2021 Rail and Road - September Edition

VOLUME 115 No.3 September 2021

AND

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

Our Rights Our Fight

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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 Farren Campbell Tram and Bus Divisional Secretary David Babineau Tram and Bus Divisional President Daniel Jaggers

Organisers Director of Organising Campaign Director Branch Organisers

Locomotive Organisers

Toby Warnes Claire Pullen Helen Bellette Craig Turner Ricky Keehn Trent Hunter Wayne Moody Jay Suvaal Steve Wright Kevin Pryor Max Murphy Marc Chapman

Industrial Officers Branch Jason Hart Tram & Bus Lizanne Bennett Locomotive Jeremy Gadsden Legal Officer - Locomotive Peter Matthews Communications Officer Peter O’Connor

From the Branch Secretary The Our Rights Our Fight Campaign received overwhelming support when more than 90% of our Sydney and NSW Trains members recently voted in support of all Protected Action measures in order to secure a fair and reasonable Enterprise Agreement. I would like to thank members for the solidarity displayed during the Protected Action ballot, as this unity will ensure that we take all necessary action to achieve decent wages and conditions outcome for all members.

The protected actions have commenced and will be ongoing as required during the negotiations.

As COVID cases continue to rise and wreak havoc and confusion across the community, over the last little while there has been a shift in rhetoric by the NSW Government. In days gone by, we’ve been told that total case numbers and the number of infectious cases in the community must come down and that’s why restrictions need to be in place. Now the Government says nothing can be done and restrictions will only ease once vaccinations rates hit certain levels (70 or 80% depending on the media cycle).

The Public Health Orders (PHO) released at the beginning of September took away the option for workers in Local Government Areas (LGA) of concern to be tested, either through Rapid Antigen testing, or PCR testing (the normal COVID test) every 3 days.

The PHO dictates that for any worker to leave an LGA of concern, they need to have the first jab of a COVID vaccination.

We have been meeting with employers and Transport for NSW to try and limit the impact on workers and drive home a clear message that the testing regime is vital in any strategy to limit the spread in workplaces and the broader community.

These regimes should compliment the push for workers to be vaccinated and be an alternative for any worker who is unable to be vaccinated for medical or personal reasons.

We’ll keep fighting for workplace testing to be put back on the table to ensure all workers are treated with respect, and safety is the primary consideration in these trying times.

In August our Legal Team was at work in the Federal Court of Australia, where NSW Trains made a desperate and last ditch effort to force members to staff a proven unsafe train, and we won.

In a stunning win for safety, the Federal Court rejected NSW Trains’ application to force changes to working practices and arrangements proposed to allow for the introduction of the New Intercity Fleet (NIF). We are still working through the judgement, but we won on every point.

The fight for a safe operating model on the NIF is far from over, but we have NSW Trains on the ropes and are prepared to do whatever it takes to finish this fight.

On the Bus Privatisation front, the NSW Government continues to take an axe to our bus network as the privatisation continues, with major changes in Region 7 that came into effect earlier in the year.

Negotiations are ongoing with Keolis Downer in relation to the transition to private operation in Region 8.

Details of the current negotiations in Region 8 are reported in this Rail and Road, as is the recent Deed agreement with the Transport Workers Union in relation to future tram and bus coverage in different sectors.

It’s also fantastic to see our Inner West Light Rail network (Trams) members participating in protected industrial action. This action is to have their employer Transdev take them more seriously when negotiating equality issues compared to the other tram networks that Transdev operates in Sydney. It is through this show of unity that members will improve their working conditions for the forgotten depot.

Due to the ongoing COVID concerns, and a range of industrial issues, 2021 continues to be a very challenging year for the union and our members.

However, we have utilised available technology and flexible operating processes to enable us to continue to carry out our role.

We have continued, often under very trying circumstances, to represent our members in every aspect as they continue to deliver safe and efficient transport for the people of NSW, be it public transport or the delivery of freight.

In this Issue Industrial News

General News

Our Rights Our Fight Campaign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

UGL and John Holland Roadshows. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Bus Region 8 Negotiations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 RTBU Urges Government to Restore 150 Axed Regional Jobs. . . 7

Prioritise Rapid COVID Testing and Vaccination for Transport Workers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Sydney Trains EA Negotiations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 NSW Trains EA Negotiations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Industrial Notes

Senate Report blasts management of Inland Rail Project . . . . 15 Regulator has failed Rail Workers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Super Comparison Tool exposes ‘Dud’ Funds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Transdev Pyrmont Depot EA Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Safety Matters RTBU National Office issues important update on safety issues . . 22 Pacific National Rail Worker Medical - Function Testing. . . . . . 23

RTBU/TWU Deed Finalised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Whistlestop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Aurizon EA Negotiations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Industrial News Our Rights Our Fight Campaign 2021 RTBU 2021 Sydney and NSW Trains EA Campaign We’re campaigning for a better future for all rail workers

• • • •

Secure Jobs Safety Fair Wage Increases Training

Public Sector Rail workers in NSW deserve much better than what the NSW Government are dishing up!

RTBU Delegates have been negotiating with Sydney and NSW Trains for our new Enterprise Agreement.

We have no doubt that this negotiation will be long and tough, and we will have to fight harder than ever before to maintain and build on our existing conditions.

We are facing a challenging year. Last year, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic the NSW Government attempted to freeze the wages of public sector workers.

The Union movement fought bitterly against this decision, but the NSW Industrial Relations Commission ruled that NSW workers were only worth 0.3%.

already had our first victory with members collectively rejecting the NSW Governments proposal to roll over this agreement for a measly 0.3% This first victory was achieved by members standing together and we will need to continue this solidarity as bargaining continues.

Only by sticking together and taking collective action can we overcome these challenges.

Strong delegates and active involvement from members are the keys for campaign success!

On top of this the Federal Government successfully passed their Omnibus Bill through the Senate on March 19. While Union and Community members successfully stopped some of the worst aspects of the bill the Government was successful in redefining casual employees which will make these insecure jobs, even less secure.

We have no doubt the Government will come for workers rights again and are ready for the fight. The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has announced they are seeking a 3.5% pay increase for all Award based employees in Australia.

We will back in this campaign as well as working to get the best deal for RTBU members through this Enterprise Bargaining period.

Throughout our strong and proud history RTBU members have stood strong and protected conditions against hostile Governments and legislation. We have

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RAIL & ROAD September 2021

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Update on Bus Region 8 Negotiations The RTBU has been working with KeoIis Downer to put together a document to present to members. As previously discussed, the plan remains to have an informal vote ASAP, and then vote again formally on the same document in an Enterprise Agreement vote after transmission.

Two main things have been achieved during our discussions.

Firstly, a two-tiered workplace has been avoided. The company has dealt fairly with the union as per the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed many months ago.

There will be no repeat of the Region 6 experience here.

The offer at the moment is a straight drag and drop of the existing Award into an Enterprise Agreement. The Award will be altered only where we have agreed or is necessary to comply with the Federal System but that’s it. There will be no loss of any conditions that are held in the Award, and Region 8 members will have conditions no-one else in the private sector currently enjoys.

The trade off is that the company is offering less for pay rises. During the recent STA Award negotiations, the issue of the 2nd year pay increase was a problem that was eventually fixed by saying it would

be 1.5%. This is because that was the government wages policy at the time. Recently the wages policy changed to 2.5% but after the Award was made. We finally have confirmation that the STA Award will be varied to change the 1.5% to 2.5% including the super increase.

This change will be honoured by Keolis Downer for the pay increase of next year.

After that the company is offering the Wage Price Index (WPI) which is currently around 1.5%. One positive is that apart from this first increase, any future superannuation increases will not be taken out of our pay. That means whatever we get in 2023 and beyond, will have the scheduled 0.5% super increase paid on top of it.

