RAILROAD AND
THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW BRANCH OF THE RAIL, TRAM & BUS UNION
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RAIL & ROAD is the official journal of the NSW Branch of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union and is produced as part of the union’s communication strategy to inform and report on matters of interest to members. All editorial and advertising inquiries should be addressed to the union office on Tel: 02 92642511; email: nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au
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NSW BRANCH
Head Office
Level 4, 321 Pitt Street,
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel (02) 92642511
Email nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au
Website www.rtbuexpress.com.au
Tram and Bus Division
Level 4, 321 Pitt Street,
NSW 2000
Tel (02) 93197277
Email nswbus@rtbu-nsw.asn.au
Locomotive Division
Level 4, 321 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel (02) 92643400
Fax (02) 92647679
Email nswloco@rtbu-nsw.asn.au
Newcastle Office 33 Gordon Avenue,
Tel
Email newcastle@rtbu-nsw.asn.au
Wollongong Office
Level 1, 306a Crown Street, Wollongong, 2500
Tel (02) 9264 2511
Email wollongong@rtbu-nsw.asn.au
Branch
From the Branch Secretary
As we wrap up the first half of the year - I have some personal news to share with you all. It is with mixed emotions that after fourteen years as the Secretary of the RTBU NSW, I’ve decided to move on. I’m not going very far thoughI’ve taken on the role of National Secretary following the decision of Mark Diamond to leave the position as he is returning to practising law. Mark has done a terrific job of transforming our national union- however there’s still more work to do and I look forward to taking on that challenge.
I’m pleased to announce that Toby Warnes, who has been our Director of Organising, takes over as RTBU NSW Secretary, and our union couldn’t be in safer hands.
Thank you all for the hard work that you do, and we will continue to fight the good fight together.
Continuing with the good news, we emerged victorious in the Fair Work Commission, who ruled in our favour, affirming the right of all Sydney and NSW Trains workers to wear shorts as part of their uniform. This decision, effective immediately, is a result of the tireless efforts and dedication of our Infrastructure and Workshops Divisions and the delegates who championed this cause. It serves as a powerful reminder of the positive change we can effect when we unite and persevere.
I also want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our Transit Systems Region 6 members. Bargaining in Region 6 has been quite long and your new Enterprise Agreement is finally ready for a vote. The RTBU Bargaining Team strongly recommends a YES vote, as this agreement secures hard-fought STA conditions, ensures fair treatment for staff previously on exploitative contracts, and guarantees annual pay raises of 3%. Your perseverance and commitment throughout this process are truly commendable.
In other news, Tram members are continuing in their dispute with their employer, Transdev, over unequal pay and conditions for workers based in different areas of the city.
Following a strong show of solidarity, with over 98 percent of the workforce voting to take protected industrial action, Transdev was brought back to the negotiating table. Since that time, the Company has put the proposed agreement to a vote, and it was comprehensively defeated in a resounding no vote. We remain committed to fighting for fair pay and conditions for all light rail workers, regardless of their location.
There’s been a good outcome from Aurizon Bulk’s restructure of its NSW Operations, with almost every employee having been offered redeployment. This
is after the company chose to shuffle Bulk employees to other sections and departments, while the NSW Grain side of the business is being absorbed into the NSW Coal Business. Your union was concerned that Aurizon would rather exploit Labour Hire than redeploy their dedicated employees who have worked tirelessly to build and develop the NSW Bulk business. The RTBU will do everything in its power to hold Aurizon accountable and ensure that all affected employees are offered viable alternative employment opportunities. In other news, we continue to face resistance from QUBE in our ongoing negotiations. They have chosen to appeal the dismissal of their attempt to alter the 2015 and 2019 Enterprise Agreements. The appeal hearing is set to take place in July before the Fair Work Commission. Rest assured that we will keep you informed of any developments and provide details regarding the potential live streaming of the hearing. As you read through this latest edition of Rail and Road, you’ll find more updates and news.
From the latest industrial developments, to transport news, we’ve got you covered!
General News
UGL network controllers set to move to Orange after long delays.
Since that time, UGL had been looking to design, develop and implement a new networking control system to manage train movements on this network. During this time, network controllers had the weekly challenge of travelling to and from Mayfield control centre for every shift for the last two years.
