VOLUME 113 No.1 March 2021
AND
RAILROAD THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW BRANCH OF THE RAIL, TRAM & BUS UNION
Keep Freight on Aussie Trains
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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
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Branch Executive Secretary President Assistant Secretary (Road) Assistant Secretary (Rail)
Alex Claassens Joanne McCallum David Babineau 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 Campaign Director Branch Organisers
Toby Warnes Dan Scaysbrook Helen Bellette Craig Turner Ricky Keehn Trent Hunter Wayne Moody
Locomotive Organisers Freight Passenger
Farren Campbell Steve Wright Kevin Pryor Bob Newham
Industrial Officers Branch Grace Morgan-Cocks Tram & Bus Lizanne Bennett Locomotive Vacant Legal Officer - Locomotive Peter Matthews Communications Officer Peter O’Connor
From the Branch Secretary We finished 2020 with many battles still being fought, and in 2021 the union has hit the ground running. Following our concerns raised through our Independent Safety Evaluation Report, released in November 2020, and the NIF Safety Day of Action at the end of last year, talks continue with NSW Trains and Transport for NSW over the dangerous proposed NIF operating model. The agencies agreed to review our independent safety reports and address the serious concerns raised over the operating model. We will have more news for members on these talks soon, but a recent decision by the Full Bench in Fair Work, sided with RTBU members and delegates on our long running classification dispute. In effect this means that there are no classifications of Customer Service Guard or Intercity Specialist Driver, as originally proposed by NSW Trains, and if NSW Trains want to introduce these new classifications , they must do so in consultation with the RTBU. Our members in Metro Trains also had a win with MTS required to pay more than $300,000 to workers made redundant in October 2020. There have been a number disputes with this new transport operator in its first year or so of operation. The company had also reneged on promises to backpay EBA rates for work performed from May 2019, and then it was only at base rate and not including allowances and leave loading. The RTBU, ETU and AMWU took the matter to Fair Work, where the dispute was resolved in favour of the members. In other industrial news, we have finalised
ballots for both the Pacific National Intermodal EA and the Pacific National Intermodal Outsourced Projects EA. The latter came after many months of protracted negotiations, a series of protected industrial actions by members to force PN back to the negotiation table and to arrive at an agreement that was acceptable to members. Negotiations are underway across a number of other areas to secure reasonable outcomes for members through their EAs. The Bus Operators and STA Salaried Officers Award negotiations, in the context of further privatisation, have focused on defending and maintaining existing conditions, and securing ongoing improvements in entitlements such as superannuation contributions. Earlier in the year we were astounded by the announcement that Sydney Trains and NSW Trains have proposed a 0.3% wage increase to transport workers who have been at the frontline of public transport throughout the COVID 19 pandemic. Our members unanimously rejected this insulting offer by way of a quick RTBU survey conducted over a weekend, with more than 3,500 members responding. We will fight to ensure our members are fairly compensated for their outstanding work keeping our state moving through the pandemic. We have also had some wins. The RTBU National Office and the RTBU Retired Members Association, joined with other community organisations to successfully stop a grab for dedicated public lands for commercial purposes, at the Innovation Plaza, site of the old Eveleigh Railway
Workshops. This victory means that the public can continue to enjoy the area set aside to honour this significant site of railway culture and heritage for years to come. The RTBU National Office has also launched two new campaigns to protect transport workers across Australia. In summary, The RTBU is conducting a campaign for a COVID-Vulnerable worker payment, allowing workers to continue receiving their full pay, while staying at home and out of harm’s way during a lockdown period. Help us keep Australia and its workers safe. The Freight Campaign is in response to a Federal Transport Department proposal to make it easier for foreign-flagged ships to compete for freight transport work are being pursued quietly at departmental level, with a view to sneaking them through without scrutiny. They pose a significant threat to the future of intermodal rail freight, and will lead to more freight being moved off trains and onto foreign flagged ships. This could see intermodal services being undercut by using exploited seafarers earning as little as $7 an hour. It is shaping up as a very busy year for our union, and a time where staying united and strong will be crucial to ensuring that our work continues to be valued through decent and fair improvements to wages and working conditions.
In this Issue Industrial News Sydney and NSW Trains EA Proposal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 PN Intermodal EA Ballot. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Industrial Notes Metro Trains Backpay Win. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 STA Salaried and Admin Award Negotiations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Sydney Trains Dispute on Management Staff Reviews . . . . . . . 10 General News Divisional Officials Meet with Transport Minister. . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Infrastructure Regional Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NIF Update - Post Action Discussions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Retired Members Submission on Mirvac Application . . . . . . . . 15 First Electric Bus Hits Road in Western Sydney. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Campaign Trail Keep Freight on Aussie Trains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Look After COVID- Vulnerable Workers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Safety Matters Close Call at Hornsby Highlights Dangers of NIF . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 PN Fails on Risk Assessment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 RTBU Festive Season Office Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Whistlestop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Industrial News Sydney and NSW Trains Enterprise Agreement Proposal - A Slap in the face In mid February, Transport for NSW, Sydney Trains, and NSW Trains called a snap meeting to discuss the expiry of the enterprise agreements. Disappointingly, with no We understand that your employer risk to member’s own personal consultation, a proposal was put on will be communicating with safety. Effectively, the wage offer the table for a 6 month extension you about this proposal. It is amounts to zero plus a slap in the to the enterprise agreement with disappointing that we weren’t face! a 0.3% pay rise for a 12 month allowed to speak to you about it A two day training session was held period. Under this proposal, first. This was the first that we on 28 and 29 January for Sydney members would keep all their have heard of this proposal and and NSW Trains delegates, and the existing conditions including the it has not been agreed to by the delegates attending were able to redeployment and redundancy RTBU or the Combined Union view the survey produced by Martin deed. group. Cartwright from Crowd Faction and It would also prevent members Our members unanimously they discussed the name that we from taking protected industrial rejected this insulting offer by may give to the campaign. action for the duration of the 6 way of a quick RTBU survey Crowd Faction was engaged to month extension. conducted over the weekend after conduct a survey of the Sydney the proposal, with more than 3,500 A variation to an enterprise and NSW Trains membership and members responding. We will fight agreement under the Fair Work Act is capable of building a dedicated to ensure our members are fairly 2009 still has to be put to a vote of website for the EA campaign. compensated for their outstanding all employees, and approved by the The survey was sent out to the work keeping our state moving Fair Work Commission. membership at the end of February. through the pandemic. However, under this process, We will seek advice and consider This proposal comes after a year of members are not able to sit at the what actions we can take to ensure pandemic confusion and chaos on bargaining table and are not able a fair and reasonable EBA process the rail network, and a time of our to take any industrial action to and outcome for Sydney and NSW members going above and beyond support their claims. Essentially, Trains members. to ensure the public transport this is a process dictated by If you have any questions about the system operated efficiently and your employer denying you any safely during this time, often at above, please contact your organiser. opportunity to bargain.