We’ve obviously raised the issue of the pay rise not equalling the 2% income guarantee and have sought ways to confirm that work reduction would never outstrip pay increases.

Corporate Services Function Review

As a result of the Corporate Services Function review, members in our salaried and administration were being forced from the NSW Train and Sydney Trains Enterprise Agreement to the inferior Transport for NSW State Award.

To protect our members conditions, we listed the dispute in both the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and the Fair Work Commission and have agreed to fund this jointly with the ASU. The RTBU and ASU lodged an appeal in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) which was heard on Friday 17 September where a decision is pending.

In addition, the RTBU, ASU and the Professionals have an upcoming hearing in the New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission (NSW IRC) seeking a new award that would have jurisdiction on the cohort of workers impacted by the forced transfer of Sydney and NSW Employees.

This Award seeks to have the employment conditions transferred to TfNSW which would include the employee opal card, picnic day and recognition for incremental pay increases. The Award is based on sections 66 and 67 of the Transport Administration Act. The hearing date for this procedure is the 7 and 8 October 2021.

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While the company is not willing to give these assurances (it would cost them even more than honouring our current Award) it remains the case that there’s only a certain amount that shifts can be cut and STA have cut close to the bone already. Added to this is the fact that KD want to keep drivers and attract more; they know the way to do this is not by reducing available work.

Ultimately, we have achieved the most important outcomes we set as targets1. That there be no two-tiered workplace.

2. We preserve our conditions.

It remains for the members to decide if the price paid in wage increases are worth that sacrifice, although the government hasn’t exactly been generous lately either.

A document is being finalised now and will be presented to the members ASAP before a vote.

RTBU position on mandatory vaccination

The RTBU asserts that the key to protecting rail, tram and bus workers from COVID-19 lies in: • long term testing in the workplace comprising of a range of measures such as Saliva Swab testing, Rapid Antigen Testing and PCR Surveillance testing; • a proactive priority vaccination rollout to rail, tram and bus workers at their workplace for those wishing to be vaccinated; • incentives from government and employers to promote vaccination of workers.

The RTBU condemns the lack of leadership by the Federal Government in this area, and its failure to ensure all workers in the transport industry can access vaccines. This failure has led to an urgency in the vaccine roll out that has forced consideration of mandatory vaccination which is an entirely unworkable solution.

The RTBU would like to see optimal vaccination rates for the health and safety of everyone involved in our transport systems. Recognising that there will be some who may not be able to take the COVID vaccines due to religious or medical reasons or even because they are conscientious objectors.

No worker should be disadvantaged because of the political failures of Government.

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

RTBU urges NSW Government to restore 150 axed regional jobs RTBU urges NSW Government to restore 150 axed regional jobs as part of bungled Country Rail Network maintenance contract.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union National Party, Minister Toole about UGL being in a position (RTBU) NSW Branch is urging the has a duty to support regional to take over the safe running of Berejiklian Government to reverse communities and protect their jobs. the network from the contract a 40% job cut across the Country The RTBU has asked Minister Toole date in January following their Rail Network (CRN), which has left why over a hundred workers across announcement that their network transport workers facing job losses NSW, particularly in the regions, are control centre will not be finalised in and fearing for their livelihoods. facing the prospect of losing their Orange by that date. livelihoods on his watch?

150 regional workers are facing UGL have been given approval from an uncertain future, with fewer Conveniently, the only jobs Minister Transport for NSW to operate the positions available on the network Toole is creating with this new network control out of the current from January 2022 when operations contract are in his own electorate John Holland Mayfield site for 4 and maintenance are transferred of Bathurst and the neighbouring months to allow the construction to from John Holland to UGL. city of Orange. He’s taken a hatchet be finalised. to the rest of the Country Rail RTBU Organisers have been The RTBU is calling on the Network, which will cut 40% of its attending worksites prior to the Berejiklian Government to stand by positions. lockdowns to discuss concerns its commitment that it will not cut around these changes with members Depots in West Wyalong, Dubbo regional jobs, and to provide a job and they have also been present and Tamworth will see significant guarantee to all CRN employees at the Roadshows held by John job losses, while those in Nyngan, to ensure safety standards are Holland and UGL. Parramatta and Mayfield will close maintained across the network. completely.

John Holland have been providing Regional communities are doing it regular updates to the RTBU to These workers have no guarantee tougher than ever in this pandemic, enable us to better support members of being offered another job with while transport workers put however it has been much more UGL, especially not one with equal themselves at risk every day to keep difficult to get information from pay and conditions that will ensure our state moving.

UGL. In recent weeks, this situation they can continue to support their They deserve better than false words has improved. families. and empty promises. They deserve The union is urging Minister for To maintain the same standards leaders who will actually stand up Regional Transport and Roads Paul of service on our Country Rail for their livelihoods and fight for Toole to make good on his claims in Network, we need to maintain and regional communities.

February that the new $1.5 billion increase staffing levels. Any loss of We urge Minister Toole and the contract with UGL would create boots on the ground is a reduction of Berejiklian Government to show new jobs in regional NSW. quality and safety. that leadership and not betray the As a Minister and member of the There have been concerns raised communities they claim to represent.

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 September 2021

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From the Negotiation Table: Sydney Trains The RTBU and the Combined Rail Unions (CRU) have been attending the bargaining meetings with Sydney Trains via Microsoft Teams due to the current health restrictions.

Management have done everything possible to avoid discussing our claim for one enterprise agreement for both NSW Trains and Sydney Trains.

Their position is still 0.3% In August the Sydney Morning Herald reported that 34 senior executives had received massive pay increases as, once again, front-line workers work through a global pandemic.

On top of this, the Fair Work Commission ruled a few weeks ago that the Minimum Wage for Federal Awards would increase by 2.5%.

Instead of updating their offer in light of the changing context, Sydney Trains once again reiterated their position of 0.3% for the first year of the new agreement.

In an insulting and unnecessarily hostile act, at the start of the bargaining process, Sydney Trains dared to suggest that if your representatives were not rostered to attend EA meetings or were on leave, they could participate in their own time.

combined log of claims to both NSW Trains and Sydney Trains and proposed a simple way to take both entities through what members want.

We have invited NSW Trains and Sydney Trains to attend a meeting with your combined EA Delegate team from NSW Trains and Sydney Trains so they can hear directly from Delegates about what these claims mean and why they are important.

“Sydney Trains dared to suggest that if your representatives were not rostered to attend EA meetings or were on leave, they could participate in their own time”

Management attempted to justify this insulting offer by talking about the state wages policy, which they refused to make available to our representatives.

The 0.3% increase is based on a decision by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission for statebased award dependent employees.

NSW Trains and Sydney Trains are in the Federal system and your Federal Agreement is not enforced in the NSW Industrial Relations system Management is deliberately taking a confusing and conflated position to try and disguise an offer of 0.3%.

An offer that members have already resoundingly rejected.

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Who is at the table?

That’s right. Sydney Trains thinks it is appropriate for your representatives NOT to GET PAID to attend EA meetings.

This is a ludicrous position that in no way reflects good faith bargaining or the way that we have always negotiated. We made it very clear this position is entirely unacceptable and have thus far managed to have our delegates released and paid.

Log of Claims The RTBU and the Combined Rail Unions (CRU) forwarded our

We all worked really hard with Delegates and members to design a detailed log for both NSW Trains and Sydney Trains. We built the claim together and it would be a disservice to our entire bargaining team to present our combined log separately.

At the time of writing, Sydney Trains still refuse to meet with our combined delegate team.

Sydney Trains finally agreed to consider our request for a combined meeting with NSW Trains and at time of printing, still have not agreed.

What happens next?

Your representatives will continue to try and negotiate in good faith.

We successfully applied to the Fair Work Commission seeking a Protected Action Ballot. Voting for the Protected Action Ballot closed on 30 August, with over 90% of members voting in favour of protected industrial action.