In April 2024, UGL advised the union and members that they have installed and connected the Orange base control systems to mirror what is currently installed in Mayfield.
This would allow members to finally work out of their local location of Orange and remove the necessity to go to Mayfield for every shift.
UGL have advised that they will continue to work with all the parties to make this a successful addition to their network control operations.
Union secretary Alex Claassens reviewing the new set up at Orange, as part of the network controllers long awaited move to a home base in Orange.
In 2022, United Group Rail (UGL) was successful in winning the maintenance contract from John Holland for the Country Regional Network.
Loco News
QUBE Enterprise Agreement negotiations still on-going
Logistics provider QUBE is refusing to accept the outcome of their application to vary the 2015 and 2019 Enterprise Agreements, and are now appealing the decision to have the application dismissed.
QUBE’s appeal is wide-ranging and challenges points of law, factual findings made by the Deputy President, and also the adequacy of the reasons provided.The appeal has been listed for hearing before a full-bench of the Fair Work Commission in July.
The dismissal of QUBE’s application to vary the 2015 and 2019 Enterprise Agreements by the Fair Work Commission is a huge win for members fighting for lost entitlements not paid by QUBE which equates to millions of dollars.
The Intractable Bargaining case is still moving ahead with hearing dates being held in early June.
The Commission’s decision will shortly follow the hearing and, if the determination is made, will require the Commission to create a new industrial instrument covering QUBE employees that must contain no clause that is less favourable than the clause it replaces in the (unvaried) 2019 Enterprise Agreement.
Latest Enterprise Agreement Vote –The results of QUBE’s fourth unilateral employee ballot for approval of an Enterprise Agreement have been received by the union. Unsurprisingly, over two thirds of participating employees voted against QUBE’s lacklustre proposal. Members should be congratulated for holding the line and rejecting QUBE’s nonsense offer and scare tactics.
Aurizon Bulk employees saved from redundancy in restructure
Aurizon Bulk announced a restructure of its NSW Operations that, without sustained pressure from the RTBU, would have resulted in members facing redundancy.
The restructure sees Bulk employees being shuffled to other sections / departments, with mineral trains (the EZ) now coming under Bulk QLD and Container Trains coming under Bulk Central (based out of South Australia).
The NSW Grain side of the business is being absorbed into the NSW Coal Business however, the six affected employees were told to either apply for roles outside their local area or be forcibly retrenched. That’s despite the Loco Division pointing out that there were redeployment options nearby. The backflip Aurizon was forced into is a big win for members and their families.
Aurizon Management informed the union “ As a result of new information relating to customer demand forecasts and requirements for near-term grain services, and our ongoing efforts to identify redeployment opportunities within our business, I can confirm the following”.
....”Potentially Impacted Gunnedah Employees As discussed, we have identified that we will be able to offer the three impacted Gunnedah employees redeployment opportunities at the Quirindi Coal Depot. We will continue to discuss the details of these opportunities and other potential opportunities with the employees.”
Aurizon went on to say that there is now only one impacted employee at Newcastle depot and discussions are underway regarding possible redeployment to Antiene. The RTBU maintains there are also other viable alternatives at the Hexham depot and will be pushing for this opportunity to be offered to any affected members at Bulk Newcastle.
The changes have delayed EA negotiations slightly, however plans for meetings to discuss the agreement are expected to commence again soon.
Tram and Bus News
Light Rail Action
Light Rail members recently took industrial action following a dispute with their employer, Transdev, over unequal pay and conditions for workers based in different areas of the city.
Over 98 percent of the workforce voted to take protected industrial action over their pay issues. It goes without saying – its disappointing things got to this. The action, included workers refusing to check tickets, wearing non-uniform clothing, and drivers intentionally slowing down services on some trams.
However, after the strong show of solidarity and determination by our
members on the first day, Transdev was brought back to the negotiating table. As a result, an in-principle agreement on a new enterprise agreement was reached, and the second day of action was cancelled. Despite this progress, our members - knowing they deserve better conditions - unanimously rejected Transdev’s latest offer at two mass meetings held by the RTBU Bargaining Team and a new round
Proudly
of protected industrial action –including a 24hr stoppage – took place.
Congratulations to all members involved in this action and thank those who attended the mass meetings to ensure their voices were heard. Transdev must recognise and address our members’ concerns, as they won’t back down until they secure the fair deal they deserve.
