveleigh railway workers in the evolution of modern Sydney and the history of NSW. They were the glue, the bone and the gristle which enabled “the heart of the NSW railways” to operate within the cavernous spaces and throbbing machinery that was the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops. Mirvac, the developer of the Eveleigh site, has not seriously considered this proposal. They have not undertaken any serious analysis, research or examination of the options for establishing the Workers Wall. After a strategy of delay and avoidance, Mirvac, without any consultation with unions, announced in June 2018 that it would use an external wall of the Locomotive Workshops for Vivid style light projections to create “homage” to the Eveleigh workers and their achievements. Unions vehemently oppose the Mirvac proposal This is no substitute for a large scale, permanent artwork to commemorate the workers of Eveleigh. There are a number of well-known recent examples of commemorative walls in Australia that are highly valued by the community. These include the National Maritime Museum’s Darling Harbour Welcome Wall that honours the contribution of migrants to the Australian community, the Workers Wall at the Midlands Railway Workshops in WA and the commemorative wall at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. Mirvac proposal no substitute for Workers Wall The Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops and Eveleigh workers’ achievements catapulted NSW into the modern social, industrial and political era, as the work of historian Professor Lucy Taksa clearly shows. This is an important Australian story that needs to be told as we traverse the digital era and beyond. The Union proposal for a Workers Wall Commemorative Memorial reflects and respects this history and celebrates the essence of unionism – collectivity. A Wall listing all the workers names and their achievements says ‘we are all in this together’ regardless of occupation, gender or ethnicity.

Page 14

It has powerful intergenerational resonance. A tangible permanent memorial as part of a large-scale interpretative artwork will offer a powerful emotional and educational experience for the former Eveleigh workers, their families and loved ones. It gives context and meaning to their forebears’ lives. This type of impact has been shown clearly in the response to other permanent commemorative walls such as the Welcome Wall at Darling Harbour. City of Council of Sydney Resolves to Support our Proposal The Council recently passed a detailed resolution concerning preserving the History of the City’s Labour Movement at the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshop. It included the Council ‘’advocating for a permanent, physical ‘’Workers Wall’’ feature to be a part of any development’’ A meeting between Unions, headed by Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey, and Council Officers was held to discuss our ideas for heritage interpretation at the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops. A permanent Workers Wall would become an important tourism attractor in its own right if it is developed as an accessible, innovative, beautiful and culturally sensitive interpretative artwork and valued destination within the South Eveleigh site, not a transient piece of ephemeral advertising as proposed by the property developer. Article provided by Roger Jowett - former RTBU National Secretary

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

Australia pays Tribute to a Labor Icon. Vale Bob Hawke Tributes have flowed from all quarters of society after the passing of former ACTU President and Labor’s longest serving Prime Minister, Robert James Lee Hawke on 16 May 2019, at the age of 89 years. The following tribute was posted by ACTU President Michele O’Neil. It is with immense sorrow and gratitude that the Australian union movement acknowledges the passing of Bob Hawke. Bob was a hero to working people – the father of Medicare and a founder of universal superannuation. Our union movement has enormous pride that a great and respected representative of working people and ACTU President went on to become a loved and legendary Australian Prime Minister. In his time at the ACTU, Bob was a fierce advocate for working people, presenting arguments at wages tribunals and fighting tirelessly for the rights of working people to

He was instrumental in the union effort to break the apartheid regime and free Nelson Mandela, led efforts to oppose the Vietnam War and stood against racism and prejudice in all its forms. As Prime Minister Bob Hawke stopped the Franklin Dam, returned Uluru to traditional owners and protected Antarctica from drilling. Bob’s work on Australian engagement with Asia, especially the way he helped to bring peace to Cambodia means his enduring legacy is felt far beyond our own shores. A significant moment of his leadership was his decision to allow Chinese students to remain in Australia permanently after the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Millions of working people owe their health, their prosperity and their dignity in retirement to Bob Hawke’s work. The entire union family is grieving as are all Australians. We will never, ever forget him. Solidarity Forever Bob Hawke.

organise and bargain.

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

Page 15

Commuters suffer as privatisation takes its toll on inner-west buses

The system is stacked against working women

We need to Change the Rules so women get better pay and more secure work.