Both NSW Trains and Sydney Trains have engaged expensive union busting lawyers to try to stop you taking action to advance your industrial interests.

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

Rail Shuttle Services Agreement GOES DOWN! Yet Railtrain stubbornly resist negotiating a fair and reasonable EA In early August, the RTBU Locomotive Division wrote to Railtrain Management outlining concerns that Railtrain Services Pty Ltd (RTS) and Rail Shuttle Services Pty Ltd (RSS) had not met good faith bargaining requirements under Section 22(1)(e) of the Fair Work Act 2009.

The RTBU has been proactively endeavouring to negotiate one Enterprise Agreement to cover all NSW Railtrain employees, while at the same time Railtrain have constantly refused to seriously consider this request and have continued with their past practices, trying every trick in the book to deny their employees a decent EA with pay and conditions in line with industry standards.

As recently as August Railtrain Holdings (The Parent Company) tried to get a sub-standard agreement through in their latest subsidiary company “Rail Shuttle Services”. We are extremely pleased to report that Rail Shuttle Services members and employees have seen through this corporate trickery and have voted the agreement down 19 NO to 5 yes.

Congratulations to all those brave members and employees who have stood up to Railtrain and said “no, we are not accepting inferior wages and conditions.”

As some members may have seen on Locoexpress and in the newspapers recently, the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission quashed an agreement of one of Railtrain’s other subsidiary companies “Karijini Rail Pty Ltd”. We urge all members to read the full article in Locoexpress and the story in the Australian Financial Review, but in short this was just another example of Railtrain’s questionable

bargaining tactics. Railtrain set up a company with just two employees to get an EA through the Fair Work Commission with the intention of then applying that EA to a large group of employees, who were already working for them under another agreement. The FWC has seen through this questionable tactic and quashed the so-called ‘agreement’. This case again clearly demonstrates the underhanded tactics that Railtrain will use in bargaining.

The RTBU is making every effort to hold Railtrain to account and push Railtrain to start providing their employees with secure and meaningful jobs with decent pay and conditions. Railtrain were asked to respond to our concerns by 4pm 9 August 2021.

RailTrain Update Disappointingly, we have continued to see evasive and hollow moves from Railtrain since members and employees recently voted down the proposed Rail Shuttle Services Agreement.

In continuing efforts to bargain in good faith, the RTBU Locomotive Division again met with Railtrain Management as part of their scheduled Railtrain Hunter Port Services negotiation on Tuesday 17 August.

Railtrain continued to push the position that it wants at least three separate NSW agreements yet failed to provide any logical reason as to why.

On Thursday 18 August, after months of frustration, the RTBU lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission for Bargaining Orders against Railtrain. A Bargaining Order can be issued

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

by the Commission when it is satisfied the Good Faith Bargaining requirements of the Fair Work Act have not been met after having heard arguments from the Union and its members, and the employer.

The RTBU has raised with the Commission several concerns with how bargaining is progressing and that it does not believe Railtrain and its subsidiary companies have been meeting the requirements of the Fair Work Act. Specifically, the RTBU has raised its concerns about: 1. A failure to issue a NERR to the employees covered by the scope proposed by the RTBU; 2. A perceived failure to issue a NERR to the employees who were voting on the HPS Agreement; 3. Railtrain unilaterally declaring items as closed in bargaining despite there being no agreement such items were closed, and 4. Excluding the RTBU from the bargaining process by deciding to put the HPS Agreement to an employee vote without disclosing this action to the RTBU. The matter was listed for a telephone conciliation in the Fair Work Commission on Friday 27 August 2021.

Footnote – The RTBU team again met in good faith with Railtrain on 20 August, in relation to Rail Shuttle Services EA. Whilst there was some change in Railtrain’s approach, they are still ignoring our request for one EA with fair and proper industry standard conditions and wages.

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Another Day at the Virtual Negotiation Table – this time with NSW Trains At a meeting in late August, NSW Trains insistence on bargaining separately continued with NSW Trains Delegates spending another day at the virtual table trying to progress negotiations for your Enterprise Agreement.

One Agreement for both NSW Trains and Sydney Trains.

bidding, and we told everyone that ultimately they will be accountable to the workforce.

We reiterated our claim that we want one Agreement for BOTH Sydney Trains and NSW Trains and that negotiations should progress with your entire EA team. We have invited NSW Trains to a meeting of the combined delegates group on 27 August 2021 at 10am. We also invited Sydney Trains to this same meeting.

Dodgy Tricks from Management

Here’s some of what happened:

NSW Trains offered 0.3% NSW Trains reiterated a first year wage increase offer of 0.3%. They said the same as Sydney Trains that this offer could increase with “employee-related cost savings” – just like Sydney Trains.

Members have already rejected this insulting offer resoundingly earlier this year. To put it back on the table is a slap in the face to hard-working members who have kept our cities and regions moving through a global pandemic.

NSW Trains told us that this is the NSW Government’s wage policy. However, again just like Sydney Trains, we are still yet to see the wages policy that they are supposedly relying on to justify this insulting offer. We have again requested a copy.

Non-Union Bargaining Representatives Unfortunately, some non-union bargaining representatives are still participating in negotiations. We are yet to see what their claims are for a new enterprise agreement and it seems that many are simply along for the ride. We are concerned that some may be doing the bosses

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away to pay for it.

From the limited detail provided, we have determined that Management is proposing to review and change rostering, create longer shifts, make the meal break unpaid, and take away your ADOs. We have requested more detail around this offer so we can consult with members and respond.

We reminded Management that the Combined Rail Unions (CRU) represents thousands of members and that only limited space should be afforded to non-union representatives who are simply pushing their own individual agendas.

We are ready to take action.

RTBU Officials and Delegates have heard reports of managers reaching out to RTBU members individually and seeking one-on-one conversations about the Enterprise Agreement seeking to find out what their thoughts are on bargaining.

This is not how collective bargaining works. The RTBU represents members with a log of claims developed after extensive consultation with the EA Delegates.

The delegates that were nominated to sit at the table and then negotiate around the log and consult with members when a position is reached that may be acceptable.

Do not get roped into an individual conversation.

We have raised this with NSW Trains management and demanded action be taken to stop this flagrant disregard of good faith bargaining.

Since the Fair Work Commission issued the Protected Action Ballot Order, we have seen a shift in tone in the negotiations; Management know that members have voted YES and are gearing up to take protected action.

Voting on the Protected Action for Sydney Trains and NSW Trains closed on 30 August and more than 90% of members voted YES on every action. These include a range of stoppages and restrictions on various types of work.

Detailed results of the ballot and the latest information can be found on the Our Rights Our Fight Campaign website on ourrightsourfight.com.au

Proposal for Customer-Facing Roles At a recent meeting, NSW Trains proposed introducing a new section of the enterprise agreement just for Station Staff and On Boarders with an increased base rate of pay.

Management gave very little detail about what this increased pay rate would be or what would be taken

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

Industrial Notes Aurizon EA Negotiations At the end of August, the RTBU negotiating team met with Aurizon for EA bargaining meetings 5 & 6. These meetings focused on further discussion and clarification of each party’s position on outstanding leave clauses previously discussed.

Locomotive Division representatives received a presentation from the Payroll Manager, who explained the current way leave is accrued, and how leave deductions apply.

Discussions were held regarding the proposed “Roster E” concept that came out of the Shift Work Solutions review and the recent employee survey. RTBU representatives highlighted that the survey was conducted on a baseline roster that looked appealing on face value but did not contain any barracks working which could substantially alter the roster, particularly for the Mayfield Depot. RTBU representatives proposed another survey be undertaken to assess an altered roster containing the full barracks working indicators, to gauge the feeling of the members.

It is important for Members to consider that proposed changes to rostering conditions, such as altering the current 76-hour Roster Cycle, would necessitate a change to current Enterprise Agreement clauses. Any change must be supported by a majority of Members.