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Region 7
The fight for equal pay and the end of a two-tiered workplace continues for Region 7 members at Ryde and Willoughby bus depots. With TfNSW advising the government and company there is no mechanism to get them more money to pay for ex-STA conditions for everyone, and the company saying they don’t have the money for it, the Union is being forced into a rearguard action to do everything it can to fix the mess that TfNSW delivered workers to.
Opal Cards
Opal cards have been rolled out for bus drivers – now it’s tram workers who are next in line.
Staff at Newcastle trams already have theirs and at a peak unions and TfNSW meeting, the Transport Minister confirmed that Light Rail staff are next in line for passes followed by Metro Rail and Ferries (Metro staff have been promised opal cards before the City section opens in August).. Operational staff are being prioritised over TfNSW office staff.
The entire issue of Opal cards was the result of five years of tireless campaigning and behind the scenes lobbying by the RTBU for its members and it’s great that almost our entire divisional membership will benefit!
We say ‘almost all’ because the fight to get passes for our CMET tram workers in Canberra still continues. We expect that the Australian Tax Office ruling on this issue will arm us with enough to get cards from Transport Canberra in the future. The Fringe Benefits Tax has always been the reason they give for passes not being given to CMET staff.
This was after we were explicitly promised there would be no more two- tiered workplaces following the debacle in Region 6 in Sydney’s Inner West. Like Region 6, the battle in region 7 has been going on for some time but unlike the fight with Transit Systems, industrial action is not viable for a few reasons. We continue to make sure every avenue available is explored to protect workers and fight for fairness in the workplace
Sydney Bus Routes Face the Axe as Metro Opens
In a move that has left commuters and transport workers reeling, Transport for NSW is set to drastically alter bus services in Sydney’s north, coinciding with the opening of the $21.6 billion Metro City and Southwest rail line. Internal documents reveal that several bus routes will be shortened or axed altogether, forcing commuters to rely on the new driverless train line.
As your union, we’re deeply troubled by the impact these changes will have on our members and the commuters we serve. RTBU state divisional president Peter Grech summed it up perfectly when he spoke to the SMH, saying that: “People rely heavily on their local bus services. We need a transport system focused on improving services for commuters, not one focused on trying to funnel people onto a metro service to justify its build.”
Any alterations to our transport network should involve meaningful consultation with the workers who keep our city moving and the commuters who depend on these services daily. Unfortunately, Transport for NSW appears to be more focused on slashing expenses and increasing metro ridership than providing a dependable, accessible, and integrated transport system for all.
Sydney Trains and NSW Bargaining: Government pay announcement –what does it mean?
You may have heard about the NSW Government’s proposed pay offer for public sector workers in the media lately.
The NSW Government has proposed a 10.5% pay rise for public sector workers over three years. However, this figure includes mandatory superannuation increases, resulting in an actual pay rise of 9.5% (3.5%, 3%, and 3%) over the period.
The announcement was unexpected, and it was unclear which unions were targeted by the offer. Despite promises, certain unions received no correspondence regarding the proposal.
It later became apparent that the offer was directed towards workers in the state industrial relations system, not rail workers who operate within the Federal Industrial Relations System. Nonetheless, the offer provides a baseline for negotiations.
This announcement suggests that Sydney Trains and NSW Trains may soon receive their bargaining parameters, allowing negotiations to commence. Union EA delegates are prepared and ready to proceed
Union Win: Right to wear shorts confirmed
In a landmark decision, the Fair Work Commission has ruled in favour of our union’s campaign to secure the right for all workers to wear shorts as part of their uniform.
The Commission confirmed that this right can only be restricted if a joint Sydney Trains/Union risk assessment deems it an unacceptable safety risk. The change is effective immediately and further guidance will be provided as we analyse the decision in detail.
This victory is the result of years of dedication and hard work by our Infrastructure and Workshops Divisions, and we congratulate all the delegates who have fought tirelessly for this cause.
As we said in the media following the win, wearing shorts in the heat of the day makes sense. Forcing people to adhere to outdated uniform standards doesn’t.
Together, we will continue to fight for fair and equitable treatment in the workplace.