HERE’ S HOW: •

Increase the minimum wage so it is a living wage

•

Reverse penalty rates cuts

•

Close the 15.3% gender pay gap

•

Close the superannuation gap so women don’t retire in poverty

•

End wage theft and superannuation theft

•

Women in long term insecure work need the ability to request a move to permanent work

•

Improve paid parental leave

•

Ten days paid family and domestic violence leave for all workers

•

Stronger rights for flexible work so we have time to care for family members when they need it

•

Address gendered violence in the workplace

•

Improve awards in line with community standards

Together, we can Change the Rules for working women. Union women are Changing the Rules.

Authorised by S. McManus, ACTU, 365 Queen St, Melbourne 3000. ACTU D No. 118/2018

JOIN THE MOVEMENT FOR CHANGE

Page 16

It is clear that decisions from the NSW Government to privatise buses have only resulted in disaster for Sydney’s public transport system. New figures in a report by the Sydney Morning Herald in early June reveal that privatisation in Region 6 has led to a decrease in on-time running. The RTBU Tram and Bus Division released the following media release in response: Commuters in Sydney’s inner-west have been robbed of a reliable bus service, with on-time running plummeting since the NSW Government privatised the service. Data shows the buses – now run by private company Transit Systems – have failed to meet the on-time running key performance measure of 95 per cent of buses running on time every month since the private company took over the contract in July last year. Tram and Bus Division Secretary, David Babineau, said the figures are more evidence that when transport is privatised, commuters and workers lose out. “This is exactly what happens when you sell a public transport service off to the private sector – commuters lose out,” Mr Babineau said. “Commuters in the inner west are being robbed of the quality bus service they deserve. “We’ve seen it in Newcastle and now we’re seeing it in the inner-west. When bus services are privatised, bus stops close, on-time running goes out the window, routes are cut and workers’ conditions plummet. “The NSW Government used poor on-time running to justify the privatisation of Region 6 buses. Now we’re seeing that under private hands the figures have actually got worse. “The private sector, by its very nature, is there to turn a profit. Private companies are more focused on making a buck than in delivering a quality service for commuters. “The NSW Government should be looking at these figures in the inner-west and ruling out the privatisation of any further bus regions, and commuters in other regions should be looking at this and demanding that their services remain in public hands. “These late buses aren’t just a simple inconvenience for many people, they’re a safety issue too. Kids missing buses, older people missing appointments – a poor bus service can be incredibly risky. It’s a basic responsibility of our government to provide a safe, affordable and reliable public transport network, but at the moment the Transport Minister seems intent on shirking that responsibility.”

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

Sydney Metro a problem waiting to happen: rail workers As the new Sydney Metro system commenced operation in late May, rail workers were warning that plans to remove workers from the trains altogether are a problem waiting to happen. The peak hour test on May 27 came after commuters experienced up to an hour of delays on the Metro’s opening day on the previous Sunday. Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens said that while initially the Metro Company is being told to run every train with a customer service representative on board, it is understood they will remove those employees from the train entirely in the very near future. The concern around all workers being removed is in addition to the union’s long-held worry about the trains being run without drivers. “We’ve long held real concerns about the Sydney Metro system,” Mr Claassens said. “There’s a real risk of overcrowding at stations like Chatswood due to poor planning,

and that’s on top of the broader safety concerns we have around the trains being run without drivers and customer service employees on board. “These incidents are exactly why we need drivers and staff on board trains to ensure the safety of the travelling public at all times – as well as ensuring the network has the resources it needs to handle incidents without the rest of the rail network collapsing.” “Running driverless trains is a problem waiting to happen, but even putting aside our huge concerns around that, at the very least we should have worker on board to assist in the event of an emergency. “The travelling public deserve to know their trains are being operated by highly trained, experienced workers who can react quickly in any emergency situation. Without these workers, there is no one to deal with a problem if something goes wrong with the train or on the

tracks. “Our members are often forced to make split second decisions to protect commuters on our network, and they’re also on board in the event of an emergency – for example if a train needs to be evacuated. “The Transport Minister and others will point to overseas examples of where driverless trains are supposedly working well, but it’s not as simple as that. Australia’s landscapes and networks are unique, and we’ve seen many examples elsewhere of serious incidents involving driverless trains. “We’ll be pushing to ensure that at the very minimum, rail safety workers are kept on board the Sydney Metro system into the future. “The company behind Sydney Metro has refused to allow the union – the experts in safety – anywhere near the system. Why? We’ve got no idea, but it’s a real worry.” Mr Claassens said.