While consideration is being given to rostering proposals that may require changes to current conditions to achieve an improved roster, Locomotive Division representatives proposed a draft clause to ensure the roster can revert to the current 76-hour Duty Cycle should the proposed roster change.

A potential change to the practice of rostering an “X Day” following a rostered day off was also suggested. This proposal will be considered by all parties.

Discussions were also held regarding the current shift limits within the Enterprise Agreement, and if there were any changes required to facilitate an increase of the average shift length from 9.5 hours to the proposed 10.9 hours. RTBU representatives reinforced that any changes must comply with the Rail Safety National Law regulations, specifically schedule 2.

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Priority for Bus Operators On Tuesday 3rd August we sent a letter to the NSW Transport Minister requesting that bus drivers as part of the Transport Cluster be identified as a priority employment category for vaccination and workplace rapid antigen testing, TfNSW advised the union at our weekly meeting on 6 August that they are looking into finding a provider to ensure that frontline transport workers can have dedicated access to COVID-19 vaccination.

TfNSW also advised that Rapid Saliva Testing is on its way as a further tool to help reduce the possibility of transmission within the workplace.

Transdev Pyrmont Depot Enterprise Bargaining Update RTBU negotiators have been meeting with Transdev management representatives since March of this year to negotiate a new EA for our Inner West Light Rail members (Pyrmont Depot). Transdev were seeking an in-principle agreement, but the RTBU negotiators were not willing to support any agreement that didn’t include members being able to reach the highest grade for a tram operator within 3 years and having a Category 1 Safety Worker earning more per hour, across all the grades, than a Category 3 Safety Worker.

The above 2 conditions are currently in another EA that covers tram operators in Sydney and the Pyrmont members want equality when it comes to these 2 entitlements.

To assist Transdev in understanding the importance of these 2 claims on Tuesday14th September, members at the Pyrmont depot started engaging in protected industrial action by NOT wearing a Transdev supplied uniform. It was fantastic to see members participating to show Transdev that they are a united workforce that need to be taken more seriously, rather than be treated as the forgotten depot. This is just one of many actions to be taken in the fight for equal career opportunity. Other actions being taken include, overtime ban, not using personal devices for work related matters whilst at work, vomit ban, wearing of RTBU branded badges, T-shirts, Polo shirts and wrist bands and the withdrawal of their labour anywhere from 1 hour through to 24 hours.

Transdev put forward a proposed agreement on Friday 17th September, which is to be voted on Friday 24th September. The union will be running a “NO” vote as Transdev have failed to address the equality issues.

The members have had enough of Transdev treating them like the “forgotten depot” and are willing to continue with industrial action till the company addresses their equality claims.

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RTBU / TWU Deed Finalised The Deed (the legal document) representing the peace deal between the RTBU and TWU has now been finalised and signed by all parties. A summary of the key components of the agreement is as follows: • The RTBU has agreed not to sign up new members in Region 6.

• The RTBU retains coverage of it’s existing legacy membership in Region 6.

• The RTBU has agreed to purge it’s membership of individuals signed up in Region 6 after privatisation.

• The RTBU’s new rule change will only be for coverage of private bus operators in Newcastle (Region 5) and Sydney Regions 7, 8 and 9.

• The TWU has agreed not to sign up members in Newcastle (Region 5) and Sydney Regions 7, 8, or 9.

• The TWU recently had coverage of Trams in Canberra approved. This

was completed before the Deed was signed; the TWU has agreed to reverse that rule change.

• Once the TWU has reversed that rule change to exclude coverage of the Trams in Canberra, they will purge their membership to remove those individuals and not pursue those people in future.

• The TWU has agreed to support any move by the RTBU to fight or rescind a Greenfield Agreement they are a party to. They did this recently in our Federal Court appeal against the Busways Greenfield Agreement.

• The RTBU and TWU have agreed not to be a party to any Industrial Agreement made with companies in regions that have been acknowledged as being the sole operational areas of the other union.

• Both Unions are working collaboratively to bargain for a

Overtime Meal Allowance Update RTBU Infrastructure members claim for unpaid overtime meal allowances under clause 139 of the Sydney Trains Enterprise Agreement 2018 (Agreement) has been presented before the Fair Work Commission on Friday 30th July 2021 before his honour Justice Bromwich.

Both parties presented written evidence, had witnesses present in court provided statements and were cross examined.

Justice Bromwich congratulated the RTBU on their excellent submissions and will now review all the evidence presented before deciding and handing down a decision.

Thank you to all the members who provided old documents as proof that you were not paid the overtime meal allowance.

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single Agreement in Region 6 so all workers are on a single set of conditions and rosters.

It remains the fact that this outcome was voted on and approved by elected representatives of the RTBU across the country as being the best result for the majority of members.

The signed Deed is a legally binding contract between the two Unions. While it remains bitterly disappointing for the future of the Tram & Bus Division in region 6, we will continue to represent our existing members there. The RTBU will now focus on the work of advancing workers’ pay and conditions instead of fighting with another Union. On September 14 2021, a letter was sent to our members in Region 6 that joined after July 2018, inviting them to resign before 15 October 2021 or they will be purged.

Transit Systems Region 6: FWC Wage Decision RTBU Tram and Bus Division Delegates and Officials are currently in the process of bringing Transit Systems to the table to negotiate the Enterprise Agreement for members in Region 6.

We wrote to TSA asking them to implement the legal decision of the Fair Work Commission and increase the pay of RTBU members under the Copied State Award to 2.5% effective from 1 July 2021. This is mandated under the FWC minimum wage adjustment to the lowest paid workers and workers on Copied State Awards with no further increases. Under law, this is payable to those members on the old STA Award (which is a Copied State Award) in Region 6.

The initial response from the TSA was that it would be paid.

Despite this commitment we were notified that Transit Systems planned to offer 2.5%

as the initial wage increase in our first negotiated Federal Enterprise Agreement.

TSA are effectively twisting the bargaining in their favour. Not only are they trying to claim credit for a wage increase won by the Union movement for working people, but they are also failing to adhere to the bargaining environment by incorrectly framing this pay increase as an EA increase, rather than a minimum wage adjustment.

This distraction is a cheap employer tactic to distract us from their spin and avoid discussing real wage increases through the proper bargaining process.

Bargaining does not work this way, and the RTBU will not bend its arm to mediocre offers.

The RTBU has not agreed to this on behalf of Region 6 members.

We will continue the fight to have this increase paid.

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General News UGL and John Holland Roadshows RTBU Organisers attended the roadshow by UGL and John Holland in May at which management provided an overview of a proposed restructure as a result of Transport for NSW awarding UGL the contract for the Country Rail Network (CRN).

The detail provided by management at these roadshows is a proposal however we expect that things can and will change as we go through the consultative process.

The proposal includes a shift to a “maintenance only contract” with a reduction of jobs across the network.

Only time will tell if this model can maintain the high standard of maintenance that members have worked hard to establish across the CRN network.

RTBU Organisers, Delegates and members still have a lot of unanswered questions and are yet to see a written proposal relating to the transfer. We have written to Minister for Regional Transport and Roads seeking clarification on the various issues Members have raised with us.

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We encourage you to: Get assessed for progression under clause 53 “Training and Assessment” in the John Holland Rail Pty Ltd Country Regional Network (CRN) Agreement 2019.

If you have been acting in higher duties for a six-month period, seek permanent appointment to this role in line with clause 16.4.4 Classification Structures.

Get copies of any information provided by UGL and give it your RTBU representatives. Find out if you are on the transfer of long service leave scheme.

Ask questions and carefully consider your options. Reach out if you need assistance.

The RTBU will continue hold regular Delegates’ meetings and will visit sites to meet with members as often as possible.