Over a decade ago, a review of the uniforms by the former Liberal-National Government concluded that staff who wear shorts are exposed to safety risks such as ‘insect bites, UV radiation and vegetation exposure.’ It was also deemed by the former government that workers would look ‘more presentable’ in long pants. This kicked off our very long campaign to wear shortsand here we are with our win!
International News
Seoul’s Self-Driving Buses: Steering Towards an Uncertain Future
The streets of Seoul, South Korea, are now home to a new kind of public transport: self- driving night buses. While some see this as a step towards the future, others, like the Transport Union in Seoul, are raising concerns about what this means for bus drivers and the future of the industry.
The company behind these high-tech buses, SUM (Smart YoUr Mobility), says that self-driving buses are the answer to the problem of fewer people wanting to drive buses, especially at night. But the Seoul City Bus Union has rejected the proposition and have raised concern that the city government hasn’t talked to them about their plans for a self-driving future.
The Secretary General of the Seoul City Bus Union has asserted that selfdriving shouldn’t completely replace
human workers, and that it’s too dangerous right now. The Transport Union knows that it’s important to try out new ideas. But they also want to make sure that bus drivers and maintenance workers are taken care of as technology changes. They want the city government to talk to them and put the well-being of their members first.
South Korea plans to spend over $1 billion on self-driving technology and infrastructure by 2027. But some experts, like Professor Graham
Currie from Monash University in Melbourne, think that investing in self-driving cars is not a solution to the real transport problems cities face. He warns that having lots of empty self-driving cars on the roads will just make traffic worse.
As Seoul’s self-driving buses hit the streets, we will be keeping a close eye on the situation.
They want to make sure that progress doesn’t come at the cost of the hardworking people who keep our cities moving.
International Workers Memorial Day
On April 28 every year, we honour our brothers and sisters who have lost their lives on the job.
Too many of our union family have made the ultimate sacrifice due to unsafe conditions and workplace accidents. Their memories fuel our fight for the strongest possible health and safety protections.
The RTBU represented by Craig Turner (RTBU President), Nick Lewocki (RTBU Life Member),
Joanne McCallum (RTBU Branch Councillor), Mark Humphris (Wyong CSA) and Linda Carruthers (former RTBU Campaign and Training Officer) attended a service at Ourimbah on the Central Coast as part International Workers Memorial Day.
As part of the service, there was a tribute to Mark Humphris’ son, Police
Officer Glen Humphris, who was killed in the line of duty in 2020. We pay our respects to all workers who have lost their lives on the job.
United, we will create safe workplaces for allan injury to one is an injury to all.
Trucking lobby trying to distract from real causes of level crossing collisions
The Australian Trucking Association (ATA) should stop trying to blame trains for the failure of truck drivers to abide by road rules.
Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU)
Assistant National Secretary Shayne Kummerfeld said the ATA’s call for flashing beacons and side-lights on trains to be made compulsory by law was a deliberate distraction from the real causes of level crossing collisions – the failure of drivers to abide by road rules, and the unrealistic pressure on truck drivers from trucking companies.
“Tinkering with lighting on trains will not change the dangerous behaviour of drivers who think they can ‘beat the train’ at a level crossing,” Mr Kummerfeld said.
“The majority of level-crossing incidents occur during daylight hours when road traffic volumes are higher. Adding lights for daytime issues is nonsensical.
“Furthermore, trains already have powerful headlights, so adding more lights would not make any positive
Wallan fines ‘woefully inadequate’ Safety Matters
difference to safety outcomes.
“In fact the RTBU is concerned the measures being promoted by the trucking lobby would be counterproductive to safety, as they would negatively affect visibility for train drivers and track workers.”
Mr Kummerfeld said the RTBU was continuing to push for a zero-tolerance approach to level crossing safety.
“We will continue to support improvements to level crossing infrastructure, better driver education, and stronger enforcement of road rules – including the use of fixed and mobile safety cameras and higher penalties for motorists who illegally enter level crossings.
“Road rules are there for a reason, and everyone must obey them.”
The Melbourne Magistrates Court has issued fines of $375,000 to the Australian Rail Track Corporation and $150,000 to NSW Trains over the fatal derailment of an XPT service at Wallan in February 2020.
Two members of the railway family were killed and eight passengers were seriously injured in the derailment.