Fair Work Commission win on NIF dispute
The Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission has handed down its decision about the NIF classification dispute and we won.
In August last year when the original decision was handed down members and delegates were understandably gutted and felt betrayed by the Fair Work Commission. The full bench sided with members and delegates and ruled that this decision was wrong. The decision means that NSW Trains cannot proceed with their proposal that was dropped, without notice on members through the “Your guide to the New Intercity Fleet” booklet in November 2019.
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The key takeaways from the decision are: • The changes proposed by NSW Trains “would change the classification, working arrangements and payments of employees… and their rate of pay” and were therefore extra claims and not permissible during the life of the enterprise agreement. • If NSW Trains wants to introduce these new classifications and working
arrangement in principal agreement with the RTBU through clause 12. Our Legal Team, Delegates and Officials are still working through the details about what this will mean for our ongoing campaign against the proposed unsafe NIF operating model. This is a massive win for members and the community, and it is only through our collective strength and determination that we have achieved this victory.
RAIL & ROAD March 2021
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Alstom Transport PTY LTD Sydney Light Rail Operations and Maintenance Enterprise Agreement. You Decide! After 12 months of negotiations, RTBU representatives and management at Alstom Transport have agreed that it is now up to members to decide if the proposed Enterprise Agreement is acceptable. On January 12, RTBU Officials and Delegates met with members to advise them of the package. At these meetings members raised some specific questions about the on-call provisions and the voting process’s confidentiality. RTBU Officials and Delegates raised these concerns and received confirmation in writing that the voting process will remain confidential and anonymous. To make sure this happens, Alstom has engaged an external agency to run the voting process. Management has also agreed to include a commitment to not change the on-call provisions without consultation, with wording to this effect included in the draft agreement. It is now up to you to decide if you will accept the proposed Enterprise Agreement (EA). Before voting, you will receive a copy of the draft EA and information on how to vote from the agency, Go Vote. While we didn’t get everything, we know the offer from management has increased due to members joining and organising together.
What’s on the table ? A wage increase and back pay: • If the agreement is accepted, members will receive backpay of 2.5% for 2018 and 2.45% for 2019. • Management has offered no pay increase for 2020. • Additional pay increases of 1.8% in 2021 and 2% in 2023 • Extra tool reimbursement clause removed. Alstom will provide all tools required. • New subclause regarding purchasing of prescription safety lenses • New clause committing parties to develop a competency based classification structure. Maintenance of current conditions; including: • Wages will continue to be paid weekly. • Members will continue to be classified as shift workers retaining the entitlement of five weeks annual leave • Members will maintain roster payments over the entirety of the Easter Weekend. If you have any questions, please contact your workplace delegate or organiser.
PN Intermodal EA Ballot
The results of the EA ballot have been finalised, and with 88% of members voting, the EA was endorsed by a majority of members. Where to Now? In the final days of the Access Period, members made PN and the RTBU National Office explicitly aware as to what was going on out on the ground. As per the members’ directives (through the EA Bargaining Team), National Secretary Mark Diamond secured key commitments from Pacific National: Driver Delegate Workgroup A Workgroup will be formed (Delegates, the RTBU and PN) to sit down and resolve the six most contentious outstanding disputes, those being: • Attachment 1, clause 17: Cancellation recovery shifts • Attachment1, clause 4: Shift limits and 3up and 4up • Attachment 1, clause 1.1: All known working to be placed in the Master Roster • Attachment 1, clause 2.7.3: “Day in Lieu” and working an RDO
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• Interpretation of “direct contact” to the Driver concerned (voicemail and text messages) • Attachment 1, clause 3.5: Altering a Drivers Roster with less than 12 hours’ notice and sign on/off provisions If resolution cannot be agreed upon, these matters will be taken further as per the DSP Clause in the EA in a timely manner. On top of the above six issues, National Organiser Leanne Holmes will be collating a spreadsheet of every outstanding Notice of Dispute (NOD) across the country. Members have made it clear that that they are sick and tired of NODs going nowhere. Leanne will be getting in contact with Branch Organisers to ensure that all NODs are included. PN have been put on notice that Members will no longer accept reinterpretation, reimagining or reinvention of what a Clause means or is how it is implemented.