Sydney Metro fails the basics in week one The Sydney Metro is proving to be the debacle that rail workers predicted it would be, with commuters being forced to deal with a system plagued with problems in its first week of operation. Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Secretary, Alex Claassens said the driverless system was always destined to be a debacle. “In its first week, the Sydney Metro has failed to prove it is capable of doing the two basic tasks required of a driverless train – driving and stopping,” Mr Claassens said. “We’ve seen commuters forced onto replacement buses, people left stranded in between stations with no information,

delays, and serious automatic door problems. And that’s after less than a week. “We’re lucky we haven’t seen any major safety incidents as yet, but unfortunately the signs are very worrying. “Since it opened on the weekend, we’ve seen the service plagued with issues every day. “These incidents are exactly why we need drivers and staff on board trains to ensure the safety of the travelling public at all times. “Those running the Sydney Metro have refused to engage with the experts - the workers – at all during this process. It shows.”

New Sydney metro closes for maintenence just weeks after opening After just 26 days of operation, Sydney’s new North West metro closed over the weekend of June 22 to 23. It raises questions over the safety and efficiency of the $7.6 billion project, where commuters were forced back onto buses with trackwork happening across multiple other rail lines over the same weekend. Meanwhile, the RTBU has written to Metro Trains Sydney

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

out of concerns raised by our members that rostering and fatigue issues are not being adequately addressed by management. At the same time, we’re also getting closer to gathering all the signatures needed on our Majority Support Determination petition in order to file it with the Fair Work Commission and force MTS to come to the table and bargain for a fair agreement for workers.

Page 17

Summary of Financial Reports NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH This summary of Financial Reports for the NSW Branch have been extracted from the audited NSW Branch General Purpose Financial Report for 2018, prepared for the Fair Work Commission in compliance with reporting requirements of the Fair Work Act and Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009. The full Financial Reports (including explanatory notes) are available on rtbuexpress.com.au STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year Ended 31st December 2018

2018

2017

7,032,301

6,748,595

450,799

445,335

Interest Received

178,248

251,155

Rent Received

340,080

285,615

Grants and/or Donations

Net Gains on Sale of Assets

8,636

Revenue from Recovery of Wages Activity

55,438

68,365

INCOME Members Contributions Legal Levy Received Capitation Fees and other revenue from another reporting entity

Other Income TOTAL INCOME

8,056,866

7,807,701

EXPENSES Employee Expenses

3,249,726

2,467,869

859,968

830,315

233,197

228,014

1,106,879

1,149,135

8,198

7,898

94,047

97,363

256,086

296,688

57,340

53,517

Other Expenses

1,338,418

1,438,152

TOTAL EXPENSES

7,203,

Other expenses to another reporting unit Administration Expenses Grants or Donations Depreciation and Amortisation Legal Costs Audit Fees and Accounting Fees

PROFIT FOR THE YEAR

853,007

1,238,750 -

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

Page 18

853,007

1,238,750

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

NSW Branch Annual Report 2016

For the Year Ended 31st December 2018

Retained Profits

Asset Revaluation

20,792,394 1,

342,500 -

, -

Total Comprehensive Income for the year 7 Profit for the year

Total Comprehensive Income for the year Balance 31/12/2018

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

22,

853,007

853,007 22,884,151

Total $ ,

22,373,

342,500 -

853,007

342,500

853,007

342,500

23,226,651

Page 19

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION For the Year Ended 31st December 2018