The union has described the fines as being ‘woefully inadequate’ for an incident in which two lives were lost and more were put at risk.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union strongly believes that low-level fines
will not force rail operators or rail infrastructure managers to change their practices, and that Australia’s rail safety regime is no longer fit for purpose.
Each state has different safe working systems, while the increased use of Driver-Only operations without proper controls and the conflict between
WHS laws and the Rail Safety National Law (RSNL) are areas of significant concern to the RTBU.
The union is hopeful that the review of the RSNL will deliver genuine and meaningful changes to Australia’s rail safety regime that prevent tragedies like the Wallan derailment from ever happening again.
Uniting for Safety Against Knife Crime
Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by the recent tragic events in Sydney. No one should ever have to endure the pain of losing someone they care about in such an horrific manner.
At times like these, it’s crucial that we come together as a community to support one another and work towards creating a safer environment for everyone.
That’s why we’ve joined forces with the Police Association of NSW, the Public Service Association of NSW, the SDA NSW, and the HSU NSW to support new powers allowing
police to conduct non-invasive knife searches.
We firmly believe that this measure will help prevent future tragedies and ensure that everyone can feel secure in their daily lives. Safety has always been our top priority, and we will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote the well-being of our community. Together, we can
help our members feel safe on the job, and the broader public safe within their communities.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been impacted by these heartbreaking events. May we find strength in unity and work tirelessly to build a safer, more compassionate world for all.
Tracksafe suicide awareness training
Every life lost on the rail network is a tragedy. The impacts on family, friends, communities, rail & recovery staff & witnesses can be profound.
On average there are 74 suicides or suspected suicides on the Australian heavy rail network each year. In addition, there are 67 attempted suicides on the heavy rail network & a small number on the light rail network. As well there are many selfharm incidents & threats of self-harm. In New Zealand there is an average of 6 suicides per year on the heavy rail network.
TrackSAFE has launched its new suicide awareness training, which has
been designed specifically for rail workers in Australia & New Zealand
As part of TrackSAFE’s suicide prevention activities, this training aims to contribute to a decrease in the number of deaths by suicide on the rail network and reduction in the trauma to family, friends, rail workers, first responders and witnesses.
Intervention by a third party such as a rail worker is an important part of preventing suicides in a public
place including the rail environment. TrackSAFE’s new training aims to help build skills & confidence to engage with someone who may be in distress. It also provides information on support services available for rail workers post incident.
The training is free, accessible via smart phone and takes only 30 minutes to complete.
To register, go to tracksafetraining.com
Marking May Day
On May Day, we honour the triumphs of trade unions in securing the eight-hour workday and other fundamental rights. But our fight is far from over.
Transport workers are the backbone of our economy, and we demand fair wages, safe working conditions, and the respect we deserve.
As we celebrate the sacrifices of those who came before us, we’re looking forward to the future, and committing ourselves to continuing this fight.
Toby Warnes, Ricky Keehn, Craig Turner and Peter Grech
Craig Turner and Michael Farhat
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Members take fight to NSW Parliament to keep regionally manned signal boxes
The union recently wrote to Members of Parliament to ask for a meeting with a delegation, to discuss Sydney Trains’ decision to proceed with the closure of regionally based manned signal boxes and to request their assistance in stopping this from progressing.
Delegates reiterated that Sydney Trains’ proposal to close regionally manned signal boxes and complexes has no merits and defies logic.
It would also remove good union jobs from regional areas and would fail to maintain and grow regional areas contrary to policy put in place by the Australian Labor Party.
If Sydney Trains planned to progress with the closure of regionally based manned signal boxes, these positions would be filled by employees residing in Sydney.
The union would like to commend the Signaller SubDivision delegation for taking this fight to NSW Parliament and meeting with ministers from across the political spectrum. Two meetings were held in May with all attendees committing to pursue the issue with Transport for NSW.