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NSW Government urged to prioritise rapid COVID testing and vaccination for transport workers as transport delays hit Sydney The NSW Government needs to introduce rapid COVID testing for transport workers and priority access to vaccination, or we risk further significant interruptions to our passenger and freight transport services, RTBU NSW has warned.

The call comes as many passenger transport routes across the city were cancelled on August 18 due to large numbers of workers being deemed close or casual COVID contacts.

The union has written to NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance urging the Minister to ensure that all transport workers throughout the state be given access to rapid COVID testing and for priority access to vaccination to be offered to all transport workers wanting it.

Secretary Alex Claassens said that the service disruptions seen across Sydney will only spread and get

worse unless immediate action is taken.

“Our transport workers can have hundreds of interactions with community members over the course of a shift – it’s vital they have the best protection possible to continue their essential, frontline work,” Mr Claassens said.

“Common sense tells you that in order to protect the public and transport workers and their families across the state, this situation needs to be sorted out as soon as possible.

“Cutting services at a time when we’re trying to ensure that people are able to physically distance as much as possible is dangerous.

“We need transport services to continue to operate in order to get other essential workers like health care workers where they need to go and essential goods moved across and throughout the state.

“There’s no time to waste. We saw delays in the NSW Government rolling out mandatory masks last year, we can’t afford for the same mistakes to be made again.

“Testing needs to be improved, as does supply, access and distribution of vaccines. Too many people who need to be immunised now are being put onto waiting lists. Rail, tram and bus workers, for example, should have been placed in a high-priority bracket from day one.”

Commuter chaos as light rail breaks down at Randwick and lack of contingency buses - a sign of things to come with bus privatisation A media release from The Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Tram and Bus Division in June slammed the response to a light rail breakdown at Randwick and ensuing commuter chaos, questioning why additional buses were not deployed to help transport people towards the city and their destinations.

The light rail broke down on the corner of Anzac and Robertson Road, blocking the bus lane and causing chaos at Anzac Parade during the peak on the Tuesday morning.

Buses travelling existing bus routes along Anzac Parade were inundated, including some routes set to be axed.

“Another transport management fail in Randwick and a shocking preview of what could happen more often with bus route cuts and privatisation,”

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said RTBU NSW Tram and Bus Division Secretary David Babineau.

“In the past, if we had the light rail stalled and buses blocked, we’d expect a call out for additional workers and extra buses deployed to get people to work and onward destinations.

“Instead, there was radio silence, with frustrated commuters deciding that it would be quicker to walk to the city than get on the already overloaded buses.

“This is not good enough. You’d have to ask – is this what we can expect with the service cuts and privatisation of bus services in region 9?

“Will the NSW Government step away from offering additional bus services and funding the fixes to keep

commuters moving when bus routes are in private operator hands?

“And why wasn’t the community told of this risk that they would be left on the side of the road when mishaps and accidents occur?

“The NSW Government’s community consultation on the fate of region 9 buses in the eastern suburbs, including Randwick, has been extended.

“I encourage everyone who was impacted by yesterday’s chaos and all who rely on buses in the local areas to send the government feedback and oppose changes to these services.

The union and workers look forward to Minister Constance’s full and transparent response,” Mr Babineau said.

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

COVID-19 infiltrates Bus Depots COVID-19 has spread its tentacles amongst our members at the Leichhardt, Tempe, Waverley, and Ryde Depots.

On August 18 staff were required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days which commenced from when they were first exposed. This is the first time we have had a mass group of bus operators required to self-isolate at the same time.

The union would like to send our thoughts and wishes for those members and their families who currently are having to deal with the COVID-19 virus, together with those members in self-isolation awaiting test results.

Positive Work-Related COVID-19 Payments for Bus Operators RTBU Bus Officials received confirmation that the COVID-19 pandemic had spread to some depots.

Understandably this is an uncertain and worrying time for impacted members from both a health and financial perspective.

We have been in contact with Transit Systems and State Transit and can confirm that those members who were required to isolate due to a positive COVID-19 within the depot will be paid as below.

Close Contact Paid Special Leave which will be

calculated on 8 hours base rate for up to 10 days (as per what those in the public sector receive).

Casual Contact Paid as per what your rostered work was until you resume duty. Evidence of a negative test with date and time will need to be provided.

Your union has been instrumental in having all private bus operators continue to be paid as per their contractual arrangements with TfNSW during this pandemic.

This win means that members

will not have to utilise any of their personal leave (as is the case within other sectors of the transport industry) for the time they are away from work due to a positive COVID-19 case within the workplace.

If any member requires assistance during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact your local delegate or the union head office. It is important to know that help is not far away in the face of adversity. You can also access support through Beyond Blue.

As the outbreak worsens across NSW and within the other regions, we do not doubt that more incidents will occur across the network. It is in these times we need to be supportive of each other and remember that we are all part of our work families and as families we all stick together.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your delegate or the office.

Senate report blasts ARTC, federal government management of ‘nation building’ Inland Rail project A recent ABC News report has stated that a Senate inquiry has issued a stinging assessment of the management of Australia’s biggest freight rail project, Inland Rail.

The 211-page report provides 26 recommendations to fix failures in consultation, technical modelling and route planning of the 1,700 kilometre rail line connecting Brisbane to Melbourne.

Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee chair and WA Labor Senator Glenn Sterle described the “nationbuilding” project as rushed and half-baked “The government will tell you about the good bits, but you can’t keep covering up the ineptitude of

the lack of consultation and poor route choice,” he said.

The construction of Inland Rail is underway and being delivered through the government-owned Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

The initial 2015 business case estimated a cost of $4.7 billion, which has now ballooned to $14.3b and could exceed $20b, according to the report.

The report recommends an independent review and update of the original business case to allow for accurate costing of the project.

At the same time, the report also proposes looking at extending the rail to Gladstone, 500 kilometres north of Brisbane, and building a passenger line from Brisbane to

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Toowoomba.

Federal government action In a statement, Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said Inland Rail was vital infrastructure for regional Australia.

“The government will consider all recommendations in the Senate inquiry report into the management of inland rail and will respond in due course,” the statement said.

Mr Sterle said the Government would likely tuck the committee’s report away on “a dark shelf somewhere”.

“I have no doubt this government is going to try to bury it,” he said

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Mandatory Mask Wearing On Public Transport What’s happening?

As part of the recent lockdowns in NSW, the Government issued a Public Health Order requiring all persons in Greater Sydney and the Blue Mountains to wear masks on public transport. This comes as efforts are being stepped up to prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the community following recent cases of community transmission.

The following are some of the key points provided in an information update by NSW Trains Is this mask wearing enforceable?

Yes, effective from 4pm Thursday 18 June. It is the role of NSW Police to enforce mask wearing and penalties will apply. Customers who are not wearing masks should not be refused service.

What does ‘public transport’ include?

Specifically, public transport includes a waiting area - a bus stop, ferry wharf and light rail, taxi rank, metro or train platforms - and travelling on public transport includes travelling by train, bus, light rail, ferry, in a taxi or rideshare service.

Which staff does this apply to?

The public health order applies to all staff, contractors, volunteers and workers who are working in the Greater Sydney area. Specifically, public transport includes working on or travelling by train, bus, light rail, taxi, rideshare or ferry and public transport waiting areas (a station, a bus stop, light rail stop, ferry wharf, taxi rank and rail platform).

What if the vehicle is in service but empty?

Workers need to have a mask on at all times while in service, even if a vehicle is empty or the worker is not close to any customers, as there is a possibility for the need to interact with customers unexpectedly, for example someone moving through a train, tram or ferry.

What if I am a station staff member working on an empty platform, light rail stop, interchange or empty station? Workers need to have a mask on at all times as customers can arrive at any time and unexpectedly.

What if I am working in a fully enclosed booth?

Workers don’t need to wear a mask if they are working in a fully enclosed office or booth which customers cannot access.