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PN Intermodal Outsourced Projects Enterprise Agreement Update After months of lengthy negotiations and drawn out industrial action, our members have had a win. As one of the conditions of the extended industrial action, the RTBU was required to comply with Federal Court orders to have members on standby to the extent necessary to avoid the dumping of hot metal. This has meant, unfortunately, that some members had to work during this stoppage. We know this isn’t ideal, but we appreciate those members who agreed to do this. Offer put to Pacific National On 16 November 2020, we put the following member endorsed position to Pacific National: 1. A 4% pay increase from 1 January 2021 until the end of Pacific National’s contract with BlueScope; and 2. A 3.5% pay increase from 1 January 2021 until the end of Pacific National’s contract with BlueScope, with a one-off of $2,000 per employee. The RTBU is willing to negotiate the timing and phrase of the one-off payment. For example, as either a sign on or retention payment. As a sign of good faith, the RTBU also notified Pacific National of its cancellation of the 24- hour work stoppages scheduled for 24 December, 25 December, and 26 December 2020 in anticipation of a meeting as soon as possible so the parties can resolve the issues in dispute. There was further industrial action scheduled for the following week, with two further 24-hour work stoppages on 21 December 2020 and 22 December 2020. There remained an indefinite ban on overtime and a ban on piloting duties and the unloading of limestone wagons until 11:59pm on 24 December 2020. A picket line was set up between 10.30am and 2pm outside the main gates at BlueScope on Tuesday 22 December2020.
In January, Pacific National employees voted on a new enterprise agreement to replace the Pacific National Intermodal – Outsourced Projects Enterprise Agreement 2017, which nominally expired on 30 June 2020. This was the result of hard battle where our members had to take the industrial actions outlined above to force Pacific National back to the bargaining table. The votes have been counted and we have the result. • Total number that voted was 56 out of 67 – 84% response. • Total number of votes that voted “yes” for the Enterprise Agreement was 54 – 96% • Total number of votes that voted “no” for the Enterprise Agreement was 2 – 4% The Pacific National Outsourced Projects Enterprise Agreement 2021 has now been voted in and endorsed by members. • Once approved by FWC, employees will receive backpay from the 1st full pay period after the 1st of January of 2.5%. ·• They will then receive another 1.25% pay increase from the 1st full pay period after the 1st July 2021. • The agreement will expire on the 31st December 2021, at which time members will receive a $750 retention bonus. Congratulations must go to all members who made a stand, voiced their concerns to the Company with their protected industrial action and for finally getting an improved offer they deserve!
TRAM & BUS EXPRESS
Get on the TRAM & BUS EXPRESS Tram and 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.
tramandbusexpress.com.au RAIL & ROAD March 2021
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Industrial Notes Metro Trains – One Step Forward, Two Steps Back Backpay win for 32 Metro Trains members
In June 2020 management dropped a bombshell on our members when the CEO announced that MTS would undergo a full organisational review after only 12 months of operation. As part of that review, a number of members were made redundant in October 2020. Unions were then made aware that those members were not paid appropriately. However what followed was further alarming for members when MTS reneged on promises they would back pay members the EBA rates for work performed from May 2019. MTS claimed the backpay arrangement was only to be on the base rate and it excluded allowances and leave loading. The RTBU with the ETU and AMWU took the matter to the Fair Work Commission where the dispute was resolved in favour of the members. As a result Metro Trains was required to back pay members a total of more than 300 thousand dollars. This is a disappointing start to a new rail service provider and the contracting out of these jobs. However it was pleasing to be able to support our members who were denied payments. This shows the true value of being part of the union because when situations like these arise where you have been underpaid, union members support each other.
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Railtrain: Hunter Ports Services Enterprise Agreement. The Rail, Tram & Bus Union, Locomotive Division NSW Branch have been in negotiations with Railtrain representatives since May 2019 for a new Enterprise Agreement covering 12 employees in a single classification. Negotiations have been extremely difficult due to the company refusing to meet what we believe are basic standards and conditions. The RTBU have not tried to price our members out of the market but have attempted to give the members employment security and solid working conditions comparable to most employees within the Rail Industry. Negotiations were progressing slowly up until Railtrain decided on 13th December 2019 that they had finished their negotiations and decided to take their non-union supported Agreement out to members for a vote. The outcome of the vote was a resounding “NO” with 100% of those who voted rejecting the Company’s inferior proposal, with the vote being declared on 23 December 2019, 2 days prior to Christmas. Early in 2020, the RTBU Locomotive Division contacted Railtrain to recommence the EA negotiations and after some shuffling of the deck chairs following the Chief Executive Officer & National Human Resources Advisor leaving the Company, a meeting was finally organised and occurred on 6 August 2020. As the Company’s attitude and regressive philosophy had not changed, the RTBU made the difficult decision to withdraw from negotiations as we could not be seen to be endorsing such a basic/ sub-standard agreement. Due to the Company’s proposed Enterprise Agreement containing very basic conditions and protections, an extremely low rate of pay, and the fact that employees have only received an increase of approximately $0.83 cents in the last 5 years that Railtrain have operated in NSW, the Agreement should be named the “Servitude Agreement”!
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STA Salaried and Administration Award Negotiations As 2020 came to an end, we received confirmation that STA had been given permission from the NSW Government to commence negotiations for the STA Salaried and Administration Award. These negotiations are taking place in a hostile and ever-changing environment, with the NSW Government freezing public sector workers’ wages and ploughing ahead with their privatisation agenda. We invited members to fill in an online survey telling us what they want from negotiations. On Tuesday, January 12, an online meeting was held, providing members with the opportunity to ask any questions and endorse the log of claims. We promoted the meeting via a bulletin sent to members personal email addresses and SMS reminders. At the meeting, RTBU members endorsed the log of claims below, which we will put forward in the upcoming negotiations. Log of Claims • To keep all our current entitlements and conditions in the Award. • To seek a pay increase of 2.5% per annum or CPI, whichever is greatest.
• A two-year Award to protect members through the transition period to a private provider. • Working from home guidelines to be applied consistently across all business units. Union Representatives commenced discussions with STA Management. Following the resolution by the combined Union meeting of Salaried and Admin members, the EA negotiation committee met with STA management on Thursday 25th February. At this meeting, and in the discussions leading up to it, STA made it clear that their offer is final and is as far as the Government will allow them to go. Further to this, the Government’s instructions are that we must agree, ‘in principle,’ by March 1 to secure the backpay of 0.3% until January 1, 2021. To protect what was on the table, we wrote to STA indicating that we believe we have achieved as much as we can and that we are taking the Award to members’ meetings for approval. As agreed, we met with Union members via Teams on Monday, March 1. There were also additional meetings for voting on paid time the following week.