2018

2017

CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents

1 ,2

1 ,6

Receivables

Other

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

1 ,

NON-CURRENT ASSETS 97 ,

Receivable Financial Assets

1 1,

2 ,

Motor Vehicles

TOTAL ASSETS

, 784,875

Plant & Equipment

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

, 1,236

Property Investment Property

CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable

Provisions

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

1,462,244

857,633

TOTAL LIABILITIES

1,462,244

857,633

23,226,651

22,373,644

342,500

Accumulated Surplus

22,884,151

22,031,144

ACCUMULATED FUNDS

23,226,651

22,373,644

NET ASSETS ACCUMULATED FUNDS Reserves

Page 20

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the Year Ended 31st December 2018

2018

2017

$ 10,281

44,650

8,267,447

7,914,993

(808,763)

(887,214)

(6,425,177)

(6,190,396)

Interest Received

178,423

251,155

Rent Received

374,088

314,177

80,621

69,511

Payments to Suppliers and Employees

Rental Bond Received

59,368

1,677,465

1,576,244

(35,356)

(234,782)

9,500

(35,356)

225,282

1,642,109

1,350,962

14,612,815

13,261,853

16,254,924

14,612,815

ACTIVITIES

Payment for Assets

Net Increase in Cash Held

Cash at the End of Year

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

Page 21

Summary of State Financial Reports STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year Ended 31st December 2018 Statements 2018 8

2018

2017

INCOME 126,660

122,988

195,239 Gain on Sale of Motor Vehicle

7,273

321,927

305,550

Administration Expenses

252,745

269,946

Depreciation Expenses

174,642

172,416

Other Expenses

34,092

43,566

TOTAL EXPENSES

461,479

485,928

(139,552)

(180,378)

(139,552)

(180,378)

Interest Received TOTAL INCOME EXPENSES

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

For the Year Ended 31st December 2018

Retained

Asset

Profits $

Revaluation $

2,508,369

Total

3,695,854

(180,378)

$ 3,461,571 (180,378)

Other Comprehensive Income for the Year 7 Net (Loss)for the Year

(180,378)

2,327,991

3,695,854

6,023,845

(139,552)

Other Comprehensive Income for the Year Balance 31/12/2018

Page 22

(139,552) -

(139,552) 2,188,439

3,695,854

(139,552) 5,884,293

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year Ended 31st December 2018

2018

2017

CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents Receivables Other

44,297

29,907

6,699

5,511

17,233

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

,229

NON-CURRENT ASSETS Investment Property Property

& Equipment

1,000,000

,801,824

968,777

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS

TOTAL ASSETS

8,777

7,004,195

,054

CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables

1,304

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables

979,046

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

979,

TOTAL LIABILITIES

980,

,293

Reserves

3,695,854

Accumulated Surplus

2,188,439

2,327,991

ACCUMULATED FUNDS

NET ASSETS

ACCUMULATED FUNDS

,293

2018 $

2017 $

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Rent Received

,090

328,062

(332,038)

(344,378)

22,

Interest Received Payments to suppliers and employees NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Payment for Assets Proceed from Sale of Asset

(71,690) -

(9,792) 7,273

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

(71,690)

(2,519) (18,796)

Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash Held

14,390

Cash at beginning of the Year Cash at End of Year

29,907 44,297

RAIL & ROAD June 2019 RAIL & ROAD June 2019

48,703 29,907

Page 23 Page 23

statement rinciples

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name will be y statement, ncial Services’.

of the cy statement

Positioning Size on standard formats

Where possible, the legacy statement should appear in close visual proximity below the brandmark. A minimum of clearspace should be observed.

Formerly State Super Financial Services

Where the brandmark is positioned top or bottom right in a communication, the legacy statement should be right aligned.

g clients the ange;

“Fortunate enough to have a defined benefit super scheme?

s our history The right advice will help you make the most of your retirement.” operate in Formerly State Super Financial Services Defined benefit super schemes can help set you up for a comfortableWhere retirement the– brandmark is positioned top left but they’re complicated. It can be difficult to understand your benefits and easy to in a communication, the legacy statement miss opportunities.

should be left aligned.

At StatePlus, we have over 26 years of experience in the public sector helping hard-working Australians just like you on their journey into retirement.

Planning ahead and getting the right advice from our ﬁnancial planning experts now, can make a big diﬀerence for you and your family in the future. We know you’ve worked hard to earn your money. So we’ll work hard to give you the retirement you deserve.

Visit stateplus.com.au or call us on 1800 841 677 today to make the most of your deﬁned beneﬁt super scheme.