Do workers need masks if they’re working on a service that crosses into Greater Sydney?

Yes. Masks need to be worn as soon as the service enters Greater Sydney which includes the Blue Mountains.

While masks are not required under the Public Health Order outside the Greater Sydney area, it is strongly recommended that all people wear masks whenever they are travelling on public transport across NSW. What areas are covered in Greater Sydney?

Greater Sydney Area, which covers the following local government areas: Bayside, Blacktown, Blue Mountains, Burwood, Camden, Campbelltown, Canada Bay, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Hawkesbury, Hornsby, Hunter’s Hill, Inner West, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove,

Liverpool, Mosman, North Sydney, Northern Beaches, Parramatta, Penrith, Randwick, Ryde, Strathfield, Sutherland Shire, Sydney, The Hills Shire, Waverley, Willoughby, Wollondilly and Woollahra What if I am working or travelling from an area outside the Greater Sydney Local Government Area into Greater Sydney?

You need to ensure that you are wearing a mask once inside the Greater Sydney area. However it is strongly recommended that all people wear masks whenever they are travelling on public transport across NSW. When can you remove your mask?

You may remove your mask if you are: • eating or drinking, • communicating with another person who is deaf or hard of hearing, • at work and the nature of your work: - makes the wearing of fitted face covering a risk to the person’s, or another persons’ health and safety, or - means clear enunciation or visibility of your mouth is essential.

• asked to remove your mask for identity purposes; • in an emergency situation; • The removal of the fitted face covering is necessary for the provision of the goods or services (for example having a beard trim).

If you remove your mask for any of these reasons, you must put it back on as soon as you complete the task.

www.locoexpress.com.au Page 16

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

Transport Asset Holding has become ‘Honey pot’ for Consultants The ongoing scandal surrounding the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE) has continued to grow. In a recent Sydney Morning Herald article (August 23), it was reported that the NSW government forked out $550,000 to a global consultancy for six weeks’ work last year to help devise a strategy for a controversial rail entity as the state battled COVID-19 and unemployment reached a peak.

The fee pitched by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in July last year was a discount to its usual rate of $800,982 (excluding GST) because it was a “longterm relationship client”, internal documents reveal.

About $40 billion of rail assets including trains are owned by the government’s Transport Asset Holding Entity.

Credit: Rhett Wyman Documents released to Parliament show the government has spent millions of dollars on consultants to advise on the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE). In some cases, it hired them without going to tender.

Some work was commissioned in the midst of the COVID-19 lockdown last year and as Australia was suffering its deepest economic contraction since the 1930s.

The Herald article revealed that the government ended up spending more than $2 million on consulting fees for BCG work on the controversial rail entity and a similar amount for accounting firm, KPMG. Other big-four consulting giants commissioned by the government to advise on TAHE include PwC and EY.

Shadow treasurer Daniel Mookhey described the state-owned corporation, which controls $40 billion worth of NSW’s rail assets, as a “honey pot” for consultants.

Mr Mookhey said the consulting firms were making a motza as the government flailed about trying to stop the “budget bomb”, which TAHE had become, from detonating.

“This spending spree on blue-chip consultancies is a clear case of doctor-shopping,” he said. “The more desperate the government gets, the more they rush to buy the advice they want to hear.”

TAHE was set up in 2015 to enable the government to hide the costs of the rail system by shifting the expenses off the state budget and into the new corporation.

The background to this, in summary is, when the old RailCorp was split up in 2013, rail services were put into two new agencies: Sydney Trains and NSW Trains. Ownerships of the rail infrastructure however, was left with RailCorp, which became the asset manager. RailCorp’s role was to make the tracks, trains, property and equipment trains available to the two operators and other operators or businesses who want to use them.

Last year, RailCorp was officially converted into a new state-owned corporation, called the Transport Assets Holding Entity (TAHE).

TAHE has its own board, and as a corporation it exists to run at a profit. Transport assets are no longer directly owned by the State Government – instead they are owned indirectly through TAHE, thus taking them off the government’s financial balance sheet. Simplified, this means that the State Government counts the assets as an equity investment, rather than a cost. However, this assumes that the investment will be recouped through access charges on the rail infrastructure and lease revenue from rolling stock,

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property and equipment. The clients for this new corporation, (including Sydney Trains and NSW Trains) are now expected to pay for these assets at a full commercial rate.

Investigations at the time revealed that over the next few years the government could keep billions of dollars off the budget. But changes to accounting standards in 2018 threw this so-called “accounting trick” into jeopardy.

In an attempt to continue what former NSW auditor-general Tony Harris has described as a rort, the government hired various consultants to write reports on TAHE that helped stack it up.

Treasury officials confirmed in August, during a parliamentary hearing that one of the reports, authored by KPMG partner Heather Watson, was appointed without tender and the partner had been handpicked by Treasury.

Ms Watson was hired to provide advice on TAHE based on a set of assumptions from Treasury that would contradict the findings of a separate report by another KPMG partner, Brendan Lyon, who concluded the corporation could end up costing the state more than it saved.

The Herald article also revealed the six-week contract with BCG, entered into last July, was extended by two weeks and cost $736,851.

It slugged TAHE another $1.375 million for a second piece of work.

In selecting BCG, TAHE failed to follow procurement practices by not getting three quotes.

Mr Mookhey said by not doing this, TAHE all but guaranteed that the public would pay BCG top dollar.

“TAHE’s judgment was appalling,” he said.

TAHE said in a statement that because it was a state-owned corporation, it was not compelled to adhere to the NSW government procurement framework, although it “can elect to do so if desired”.

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The Regulator Has Failed Railway Workers In late July members received a message from NSW Trains management celebrating the New Intercity Fleet receiving accreditation from the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR). This is an appalling failure of the agency tasked with keeping the railways safe.

ONRSR have ignored the RTBU The RTBU has notified the Regulator that we have not been notified nor consulted with in relation to the changes to NSW Trains’ accreditation.

We also provided the regulator with documents and reports that demonstrate that the operating model is unsafe for passengers, particularly children and other vulnerable people.

We have written to ONRSR SEVEN times and received NO RESPONSE Under the Rail Safety National Law, NSW Trains had a clear obligation to consult with the RTBU on changes to the

accreditation process, but it has failed to do so. Remember, we wrote to ONRSR seven times.

still won’t fix a simple issue that would allow a Guard to ensure the safe operation of trains on the network as they do today.

Federal Court Proceedings While NSW Trains and the NSW Government were making announcements of this nature, they were in the Federal Court seeking an injunction trying to force members to crew the NIF. NSW Trains has also made an undertaking to the Federal Court that if any member refuses to board the NIF on safety grounds before the matter is resolved will not face any adverse impacts.

What happens next Whereas the NSW Government and NSW Trains seem to be making decisions based on ego and trying to justify their shonky overseas purchase, we know that RTBU members’ decisions will always be about safety.

The safety of members and the travelling public is our priority.

Members will do whatever is necessary to ensure our railways are safe.

The Fine Print Although the announcement implies that the NIF is safe and that is the end of the story, there is further detail that has been glossed over.

NSW Trains has only been accredited to run the NIF between Newcastle and Sydney Terminal and only with a second safety qualified person on the train.

It is unfathomable that NSW Trains

For safety, every single time.

See related article on Federal Court win below.

NIF Update: Another Win for Safety In August our Legal Team was at work in the Federal Court of Australia, where NSW Trains made a desperate and last ditch effort to force members to staff a proven unsafe train, and we won.

In a stunning win for safety, the Federal Court rejected NSW Trains’ application to force changes to working practices and arrangements proposed to allow for the introduction of the New Intercity Fleet (NIF). We are still working through the judgement, but we won on every point: Meaning: • The Federal Court found that changing the working arrangement for Drivers and Guards would be an extra claim and not permitted.

• The Federal Court dismissed in full NSW Trains application meaning they cannot force you to crew the NIF.