Below is a summary of what has been achieved: Duration: 1. The Award will be for a period of up to two years with a nominal expiry date of 31 December 2022. Wages: 2. The following increases to wages and wage related allowances: 2.1 0.3 per cent from the first full pay period on or after 1 January 2021; 2.2 An increase from the first full pay period on or after 1 January 2022 in accordance with the outcome of the Transport for NSW and Sydney Metro Salaries and Conditions of Employment Award 2021. Superannuation: 3. An increase of 0.5 per cent in Superannuation Guarantee Charge from July 2021, in addition to the 0.3 per cent wage increase, if the scheduled superannuation increases proceeds. Amendments to a number of existing award provisions to reflect current employment entitlements and practices.
Station Staff at NSWTrains AGAIN asked to Perform Right of Way on the NIF NSW Trains management again directed Station Staff at NSW Trains on the Newcastle - Central Coast Line to perform flagging duties and assist with the testing of the New InterCity Fleet (NIF) when it stopped at stations during a testing run on Friday, 15 January 2021. The operating model proposed by NSW Trains for the NIF (which includes right of way duties) is still in dispute. We are yet to see any evidence that the NIF, in its current form, is safe. In fact, an independent safety expert has confirmed that the operating model for the NIF is unsafe. The current NTOSP 6 - Right of Way procedure still does not reflect giving a right of way to the NIF operating under the proposed operating model. The NIF is designed to operate in a way vastly different to existing rollingstock, which has not been properly explained to Station Staff.
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Station Staff providing right of way in these circumstances is unacceptable. By providing a right of way you may be putting yourself, your workmates, and the community at risk. This NSW Trains directive is putting Station Staff in a precarious position where if something goes wrong, they may be held liable The RTBU reminds all Station Staff at NSW Trains that if you are issued an unsafe directive, you are within your rights to refuse it on safety grounds. If you feel the situation is unsafe, you should ask management for other available work at the time the NIF arrives at your station. You should not lose any pay for this time. If you have any questions about the above, please contact your delegates, sub-divisional representatives, or your organiser.
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Sydney Trains Dispute on Management Staff Reviews In December, Sydney Trains Management informed Station Staff at Wynyard, Town Hall, Hornsby, Epping, Chatswood, and Central about their intent to regrade fixed, part-time employees into general relief positions. In pursuing this proposal, Management has failed to follow the staff review process or provide a business case for the proposed changes. There are also concerns that this is an attempt to bypass the EA’s home station clause by forcing members onto the general relief roster. After discussion with members, we lodged a dispute under Clause 23 of the Sydney Trains Enterprise Agreement, which compelled Sydney Trains to meet with Officials and
Delegates on Friday, December 18. At the meeting, it became clear that the proposal by Sydney Trains management completely lacked utility and failed to: • Provide a business case that justified the proposed change. Consider the roles and responsibilities of members • Show any form of risk assessment • Provide any reason or justification for the review. We informed Management that we could not accept or participate in a discussion until they provide a business case to support their proposal. While Management committed to sharing some information, they
made it very clear they would not provide the full range of information requested as they believed some of it was “irrelevant”. We have put Sydney Trains on notice that we will escalate accordingly. As we have a dispute in motion the status-quo applies, meaning that work should continue without change until members agree to any proposal We understand some members’ rosters have been changed without consultation, and we advise that you are entitled to continue to work on your current roster. If your roster has been changed contact your rostering officer and advise them, you want to return to your regular roster. If you run into any barriers, contact your local delegate or the Union office.
Sydney Trains Infrastructure Network Maintenance Position Description Review Congratulations to members who sent an email to futureNMD@transport.nsw.gov.au requesting draft position descriptions including track changes. Following this action members secured an agreement from Management that position descriptions will be released with the proposed changes visible through track changes. This will allow members to fully understand and digest what is being proposed. Despite the evidence that the proposed changes will significantly impact members, management have ignored a proposal that this position description review take
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place as part of the Sydney Trains Enterprise Agreement process. Instead, management has tried to make the workforce responsible. They expect employees to provide them with all the information first while failing to commit to recognising these changes at the Enterprise Agreement level. To consider our next action, RTBU Officials conducted workplace meetings at each network-base throughout February 2021. At these meetings, members discussed and decided our next steps.
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General News Tram and Bus Divisional Officials meet with NSW Transport Minister Important discussions were had to address some of the most pressing issues that the Union feels should be at the top of the Minister’s list. These included: • Giving unending employee passes for STA staff. Failing that, retaining employee passes at concession rates instead of losing them entirely after two years is a fall back position. • Increasing the pay rise for drivers following State plans to privatise bus services. This is in spite of the wage freeze for public sector employees. The Union has made the case
for STA staff to receive the full 2.5% that is normally afforded them, we’ll see what reasons the Minister uses to say ‘No’. • Backdating the pay rise for any agreement reached to 1st January 2021. This looks quite promising, as both the Minister and Transport for NSW seem to be on board. Employees shouldn’t suffer because the government wanted to catch us in their wage freeze and delayed negotiations (they still haven’t started). • Getting approval for STA to bargain for the Salaried and
Bus Operator Awards ASAP. Meetings with STA and TfNSW has given us some good news on some things and the work to include our entitlements where they fall outside of the award continues, but it’s important to note that we can’t officially bargain until the government gives them permission. There’s definitely been progress with the Award process, but we’ll wait until we have things on paper before calling it a win. Members in STA should be thinking about how much they want to fight for a pay rise as this is looking to be an issue that comes to a boil early next year.