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StatePlus is the trading name for State Super Financial Services Australia Limited, holder of Australian Financial Services Licence 238430, ABN 86 003 742 756. This information is of a general nature only and is not speciﬁc to your objectives, ﬁnancial situation or needs. Before making any decisions you should consider its appropriateness to you.

Where horizontal space contraints apply, the legacy statement may appear in two lines. Leading is set solid (the same as the point size).

RTBU HOLIDAY PARK CHRISTMAS BALLOT NOMINATION FORM (Saturday, 21st December 2019 – Saturday, 25th January 2020)

Ballot Closes by noon, Friday, 27th September 2019

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

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

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

MOBILE NUMBER: . . . . . . . . . Preferred . . . . . . . . .size . . . .on . . DL, . . . .A5 . . MEMBERSHIP NUMBER: . . . . . .size . . . on . . .A3 . . format – Preferred and A4 format – 7pt

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

DATE REQUESTED: (in order of preference)

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Formerly State Su

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

NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN CABIN (under 18): . . . . . . . Formerly State Super

Financial Services 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 2019

Page 25

Whistlestop John Wayne Richards Long standing Enfield Driver and AFULE, PTU and RTBU Member John Richards passed away on Friday the 12th of April 2019 after being diagnosed with Lung Cancer in July 2018. Born in Strathfield on 4 March 1955, John passed away in St Clair on 12 April 2019 Aged 64 years. In memory of John, the following words have been provided by John’s wife Jennifer and have been produced in full as a tribute to John. He went through 18 weeks of Chemo, then 2 weeks of radiation every day until Christmas Eve. Then 6 weeks after that he was informed by the doctors that his cancer had expanded and spread to numerous lymph nodes around the lungs, the bone, the heart and the liver. John was offered a last ditch Chemo which he was told would be more aggressive than the first lot to hopefully prolong his life by a few weeks and to give him a better quality of life to maybe cross a few things of his bucket list. Which he did. John raced his hot rod down the quarter mile at Eastern Creek Dragway with the help of his fellow co-driver Greg Williams. Together they achieved his dream. John told his fellow hot rodders that he believed his street registered car had a 12sec pass in her (Bonnie is her name). John drove the first pass to see how she would handle and the Greg’s turn was next. John got out of the car at the start line to watch Greg drive Bonnie down the Quarter mile. Greg achieved the 12sec pass at 104m/h that John said she could do, which put a smile on his face all day long. John had 43 years on the Job which he enjoyed. He was saddened to leave the Job because of all the friends he made along then way. To everybody he says goodbye and thanks you for the comradeship, John is now in Hot Rod Heaven and watching over us. Beloved husband of Jenny. Adored father and fatherin-law of Belinda and Lori & Graeme. Cherished Poppy of Cooper, Kody, Haidyn, Dylan (deceased), Jade, Declan, Matteo & Zoe. Loving brother of Bobby & Pam. Service Details Relatives and friends gathered for a Celebration of JOHN’s life at 10.30am in the West Chapel at Pinegrove Crematorium, Kington Street, Minchinbury on Friday 26th April 2019. Following the service, the family invite attendees to The Hubertus Country Club, 205 Adams Road, Luddenham, for refreshments and to continue celebrating the life of John

Page 26

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

Jeff McKinnon Calls it a Day “Stand Clear - Doors Closing!!! - End Of An Era as Mortdale Guard Trainer Jeffrey Mckinnon retires after 47 years It is the end of an era at Mortdale as Mortdale Guard Trainer Jeffrey Mckinnon retired in February after 47 years on the railway. After joining as a trainee engineman at Eveleigh in 1971, Jeff worked on stations for a number of years including at Hurstville, Kogarah and Oatley. Following his time on stations he worked as a Shunter before finally settling on the Guards role. Although spending some time at Sydney depot, he has spent the vast majority of the last four decades as a Guard at Mortdale. Jeff was successful in becoming a Guard Trainer after the Sydney Olympics and has spent the best part of the last 20 years training new guards to become some of the best guards on the network. Although he has seen many changes on the railway including many new train sets, he says he has thoroughly enjoyed his time in the railway family. “The best part