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This is a significant win in a fight that we should never have had to have.

Since the judgement arrived, we have not heard from NSW Trains, TfNSW or the Government so members need to be on high alert for any suspicious activity in relation to NIF readiness activities. If you see something, make sure you let your delegate know.

Nevertheless, NSW Trains’ have undertaken to not take any adverse action against any worker who refuses to board the NIF. The fight for a safe operating model on the NIF is far from over, but we have NSW Trains on the ropes and are prepared to do whatever it takes to finish this fight. NSW Trains did not appeal the Federal Court judgement, so we await their next move.

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

Sydney Train Guards Competency Assessments On Sunday, 18 July 2021 Sydney Trains released a communication which stated that Competency Assessments (CA) would continue during the current COVID-19 restrictions.

This decision is clearly concerning for Train Guards considering the rate of community transmission and the inability to maintain physical distance for extended periods of time during these assessments.

The Train Guards Sub-Division believe that this decision by Sydney Trains forces Guards to accept an unnecessary risk.

With the current circumstances in mind, if you are rostered for a CA our advice is for is for you to

conduct a personal risk assessment and if you feel that participating in CA puts your health and safety at risk contact your Shift Manager and ask them to reschedule CA. You should also advise your manager that you are still available for alternative and safe duties.

For assistance or support please contact your Organiser or Delegate.

Union demands Premier refute secret transport sell-off plans In a media release issued on 19 August, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW called on the Premier and Transport Minister to denounce a leaked PwC report recommending the corporatisation of the state’s public transport network, including billions of dollars in infrastructure and assets, as a clear betrayal of its election promises and an unacceptable threat to public safety.

“This report confirms our very worst fears about the government’s plans for our state’s public transport,” says Alex Claassens, Secretary of RTBU NSW. “The NSW Government built a financial house of cards when it set up the Transport Assets Holding Entity, with no purpose other than to bolster its budget sheet.

“The fact that TAHE is an unviable and unparalleled failure is outrageous enough. But the government actually considered covering up its failure by fully privatising the entity, then propping it up by handing over billions of dollars of taxpayer-owned

infrastructure, including all of our buses, trams and trains, to profit from.

“Taxpayers would end up footing the bill, paying more for public transport while receiving a poorer service that is less safe.

“All of this was considered by the government just to improve its balance sheets. It’s an outrageous betrayal of the people of NSW, who stand to lose in every way.

“Premier Berejiklian made a promise that no public assets would be sold by her government.

“The Premier must come forward today to denounce this report.

She must make a clear and

solemn promise to the people of NSW that their valuable public transport assets will never leave the government’s hands, and that when it comes to safety the buck stops with the government.

“The union has fought this government at every step as it privatises our public transport network inch by inch. It’s always claimed that the public will benefit, but today’s revelations have blown all such claims out of the water.

“Premier Berejiklian must earn the public’s trust on transport again, and it starts with denouncing this report today and putting a stop to the great transport sell-off that’s been happening on her watch.”

GET YOUR UNION NEWS Need to keep up-to-date with what’s happening in your union, need to know more about how fellow members are fighting for workers’ rights and winning battles on a daily basis make sure you grab your next edition of Rail and Road, or check out the rtbuexpress.com.au

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

Infrastructure members at ARTC Maitland keeping up to date with the Rail and Road.

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Superannuation comparison tool exposes 13 ‘dud’ funds An article in the New Daily (31 August 2021) reported on the ATO findings that more than a million Australians have invested $56.2 billion combined in “underperforming” superannuation funds, a new comparison tool finds.

The Australian Taxation Office released its findings at the end of August, as part of new laws designed to help workers determine the best place to invest their retirement savings.

Published in the ATO’s YourSuper comparison tool, the results revealed 17 per cent of Australia’s 76 MySuper products were underperforming, based on Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) testing up to August 31.

For-profit and corporate super funds accounted for the majority of poor performers, while not- for-profit industry funds were overrepresented among products with the highest returns.

The 13 funds deemed underperformers are managing $56.2 billion in retirement savings for 1.1 million Australians, APRA found.

Under the Your Super, Your Future reforms passed in June, these funds must now notify their members about their underperformance and could be barred from accepting more if they fail APRA’s test again next year.

Tool will ‘break down complexity’ The new comparison tool ranks superannuation funds by their fees and net returns, which are updated on a quarterly basis.

Underperforming funds are determined based on how far their net returns fall below the median achieved by other superannuation products.

Users can compare funds and even personalise their experience by logging in through the MyGov website, which contains their superannuation data.

Super Consumers Australia Xavier O’Halloran said the tool will improve transparency around superannuation funds for workers.

“Traditionally superannuation has been a pretty opaque world that’s hard to engage with for consumers,” Mr

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O’Halloran told The New Daily.

“This will break down a lot of that complexity with useful information on which funds are underperforming on a basic fitness test.”

Industry Super Australia chief executive Bernie Dean said performance testing would allow consumers to separate the dud funds from the winners.

Underperforming superannuation funds revealed For-profit retail super funds accounted for 27 per cent of the funds assessed as underperforming in the latest test, which covered 866,000 accounts and about $30.7 billion worth of retirement savings invested.

Only 2 per cent of underperforming products were nonprofit industry super funds, totalling 200,000 members and $13.1 billion in savings.

But corporate sector funds accounted for 36 per cent of underperformers.

This compares to top-performing funds such as AustralianSuper, which achieved a 9.44 per cent net annual return over the same time frame and had annual fees of $387.

Another top performer was Hostplus, which achieved a 9.33 per cent net annual return over seven years and had yearly fees of $628.

Corporate sector funds, offered to workers at specific companies, accounted for 36 per cent of underperformers, but covered just 57,000 members with about $6.9 billion in savings under management.

By contrast, public sector funds made up just 1 per cent of underperformers, with 13,000 members and $1.9 billion in savings managed.

The report lists underperforming funds, as well as those funds performing well, and points out that workers with their super in the underperforming funds could potentially lose many thousands of dollars over the life of their super contributions.

RAIL & ROAD September 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 September 2021

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Safety Matters The RTBU National Office has Issued an Important Update on Rail Safety Issues Fatigue Management Guidelines operators will still be required to put adequate controls in place to protect such workers.

Last year ONRSR released a Draft Fatigue Management Guideline which recommended a so-called ‘risk management approach” to fatigue on rail networks.

The draft guideline stated: “By using the principles [of rest and recovery] to manage the likelihood of fatigue, it is possible to design a schedule whereby a higher level of fatigue risk is toleratedfor one or two principles, providing that the principles are balanced by of lower fatigue-risk options for other principles.

“For example , if for operational reasons it is necessary to schedule a long work shift, even though it represents a high fatigue likelihood factor, the higher fatigue risk may be offset by ensuring that the schedule involves low risk factors on other characteristics.”

At the time, they wanted to remove maximum shift lengths in the NSW and Queensland legislation and instead allow operators to determine fatigue based just on this matrix in their guideline.

After a year long battle on this issue, ONRSR has now informed us that although they will continue with a Fatigue Management Guideline, they will NOT remove the maximum shift lengths in the legislation. This is exactly what we wanted! We will continue fighting for prescribed maximum shift lengths and minimum shift breaks in other states and territories.

Page 22

Definition of Rail Safety Workers ONRSR recently advised the RTBU that it had received legal advice to say people who work on rail networks but are employed by third parties not under the ‘management or control ‘ of a rail operator are NOT Rail Safety Workers.

ONRSR said that an example of an employee who would no longer be considered a RSW under the new definition would be a councilemployed gardener who was required to mow grass on a light rail corridor.

The RTBU was concerned that ONRSR’s new definition could undermine rail safety standards, and leave workers exposed. Although they may be technically correct from a legislative perspective, this is no reason to diminish safety standards.