Opposition IR policy announcements Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has made a number of significant IR policy announcements, while visiting Queensland in the second week of February, with the main emphasis on measures to increase job security. Labor has targeted the Morrison Government’s Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Bill 2020, which is now before the Senate and is expected to go to the vote in March The criticism has so far focused on a plan to allow the FWC to approve agreements that do not comply with the BOOT for a maximum of two years as the economy recovers from the pandemic. Albanese said the pandemic had shown strengths of Australian society
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along with economic weaknesses in job security. “It was the most marginalised casual workers and others who were first off who got left behind. “The challenge is for us to build back stronger, for us to ensure that people aren’t left behind and that people aren’t held back. ‘Secure jobs are the key.” He said Labor will continue to oppose Morrison Government efforts to “get rid” of the BOOT test and legislated increases to the employers superannuation guarantee. Labor held a “virtual” national ALP conference in March, where unions pressed for policy commitments head of a possible federal election in the
spring of this year. Last year, the ALP published a draft national platform that pledges to ensure that workers in the gig economy earn a living wage and have access to “the same protections and standards as all Australian workers” while addressing insecure employment. “Labor will ensure that the Fair Work Act provides appropriate coverage and protection for all forms of work and that gig economy platforms and other working arrangements are not used to circumvent industrial standards or to undermine workers’ rights to collectively organise and access their union,” says the draft platform.
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Infrastructure Regional Tours One of the most important parts of being involved in a Union is to keep in contact with our members. Its a great opportunity for organisers to see and witness the work being performed, check out some of the working conditions our members are working in, having a chat to workers about life on the Rail and what it’s like to camp out and be away from families. Regional visits will form an important part in keeping close contact with our representatives on the job out in the bush and not just turning up at EBA time. We need to be organised and ready to deal with issues when they arise. Building relationships is important, so members have confidence in supporting each other.
The infrastructure Branch Organisers were able to connect with some of our country delegates and members in December 2020 with Regional tours undertaken by Wayne Moody and Ricky Keehn, with visits to ARTC and John Holland sites in Dubbo, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Binnaway, Muswellbrook and Newcastle just to name a few. Members were updated on local issues and challenges facing the Union movement by this current federal Government on proposals to reduce workers’ rights and conditions. Where possible, Branch Organisers also went out looking for workers from other independent contractors working in and around the Inland Rail network.
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RAIL & ROAD March 2021
NIF Update – Post Safety Action Following the scheduled “Mission Readiness” exercise on the NIF train and the safety events that followed, the RTBU has been meeting with NSW Trains and a Transport for NSW representative to try and resolve the outstanding safety concerns of the RTBU and its members. The RTBU was forced into this position after continually stating its significant safety concerns with the proposed NSW Train NIF operating model and having them fall on deaf ears and completely ignored. At the meetings so far held, the RTBU has, once again, provided NSW Trains with its position and that of its members on what makes a safe railway operation on each of the issues below: Driver Only Operations – Empty car running The RTBU requires a Guard on all revenue and non-revenue train movements. Right of way from safety qualified worker (i.e., Guard) The RTBU requires an Absolute Right of Way from a crew member (Guard) positioned at the open crew cab door withthe capability to assess the Platform Train Interface visually/ audibly with the capability to stop the train if required.
RAIL & ROAD March 2021
Traction Interlocking The RTBU requires crew cab doors to be configured in such a way as to allow the door/s to remain open once traction power is applied and automatically close at 10kph with an audible alert prior to closure. Driver Seat The RTBU requires a fit for purpose, air ride seat be installed in the NIF. Use of cameras-CCTV The RTBU is fundamentally opposed to the use of CCTV images as the primary method of train dispatch. It is considered appropriate that CCTV is utilised as an aid for the Guards absolute right away requirements and should be positioned in such a way that allows the same. The RTBU rejects the utilisation of CCTV by the driver as it is viewed as a major distraction from the primary task, that of the safe operation of the train.
Use of cameras – in cab camera The RTBU views constant surveillance via the in-cab camera as creating stress and distrust without achieving a safety benefit. The Passenger information button transmitting to the ROC It is the view of the RTBU that all calls made on the PI button are directed to the CSG in the first instance with the default being to the ROC. To date, in the meetings held so far, NSW Trains have displayed a marked change in attitude towards the above issues and meaningful discussions have occurred for which members should attribute to the action taken. An in-principle agreement has been reached for the independent safety experts to examine the PTI process prior to any dynamic testing by NSW Trains. Members will be kept informed of the outcomes of these significant meetings as they are available.
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Northern Beaches Privatisation Causes Chaos for School Services In late January, media across Sydney reported on parents from Sydney’s northern beaches expressing their anger and shock after learning school bus services were canned by NSW Transport without warning. For many parents, the discovery was made the day before students returned to school, giving them little time to arrange alternate transport for the morning. Manly MP James Griffin said he learnt schools were advised about the changes in October and again on January 21. He has written to the Transport Minister expressing his concerns about the limited communication about the changes. “I am appalled that children returning to school have been left stranded in my community,” Mr Griffin said. “This is entirely unacceptable that there has been no communication to parents that these bus services would not be going ahead or have changed.
The Councillor is demanding for TransportNSW to reinstate the services. “I’m just confounded, what did they
changes into the mix is distressing, especially young kids.” “There was no community consultation and it was just ousted. It’s ridiculous and it’s going to cause a traffic jam. It will put more people on the roads, and I don’t think that’s what we want.” Northern beaches resident and mother Ms M .said the Balgowlah Heights, Clontarf and wider Seaforth communities were “angry and bewildered”.
“Kids need routine and managing the anxiety of going back to school is one thing, but throwing transport changes into the mix is distressing, especially young kids”
“I am working with the Minister for Transport and Transport Officials to have this issue resolved as soon as possible.” A Northern beaches councillor said she only became aware of the transport changes after she saw parents posting about it on Facebook yesterday.
