From the Branch Secretary The RTBU NSW is in full swing at the moment and members have probably noticed the change in government at a state level has coincided with a notable shift in how many of our issues are dealt with. Of course that doesn’t mean it’s all smooth sailing – in fact we’re facing challenges on many fronts – but there has been a noticeably less combative approach to workers and more willingness to at least acknowledge the expertise of RTBU members. A couple of areas where this has been particularly evident are the New Intercity Fleet and the major change agreement which has been secured with the NSW Government. After years of dispute with the former NSW Government, the RTBU – through the unwavering commitment of its members and staff – has finally forced real progress on a safe new Intercity Fleet. While there is still a lot more work to be done, the fact that the RTBU has finally reached agreement on a final operating model is a significant
step forward and one which shouldn’t be underestimated. When you consider the fight the former government put up against the modifications required to make the fleet safe for members and commuters, the fact that the RTBU has forced Transport for NSW to this point is incredibly significant and a sign of the strength of the union. In a similar vein, the fact that the RTBU recently secured a Major Change Agreement with the current NSW Government is also a testament to union strength. The Major Change Agreement, which was signed by the Combined Rail Unions, commits to collaboration between rail agencies, workers and unions on significant changes in the transport system. This is a sizeable shift in the dynamic and the power workers, via the RTBU, hold when it comes to making changes that will impact the running of our transport network. It also guarantees no forced redundancies, which is an important win for all workers.
In addition to these major updates, the RTBU has also been moving forward on a number of other key issues, including the New Regional Fleet and the Sydney Trains digital systems project – both of which are fundamentally important for RTBU members across the board. Our bus drivers have also had a huge win recently, finally forcing the NSW Government to provide employee passes for workers. This has been a long time coming and has come in response to the severe bus driver shortage we’re experiencing – due in large part to privatisation. Securing free Opal for bus drivers is a big step, but it’s just the first step towards getting similar benefits for workers in other areas. The RTBU is better placed than ever to fight for the rights of the workforce and for the safety and benefit of the travelling public. Thanks for your ongoing support and commitment to improving working conditions in this state. I trust you’ll enjoy this edition of Rail and Road.
In this Issue Industrial News Closing the loopholes that undermine wages and conditions. . . 4 Loco News QUBE locks out RTBU members, stalls negotiations . . . . . . . . . . 6 PN Greta depot roster dispute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Loco division regional tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Tram & Bus News Bus Taskforce Interim Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Opal Card win. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Northern Beaches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Region 7 (Ryde & Willoughby) Enterprise Agreement . . . . . . . . 10 Office Move! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Light Rail News Newcastle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Transdev. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
General News Major Change Agreement for Sydney Trains and NSW Trains . 11 Union Delegates training 2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Members at Metro Trains Sydney Build a union. . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Celebrating the RTBU’s 30th anniversary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 ALP National Conference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 NIF to proceed to Waratah operating model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 MP’s Visit Lithgow Signal Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 ITF launches global manifesto on public transport financing. . 18 A blueprint for the future of freight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 PN IPS Members fight to restore wages and conditions. . . . . . 20 Safety Matters Derailment of Passenger Train ST 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Cyber security warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Tracksafe suicide awareness training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