After consultation with the RTBU, ONRSR has agreed to redraft its guidelines to highlight that there is no change to the duties owed to such people by rail operators, and that Therefore, the only difference will be that such workers will not be RSW and will therefore not need to hold a RIW card. They will however be owed the same duties by rail operators and need appropriate controls to keep them safe.

The RTBU will be keeping a close eye on the draft guideline to make sure that it is made clear that the controls operators need to provide compensate for these workers not having RIW cards and the associated training.

In cab recording devices Thank you to all RTBU members who took action to prevent the mandatory use of in-cab recording devices in train cabs.

ONRSR has taken its proposal to make in-cab audio and video monitoring system mandatory on the Australian rail network off the table following a meeting of State and Territory Transport Ministers.

We now have an opportunity to work constructively with ONRSR to develop a new set ofrules for in-cab recording. Our starting point is that there must be: • no live feeds of data; • no employer access to recordings for disciplinary purposes; and • any exceptions to these rules can only be made through negotiations with workers.

Let’s be clear: we are, and always will be, opposed to the presence of in-cab video and recording devices. But it is also vital that legal safeguards are put in place to ensure that workers are protected if and when in-cab recording devices are put in place.

We say this because technically there is nothing in the law that is currently stopping operators forcing them on us.

And if we do achieve agreement, we can make sure the law limits in-cab recording to what we want and not what operators want.

We understand how much this issue means to members . It is one that we all are passionate about, and we continue fighting to make sure we get the best outcome for all rail workers.

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

Pacific National Rail Worker Medical – Function Testing The RTBU has raised serious concerns around major changes regarding Pacific National’s Category One, Two and Three medicals.

Members across the country (in all workgroups) have been alarmed at the new testing regime that has come into play since Pacific National changed providers from Sonic Health to Jobfit Health.

The RTBU obviously supports testing that reflects the challenges that PN employees face in their day-to-day duties, and any medical advice that ensures the mental and physical health and wellbeing of the Membership.

We will not however stand idly by when changes (that have not been consulted on) are rolled out to the detriment and distress of the Members, potentially impacting on their ability to continue carrying out their specific classification duties.

On Wednesday the 4th of August, after meeting with PN, the RTBU issued a letter requesting that these harsh Muscular Skeletal / function testing methods revert to the status quo, an updated Employee memo be re-issued with the facts and that the old Memo be retracted. The RTBU gave PN until the COB on Friday the 6th to respond.

Without even acknowledging their delay, on Monday the 9th of August, Pacific National responded to the RTBU and issued a new memo which includes minor changes to the existing document.

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

As part of the re-issued memo, Members are being asked to contact PN (PNhealthservices@pacificnational.com.au) to report any feedback regarding the new testing regime.

The RTBU encourages all Members to report back on this link about how these changes are affecting them and also copy in the rtbu@rtbu.org.au. If Members are uncomfortable about providing this feedback due to the fear of being targeted, please contact your Organiser who can submit your concerns on your behalf.

The RTBU is still seeking the following from Pacific National surrounding the changes to the testing: • Pacific National provide a copy of the list of testing requirements that it required of Sonic, and a list of testing requirements it has asked of Jobfit.

• A commitment that the status quo remains while PN conducts its urgent investigation.

• A commitment that any RTBU Member will not have to do testing that goes above what is the normal expectation for the duties that they carry out in their everyday job.

• Pacific National review Jobfits consent form with Jobfit so as to match actual requirements, rather than giving Jobfit unnecessary access to personal medical records.

Page 23

Whistlestop Greg Cowin Remembered A Good Mate, Mentor, Family man, and Dedicated Railway Professional

By Fred Sawyer Gregory Ronald Cowin’s career is a perfect example of what it takes to be a dedicated railway professional.

Greg’s railway career commenced in April 1978. His first position was as a Junior Station assistant, working at several stations across the Sydney rail network.

In 1979 Greg entered “Loco” as a Trainee Engineman based at the Eveleigh locomotive depot.

In September 1979 Greg was appointment an Engineman Class 1.

In 1985, Greg was appointed a Class 5 driver and transferred to the Electric Train Running (ETR) section of the then State Rail Authority, at Flemington. In 1991 Greg was then promoted to Driver Trainer at Flemington. It was in this position that Greg became a mentor and role model to many newly appointed drivers. Greg was subsequently appointed to the position of Principal Driver.

A notable period during Greg’s career was that he worked as a member of the Train Crew Liaison team during the Sydney Olympics.

Looking after the wellbeing of the train crews during this very exciting time in Sydney’s history. During 2005, Greg resigned from RailCorp and took on a Driver Trainers position with Southern Shorthaul Railroad (SSR).

This is when I first met Greg when I was a naïve young man, fresh out of the safeworking training school, and only a year out of high school.

This was where I had the pleasure of working with and learning from Greg.

Page 24

Greg retired from the rail industry in 2017, and finally, had the chance to hit the pause button and spend more quality time with his lovely family.

Something that he been working towards throughout his career.

Sadly however, this was to be short lived, in 2019, he was diagnosed with cancer, and succumbed to Hodgkin’s Lymphoma on the 25 June 2021. On the 5 July 2021, I attended Greg’s funeral together with his family a small number of his ex-railway colleagues, close friends and his Army Reserve buddies. It was a full military service.

Greg will always be remembered for his extensive list of cheeky catch phrases that has had and still has a profound effect on his family and friends. I will never forget and will always cherish having Greg influence my life.

Greg was a good friend, mentor, family man, and a dedicated railway professional.

He is survived by his amazing wife, Michelle and his two children, Lucy and Anthony. I extend to the Cowin family my blessings.

Vale Greg Cowin – 1961 to 2021.

It is intended that once the lockdown restrictions are relaxed, and social functions can take place; Fred will be working with the RTBU to organize a memorial gathering for Greg. Once this is arranged, notification will be sent to the membership.

Greg & Fred at Port Kembla 2013

RAIL & ROAD September 2021

Debbie Vanderkyl STA Duty Officer Retires

The RTBU bids a sad but fond farewell to Debbie Vanderkyl after 43 years of union membership working with the State Transit Authority (STA). Debbie was based at the Willoughby depot, where she finished her distinguished career as a Duty Officer, where she was genuinely respected and liked.

We wish Debbie all the best in her future endeavours.

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 the union office327 on 195 (02) 9264 2511 For more information, contact ChrisatDoyle on 0425

or the union office on (02) 9264 2511

Page 14

raIL & rOaD June 2010

www.locoexpress.com.au RAIL & ROAD September 2021

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RAIL & ROAD September 2021

RTBU announces new partnership with Union Health The RTBU has always been committed to acting in the best interests of its members.

This has included looking after their health and wellbeing by recommending services like health insurance.

The union has been on the lookout for a new health fund to partner with, one that is strong on union values and offers members great value.

The RTBU is proud to announce a new private health insurance partnership with Union Health. Union Health is by no means a new kid on the block. Backed by Teachers Union Health Fund (TUH), which was formed by members of the education unions back in 1972, Union Health is here to serve union members and their families.

Being 100% member owned, Union Health’s profits go back to members, not shareholders.

They offer competitive insurance premiums and more in your pocket when you need to claim. They also have a wide range of member benefits including exclusive discounts and healthy lifestyle programs to get you well and keep you well. This adds up to overall better value for you and your family.

when you switch from your old fund to a comparable level of cover.

Union Health has developed a special offer just for RTBU members. To get 4 weeks free* and exclusive access to their top products, scan the QR code or mention you’re a member of the RTBU when you call. *Receive 4 weeks free after your first month of payment. Terms and conditions apply.

If you currently have private health insurance, or are considering getting it, make sure your premiums don’t fund corporate profits and executive bonuses. Consider making the move to Union Health today.

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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

Like Us on Facebook at

www.facebook. com/RTBUNSW

Page 28

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 September 2021

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

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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