“Kids are going to bed and we all of sudden had to find a new way to get them to school today,” said. “There was no warning, no consultation. You’d think they’d send out a letter to parents. “My daughter’s in Year 10 she’s
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been catching it since she was in Year 5. It drops the kids along the schools on the way and there used to be a bus that brought the kids home again and those bus services are gone entirely.”
think was going to happen today? The whole model relies on parents driving part of or the whole way. “The traffic was mental today, we had no time to plan. The government is expecting them to change buses at Neutral Bay or Mosman. They’re expecting them to go on long walks between bus stops and they’re carrying these heavy bags. “Kids need routine and managing the anxiety of going back to school is one thing, but throwing transport
“Safe, reliable transportation to school should be a basic community service,” she said. “These changes do not suit family routines, school timetables, nor does it suit the public who will have to share the bus with large numbers of schoolchildren which creates a safety issue.”
Transport for NSW maintains that communications were sent to schools and meetings were held with council staff in September and November. In response to complaints made by parents, a Transport for NSW spokesman said it will “deploy customer service staff to key locations on the Northern Beaches to assist students returning to school”. “Additional buses will also be on standby to assist. Transport for NSW apologises for the confusion and concern caused to parents and children as a result of changes to school routes.”
RAIL & ROAD March 2021
Retired Members Submission on Mirvac Application The RTBU Retired Members Association has made a submission on the application by MIRVAC for proposed uses of Innovation Plaza, at the site of the old Locomotive Workshops at Redfern. A summary of the submission is: The RTBU Retired Members Association is opposed to the application by Mirvac to modify the development consent applying to the reuse of the Locomotive Workshops by extending food and beverage uses into the public land and public recreation zone that forms Innovation Plaza. The RTBU RMA argues the application should be rejected.
• There is an alternative to Mirvacs public land grab and that is for them to lead the community in discussing the implementation of a plan for multi-use public recreation which is the subject of community consultation and endorsement. The concepts of such a plan were put to a meeting of the sites Community Liaison Group. Former RTBU National Secretary, Roger Jowett represents the Association on this group. In November 2019 the CLG was presented with a number of concepts for the future of the Plaza including many ideas about public recreation. However the meeting was pledged not to disclose the nature of the presentation. Much to our surprise 13 months later Mirvac in their application claimed the issue of commercialisation for retail purposes of the Plaza was the subject of a presentation and discussion. This was clearly not the case and this confirmed by the Minutes of the meeting. • Mirvacs modification application did not refer to the heritage machinery collection and social and labour history that should be an integral part of any development. The Association argued this was a major omission which had to be remedied.
The mains grounds to our objection were: • Innovation Plaza under various Environmental Planning instruments is zoned public land and the land use applying is Public Recreation. • In addition, as part of the sale process to Mirvac by the State Government in 2015 ,it has Covenants and Easements granting public access to all areas of Innovation Plaza at all times.
Community Action Blocks Public Land Grab At a meeting of the Community Liaison Group, held at the end of February, the company advised, through gritted teeth, that they would withdrew their applications for built structures and the keg/bar room facilities. They indicated they reserved their position on outside loose furniture for a restaurant depending on whom obtained the lease for the adjacent unoccupied site within the workshops. This is a major win for the community group RedWatch and the RTBU RMA.
RAIL & ROAD March 2021
The crucial issue was the existing public easement established by the NSW Government in 2016 when the site was privatised. This gave the public unfettered rights of access to Innovation Plaza and had been “overlooked” by both Mirvac and the City Council of Sydney. Sustained pressure from Geoff Turnbull from RedWatch applied to senior officers of the Council forced then to recognise the pre-eminence of the public easement over planning legislation and development applications.
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First electric bus hits the road in South Western Sydney region The following article by Eric Kontos appeared in the Southwest Voice newspaper on 1 February, 2021
An electric bus looks just like any other, but when it hits the road it’s eerily quiet inside. It’s the first thing you notice as a point of difference with diesel powered buses. You can actually have a conversation while it’s moving, as the media did this morning with NSW transport minister Andrew Constance when he launched the very first electric bus for South Western Sydney at Leppington station’s bus interchange. Local bus company Interline, whose representatives joined the minister this morning, will be rolling out a total of 10 new electric buses across the region during 2021. These electric buses can run for up to seven hours on a full charge. The benefits for customers, as Mr Constance pointed out, will come in quieter and cleaner journeys. “These buses are great, and the battery they use is charging while the bus is on the road,’’ Mr Constance said. Local MPs Peter Sidgreaves (Camden) and Melanie Gibbons (Holsworthy) joined the minister and Interline representatives for this morning’s launch.
Hit the road: (from left) MPs Peter Sidgreaves, Melanie Gibbons and the transport minister at Leppington
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“The new electric buses are not only better for local commuters’ health and the environment, but they will also save taxpayers money on maintenance and operation costs,’’ Mr Sidgreaves said. The first Interline electric bus is one of 50 that will hit the road in Greater Sydney this year. “Five electric buses have already been trialled in Sydney’s inner west, and now it is time for customers in the south west to start reaping the benefits of this amazing technology,’’ Mr Constance said. “We are one step closer to creating a greener, cleaner and healthier future for the people of NSW, with inner west customers and staff already giving us positive feedback about the quieter journeys. “The NSW Government is committed to transitioning its 8,000 diesel buses to zero emission technology. “I have previously set Transport NSW the goal of electrifying the fleet by 2031,’’ the minister said.
One more photo…for the road. Member for Holsworthy Melanie Gibbons said it was exciting to see the NSW Government’s electric bus vision becoming a reality. “Commuters in South Western Sydney will now get to enjoy the benefits of electric bus technology,’’ she said. “It’s really great to see it reaching our local streets, and everyone will notice the difference. “These buses are better for our health and the environment, and they are much quieter than their diesel counterparts – which is a big win for commuters and residents alike.’’ Interline is yet to confirm the route of the first electric bus, but 859 (Carnes Hills to Edmondson Park) and 858 (Oran Park Town Centre to Leppington) are in the mix for consideration.
