Celebrating the RTBU’s 30th anniversary

Work is progressing on a short book and a video to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the modern RTBU.

National Secretary Mark Diamond said the book and video would be launched at the upcoming National Council meeting in Brisbane from 21-23 November.

“It’s important that we mark our 30th anniversary as it’s an important milestone for our national, all-grades union,” Mark said.

“But it’s also an opportunity for us to reflect on how far we’ve come, and think about the challenges ahead.”

Mark said the book would outline the history of four unions that merged in 1993, the process leading up to amalgamation, and the turbulent years that followed.

“Over the past 30 years we have had to deal with a wave of privatisations, new technologies, the Howard Government’s work choices laws, the global financial crisis and the Trade Union Royal Commission.

“The solidarity and resilience of the amalgamated union has enabled it to withstand these difficult times, and emerge as a stronger organisation.

“We’re now looking to the future, and finding new ways to help improve the lives of workers in the rail, tram and bus industries – such as our partnership with registered training organisation Training Ahead Australia.”

“This partnership will ensure more members have access to union-standard workplace training.

“Partnering with a Registered Training Organisation was unimaginable for our predecessor unions, but we now have the scale and capability to take on major projects for our members.

“We’re dreaming big, and the next chapter in the history of the RTBU is going to be very exciting.”

Mark said the book would be published online and available for members to download after the National Council meeting.