Paid Domestic Violence Leave Saves Lives

Five cents a day per worker: that’s all it would cost employers for 10 days’ family and domestic violence leave to be implemented across Australia.

The figure was a key statistic raised during a Hunter Workers rally at Newcastle’s Civic Park in December to mark the end of its 16 Days of Activism campaign and its call for paid family and domestic violence leave. Attendees at the rally heard from speakers including Newcastle Federal MP Sharon Claydon, community sector worker Teanile Grant, Hunter Worker’s secretary Leigh Shears, and RTBU Vice President Leanne Holmes. Leanne, who also chairs Hunter Workers’ women’s committee, says that, on average, one woman is killed in Australia every week as a result of intimate-partner violence. The financial cost of escaping that violence is estimated to be around $18,000, which is out of reach of most women at that critical time. Leanne said being able to hold down a job is vital for domestic violence victims, as many women are forced to return to their abuser if they can’t financially support themselves. “Paid family and domestic violence leave literally saves lives,” Leanne said. “Within our union we actively bargain for paid family and domestic violence leave in our enterprise agreements, and we and other unions have been quite successful. “But we are asking the Federal Government to put it in the National Employment Standards, so all workers have access to 10 day’s paid leave. It would be very inexpensive and wouldn’t cost employers much – a mere 5 cents per worker per day.” Leanne said that providing survivors with direct support through their employer, in the form paid leave, increases their chances of holding down their job long-term and successfully escaping. But doing nothing often leaves them trapped. “For women in this situation, their job is the first thing to go,” Leanne said. “They are forced to use up their sick leave, any other leave they have, then they lose their job. “Then, not only do they end up with no income, they are often forced to stay with the abuser. “Ten days’ paid leave would give them a bu er. It would give them the time to move out, go to court, and deal with all the other stu . “And not only does it mean they continue in meaningful employment, it also means the business will retain qualified and skilled workers.”

STOP PRESS

The RTBU and other unions are negotiating to get a number of domestic violence-related provisions included in the new Sydney Trains and NSW Trains Enterprise Agreement. These provisions include: » 10 days of paid domestic and family violence leave and the support of a nominated person at work; » a requirement for employers to regularly check the employee’s electronic devices have not been installed with any tracking, listening or other surveillance devices; and » training and counselling on gendered violence in the workplace to be provided to all new employees.

End of an Era

On Saturday 22nd January RTBU officials Alex Claassens, Craig Turner and Life Member Mick Cartwright had the pleasure of attending a retirement function in the Southern Highlands. It was a celebration for four RTBU Members Ian Fagan, Paul Daly, Graeme Bond and Bill Higgins who between them gave 168 years of service to rail and the community. A large number of both current and retired workmates attended the function at Moss Vale Services Club. Some magnificent stories about the good times shared in the old railway surfaced as more liquids were consumed. It was great to see the families of these four gentleman share In the celebration, as we all know the backbone of the railway worker Is their family. A big shout goes to Kevin Andrews who organised such a great day.

The hallmark of any career you can be proud of is when the news of your retirement is bittersweet to those around you, and this is reflective of the impact when the news of Kenny’s retirement was received by us all. Kenny Lewis was a proud railway worker who initially joined the ARU, which evolved into the RTBU after the amalgamation, where his dedication and commitment to the railways and assisting the membership was without fear or favour and will be sadly missed in all areas where Kenny worked. Kenny’s career commenced in 1970 when he started as a Junior Station Assistant at Panania, where he joined the ARU. Kenny was rapidly appointed as a Junior Clerk at Riverwood. Kenny recalls his first day on the job, where within minutes of commencing his shift, he picked up the receiver of the Circuit phone and was quickly informed of his error as it was a vital “Train working” implement. Approximately 12 months later, Kenny took up working in the Station Masters Sydney office as a Junior Clerk. Kenny progressed through various roles in the railways, with his final position being TSDM. Kenny was a union delegate for about 12 years and was always willing to go above and beyond to aid members and always had members’ backs when the going got tough and remains part of the legacy Kenny leaves. In addition, Kenny was also part of improving the relationship between Signallers and Train Controllers, sharing the union value of solidarity. However, Kenny recalled that one of the most satisfying victories was winning the “Table Person” position during the Train Controllers’ restructure to TSDM. On 7 January 2022, colleagues gathered to have a farewell to celebrate Kenny’s retirement with him and to share their stories from the past. To Kenny, we say thank you for all your dedication to the membership; your actions will be long remembered. We hope you will be able to follow your passion for travel again in the near future, Solidarnosc. Ian Fagan, Mick Cartwright, Paul Daly, Graeme Bond, Alex Claassens, Bill Higgins, Craig Turner

Bidding a fond farewell to Kenny Lewis heading into retirement

Congratulations to Kenny Lewis, who has retired as a Train Service Delivery Manager (TSDM) after over 50 years of service, and with Kenny’s retirement representing the last family member to work for the railways.