RAIL & ROAD March 2021
Holiday at the RTBU Jervis Bay Holiday Park
Treat your family to a relaxing holiday, enjoying the pristine waterways, flora and fauna, and tranquility of the Booderee National Park. All RTBU members (as well as HSU and USU members) pay a discounted member rate. Nonmembers are able to book at the RTBU Holiday Park at a higher rate. Information is available on our facebook page RTBU Holiday Park Jervis Bay, and all bookings are to be made through the union office. Bookings are restricted on the basis of one unit per member (during summer holidays,.....for a minimum of one week and a maximum of two weeks from Saturday to Saturday). Proof of membership will be required upon arrival. For more information about the Holiday Park or any questions, please call the RTBU office on (02) 9264 2511 or email nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au.
RAIL & ROAD March 2021
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On the Campaign Trail Keep Freight on Aussie Trains The RTBU has launched Keep Freight on Aussie Trains, an online campaign pressuring the Federal Government to abandon its coastal shipping reforms. A Federal Transport Department proposal to make it easier for foreignflagged ships to compete for freight transport work are being pursued quietly at departmental level, with a view to sneaking them through without scrutiny. They pose a significant threat to the future of intermodal rail freight, and will lead to more freight being moved off trains and onto foreign-flagged ships. This could see intermodal services being undercut by exploited seafarers earning as little as $7 an hour. 10,000 jobs are on the line, including many in regional Australia, and the future of intermodal (containerised) rail freight is in jeopardy! We’ve already put forward a submission to government, but the fight doesn’t end there. We need your support to get our campaign over the line and stop this proposal in its tracks.
Learn more about the campaign and how it affects you. Stand up for real Australian freight jobs and raise your voice on the matter by sending an email to your MP by going to www.keepfreight on aussietrains.org.au.
We’re very confident that with a bit of pressure, we can successfully reach out with common sense and good reason to get the Deputy Prime Minister to rule out the proposed changes. OUR SOLIDARITY IS OUR STRENGTH!
Let’s look after COVID - Vulnerable workers, and keep Australians safe. Australians have done an incredible job of managing the COVID-19 pandemic so far, but now we need to get on with life while still protecting our most vulnerable. As we re-open our borders and our economy, we can expect to continue experiencing small localised outbreaks of COVID-19. When that happens, some of us will be able to protect ourselves by working from home. But some people just don’t have
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that option because of the type of work they do. Even worse, some of these people also have pre-existing health conditions or other risk factors that make them vulnerable to the worst effects of the virus. So how do we protect people with pre-existing conditions who can’t work from home, when the virus springs up again? The answer is a COVID-vulnerable worker payment. It would work like JobKeeper – a Federally funded-
payment scheme to enable vulnerable workers to continue receiving their full pay, while staying at home and out of harm’s way during a lockdown period. Let’s look after COVID-Vulnerable workers, and keep Australians safe. Have you felt pressured to go to work, despite being concerned about being exposed to COVID-19? If so, please tell us about it so that we can pass your story on to our politicians. All personal stories will be treated in confidence.
RAIL & ROAD March 2021
Safety Matters Close call at Hornsby highlights dangers of NIF A close-call incident at Hornsby station in January was averted thanks to the quick-thinking and collaboration between the driver, train guard and station staff, highlighting how this partnership is essential to public safety on our rail network. A commuter who was running to catch the train as it pulled away attempted to board the moving train and fell, becoming stuck between the train and the platform. They were sighted by the Customer Service Attendant at the station, who quickly alerted the guard with a whistle blow and red flag. The guard immediately gave the emergency stop signal to the driver, who applied the emergency brake. The guard informed the driver over the intercom that a person was trapped between the train and platform.
Others on the platform who witnessed the accident rushed over to the train and together pushed the carriage, creating enough room for the commuter to be freed from the gap and attended by the ambulance. Through their close collaboration, our members saved the man’s life. The driver even noted to the union, “How would I have been stopped if I was on a NIF train?” The partnership between drivers, guards and customer service
attendants is absolutely essential to keep the public safe on our trains. The dangerous NIF model threatens this by removing the guard role and forcing drivers to monitor the platform on its flawed CCTV system – all while they are driving the train. The union’s safety talks with NSW Trains and TfNSW are ongoing. We will not allow unsafe trains on our network and put the safety of workers and commuters at risk.
Pacific National Fails on Risk Assessment In January, the RTBU Locomotive Division received a copy of the latest Risk Assessment, not from Pacific National, but from concerned members. Each item in the Risk Assessment raises safety concerns as each item only has administrative controls which are not a control to reduce the risk associated with the process/task. There are 4 items that can reduce the hazard/risk which are part of the Hierarchy of Controls.
Above the line control measures
Pacific National has not used any of these controls and are now potentially placing our members lives in danger when they are performing the proposed unloading of the Limestone work at the Boral Berrima Work Site. We are now strongly advising that any member who is being requested to perform these new tasks, should not perform any component of this new task/role if it is not safe to do and to issue Pacific National a Notice of Dispute regarding ongoing safety concerns identified with the incomplete Risk Assessment.