of the job has without a doubt been the many friendships I have made with the colleagues I have worked with” said Jeff. “This is also the one thing he will miss the most about waking up early every morning to help get trains moving and people where they need to go. Jeff plans to use his newfound spare time to do a bit of travelling and make a move up north of Sydney to relax and unwind. He also plans to give the alarm clock a bit of a break in retirement!! At his recent farewell in Oatley, a large number of current and former colleagues gathered to share stories and celebrate his career on the railways. This is no doubt a testament to the respect he has earned in his 47 years on the

job. Jeffrey has been a loyal Union member throughout his career and so we all wish him well in retirement. Thanks mate for all the hard work and dedication, (especially while training the many guards you have over the years). You deserve a well earned break, after your shout for a beer.

www.busexpress.com.au RAIL & ROAD June 2019

Page 27

Vale to Ray Baker

Ray (centre) with colleagues on the platform at Redfern Station It is with great sadness for the RTBU to say vale to Raymond Francis Baker. Ray was born in Cowra and was a proud Wiradjuri man to Sylvia Scott-Ingram and Frank Sigg. Ray had many aspects to his life and some of these are captured below; Ray was partner in union with Pat for more than 30 years and they raised five children, Karen, Scott (Dec) Leslea, Michelle (Dec) and Darrell. Ray was also a Grandfather to 10 and Great Grandfather to 4. All these roles he cherished. Ray and Pat were also heavily involved in karaoke where they performed many nights a week. They had many favourites which includes Quando Quando, Love Me Tender and After The Loving. Ray was also a proud worker with the Railways and member of the RTBU. Ray’s career on the railways spanned for 29 years from the 1980s. Ray started as a security Guard in the Indigenous Unit also referred to as The Brothers to the locals. Ray and the other RILO Officers were legends of Redfern and were always ready for a chat at Redfern and a beacon of assistance for many Koori passing through Redfern and needing some assistance. This was especially valuable for any young country Koories coming through to study in Sydney for the first time and needing assistance. Ray was also a very staunch RTBU member and was always ready to take the fight to the boss without flinching. He fought fearlessly to improve conditions for the RILO unit and was always ready to assist other workers in solidarity. Ray will be terribly missed by all that knew him. This is beautifully described within a poem crafted by Charlie Williams;

Page 28

My best friend Those special memories of you, Will always bring a smile, If only we could have you back, For just a little while. We could sit and talk like we use to do We’ll share a smoke or 2 We’ll talk the memories me & you. My best friend You always made me laugh at the things you did & said, But the laughs are no more, its tears I cry instead. I’ve lost you forever my one true friend my old mate right to the end. I’ll think of you always; I’ll remember the thing you use to say. One day my friend again you’ll pass my way. Rest in Paradise

Colleagues attending Ray’s funeral service

RAIL & ROAD June 2019

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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www.facebook. com/RTBUNSW

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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.

Like Us on Facebook RTBU Holiday Park Jervis Bay RAIL & ROAD June 2019

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

Profits that go to members, not shareholders. The right support and advice to help you

feel future ready

1300 650 873

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.

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 Bruce Gale on 0414 934 878 or the union office on (02) 9264 2511

Page 14

raIL & rOaD June 2010

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. RAIL & ROAD June 2019

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

We can’t always see what’s coming down the track. Serious injury or illness can come out of nowhere, which is why it’s smart to have health insurance just in case.

Join rt health by 30 April to go into a draw to WIN an iPhone X* With so many health funds, picking the right insurer can be tough. We’re the health fund that your union trusts to look after you, so joining rt health is an easy decision.

As an RTBU member, you’ll receive these generous additional benefits (on top of our great value health covers): • $150 Woolworths WISH card as a welcome gift • Immediate waiver of ALL 2 and 3 month waiting periods, so you can start claiming straight away • 5% discount on our health covers (excluding Ambulance-only cover) • Dedicated hotline and website for RTBU members

*Terms and conditions apply. Permit No NSW LTPS/19/31378. Railway & Transport Health Fund Limited (ACN 087 648 744) (“rt health”). 0219/3351

1300 886 123

help@rthealthfund.com.au / rthealthfund.com.au/rtbu