The safety of our Members is our number one priority. RAIL & ROAD March 2021
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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 O’Connor at the office934 on 878 (02) 9264 2511 For more information, contact Bruce Galeunion on 0414
or the union office on (02) 9264 2511
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raIL & rOaD June 2010
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RAIL & ROAD March 2021
Whistlestop Tribute to the late Kevin Hearne 1962-2020 Kevin started on the Railway He was a larrikin, a knock about bloke who had stories in Cootamundra, Southern to tell and jokes to laugh at. He loved life, he loved beer, NSW around 1980-82 with he loved his job and representing members, he loved the State Rail and moved in a union and represented what it stood for and he just loved Locomotive Driver role in being Kevin. 1985 and along with the With his dedication to the Rail Tram & Bus Union he was change to FreightCorp. always going to receive the accolades for the work he did, Kevin has always been active and life membership would be the ideal appreciation for within the union as the depot his years of dedication unfortunately the illness prevented representative, representing this being bestowed to him in person but was awarded his workmates to the very best posthumously to his wife from Divisional Council on of his ability and never one to shy away from a dispute. behalf of the Locomotive Division members and supported Kevin made a sea change of transferring from by the NSW Branch Council / Executive. Cootamundra to Mudgee Western NSW in December 2009 Kevin, it was a huge privilege to know you, to work with and joined Pacific National Coal NSW and immediately you and to watch your passion in representing members took up the role of representing the members at Mudgee. and we wish you REST IN PEACE mate until we meet Kevin has represented members in various roles including again. Depot Organiser & Divisional Councillor and on many Steve Wright committees with input into Enterprise Agreement Negotiations, Employee Consultative committees and always willing to give input in anything including rosters and general procedures affecting the depots. Kevin’s career was cut short due to illness and this eventual forced his hand and medically retired from the job to fight the dreaded thing and after undergoing treatment in Sydney regularly he was discharged from RPA on Saturday 21st November and advised the treatment was unsuccessful and he chose to return home to be with his family & friends. Unfortunately, Kevin passed on Monday 23rd November 2020 surrounded by wife Alison & daughter Jessica. To those that knew Kevin, he was a fantastic husband, a great Father, and a friend for life. Framed union poster bequested by Kevin’s family to his work mates.
www.locoexpress.com.au RAIL & ROAD March 2021
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Fighting for the rights of Unions and their members for 85 years. We fight to achieve the best outcomes for our clients, while reducing the stress they go through to obtain their compensation. With our No Win. No Fee* offer for Personal Injury Law and a Free Initial Appointment**, you can afford access to the justice you deserve. If you’ve been injured or suffered a loss, ask your Union for a referral to Slater and Gordon Lawyers.
Contact the RTBU Office about our exclusive Union member benefits *NWNF T&C’s: slatergordon.com.au/NWNF **Free appointment T&Cs: slatergordon.com.au/FIA
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To find out more or to apply contact bd@australianmutual.bank All information is correct as at 25/02/2021 and subject to change. 1Special offer available for Owner Occupied loan applications received on or after 25/02/2021. New money only with a minimum borrowing amount of $100,000. At the end of the fixed period the rate reverts to the Owner Occupied Standard Variable rate. Offer available for a limited time only and may be withdrawn once portfolio is met. 2The comparison rate is based on a $150,000 loan over a term of 25 years. WARNING this comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts might result in different comparison rates. 3Family Support is available for borrowers, especially first home buyers with no deposit, who have an immediate family member that is willing and able to offer security, e.g. their own property, as Guarantor on the loan to secure a portion of the loan. The Guarantor’s financial position should be such that they are able to meet their obligations under the guarantee. Non-Resident guarantors are not eligible. Full details available on application. All applications are subject to Australian Mutual Bank Ltd normal lending criteria. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply. Endeavour Mutual Bank and Sydney Mutual Bank are divisions of Australian Mutual Bank Ltd ABN 93 087 650 726 Australian credit licence 236 476 AFSL 236 476.
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RAIL & ROAD March 2021
RTBU Holiday Park at Jervis Bay RTBU Members can also take advantage of the United Services Union’s Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside Resort on 02 65849155 or check the website at www.riversideresortatport.com.au You can also call the United Services Union’s Head Offi ce on 02 9265 8211 for more information. Members must provide proof of identity plus their RTBU membership card at the time of arrival at United Services Union Jervis Bay or Port Macquarie 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
RAIL & ROAD March 2021
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 Page 23
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 • Tel: 02 9264 2511
We get you from A
to B We know you work hard to keep Australia moving, getting people and freight from A to B. rt health is here to support you to make sure you get from A to B and all the way to Z with your health care needs. Our vision is to support rail, transport and energy workers so you never have to worry about managing your health concerns alone. Contact us to hear about the special offer for RTBU members.
1300 56 46 46
join@rthealthfund.com.au I www.rthealthfund.com.au/rtbu
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 • 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.
OF THE RTBU 1. A member may resign from membership of the Union by written notice addressed and delivered to the Secretary of his/her Branch. 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.
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.
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.
The RTBU Executive, Officers and Staff wish all members and their families
L
AM AND
S
R AI
BU
Level 4, 321 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000
TR
Tel (02) 9264 2511 Fax (02) 9264 1342 E-mail nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Website www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au
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A top performer investing in good As one of Australia’s largest and best performing super funds, we know that you don’t need to sacrifice doing well to do good. So we invest in affordable housing, renewable energy and critical infrastructure, while delivering low fees and an average annual return of over 8% over 5 years.^ At the same time as being committed to a more sustainable future, transitioning our investment portfolio to be net zero carbon emissions by 2050, investing in Australian and global renewables, and we have also divested from thermal coal miners. Join a fund that does well, while doing good for all.
Snowtown 2 in South Australia. An asset owned by our members.
Become Aware today
aware.com.au | Do well. Do good. Before deciding if this is right for you consider the PDS on our website. Issued by Aware Super Pty Ltd ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340. ^Returns for the Aware Super Accumulation Growth option were in the top 5 for the 3 and 5 year periods ending 31 December 2020, SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey (SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index) ranking out of 49 funds for 5 years. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The total annual fee (inclusive of admin and investment fees) for our Accumulation Growth option is 1.04% p.a the overall average is 1.38% p.a Chant West Super Fund Fee Survey, December 2020, based on a $50,000 balance in a Growth option.