Ian Crum, Matt Carter, Doug Medina, Maryanne Stuart, Steven Halvosen, Robert Gilbert and Peter Lucas
Ian Crum, Craig Turner, MP Jo Haylen, Doug Medina, Craig McCall and Robert Gilbert
MP David Layzell, Doug Medina, Robert Gilbert, Matt Carter, Steven Halvosen, Peter Lucas and Ian Crum
Summary of Financial Reports
AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH
NSW Branch (GPFR) for 2023
This summary of Financial Reports for the NSW Branch have been extracted from the audited NSW Branch General Purpose Financial Report for 2023, prepared for the Fair Work Commission in compliance with reporting requirements of the Fair Work Act and Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009. The full Financial Reports (including explanatory notes) are available on rtbuexpress.com.au
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year Ended 31st December 2023
REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS
AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH
STATEMENT OF CHANGES MEMBER’S EQUITY As at 31st December 2023
4,706,104
4,869,189
36,061,503
AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at 31st December 2023
ACCUMULATED FUNDS
AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the Year Ended 31st December 2023
CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
Note A - Reconciliation of Cash
Cash at the end of the financial year as show in the Statement of Cash Flows is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows: Cash on hand and at Bank 11,818,857 11,712,923
AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the Year Ended 31st December 2023
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements
Summary of Financial Reports
RAIL, TRAM AND BUS UNION OF NEW SOUTH WALES
This summary of Financial Reports for the NSW Branch have been extracted from the State Financial Statements for 2023, prepared in compliance with reporting requirements of the NSW Industrial Relations Act 1996 Act. The full Financial Reports (including explanatory notes) are available on rtbuexpress.com.au
FINANCIAL STATEMENT S
RAIL, TRAM AND BUS UNION OF NEW SOUTH WALES
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year Ended 31st December 2023
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
RAIL, TRAM AND BUS UNION OF NEW SOUTH WALES
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBER’S EQUITY As at 31 December 2023
RAIL, TRAM AND BUS UNION OF NEW SOUTH WALES
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at 31st December 2023
9,164,475
7,608,354
1,556,120
9,164,475
RAIL, TRAM AND BUS UNION OF NEW SOUTH WALES
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the Year Ended 31st December 2023 Notes
NOTES TO THE STATEMENT OF CASH FLOW
Note A - Reconciliation of Cash Cash at the end of the financial year as show in the Statement of Cash Flows is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of Financial
Note B – Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations with (Loss) from Ordinary Activities
The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements End of Report
Farewell and Best Retirement Wishes
Well-known Area Controllers Glenn Manning, Daryl Rayner, and Alan Lewis have decided to retire after many years of service to the Railways. These dedicated union members devoted themselves to their craft, ensuring safety was their priority and leaving the Signalling ranks that little bit poorer with their retirement.
Glenn, who served as President, and Alan, who served as the Wollongong Delegate, were pillars of the Signaller Sub-Division, while Daryl, a highly skilled Signaller Trainer, was always available to guide newcomers and staunchly supported the union. Daryl’s talent further extended to the creation of replicated signalling panels, as seen in the photo, demonstrating his dedication and knowledge. We wish all these remarkable Area Controllers and Unionists all the best in the future.
Glenn Manning and Daryl Rayner
Have You Left the Industry? Retired?
Or No Longer Want to be in the Union?
If you have left the industry, permanently or for a period, have retired, or are off work due to illness, or no longer want to be a member of the RTBU, you must resign, or suspend your union membership, in writing.
Our union rules provide that members leaving the union for whatever reason, must do so in writing. If you do not resign in writing, you will continue to be included on our union membership and liable for the dues owing for that time.
Please note: Regardless of whether your union dues were paid by direct debit or through payroll deductions, the employer is not authorised to change your membership details after resignation or leaving the union. You must do this personally.
Please contact the membership office at the union for more information.
Join the RTBU Retired Members Association
Many retired members continue to receive copies of the journal Rail & Road, and take an interest in the life of the union. Many have also said that they would like to maintain a closer connection and involvement with the work of the union. The RTBU Retired Members Association was established to provide a forum for former members to meet, work on campaigns, address issues of particular relevance for retirees and to identify ways of assisting, supporting and contributing to the work of the union.
It is expected that the Retired Members Association will function independently and pursue issues that it identifies as priorities.
If you are a retired member of our union, we would like you to consider joining the Retired Members Association. Membership forms are available from the RTBU Head Office, Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney or on the union website: www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au
For more information, contact Peter O’Connor at the union office on (02) 9264 2511
For more information, contact Chris Doyle on 0425 327 195 or the union office on (02) 9264 2511
CHANGE OF DETAILS FORM
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
DETAILS
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.
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM
I, the undersigned, hereby apply to become a member of the 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
1. I agree to pay $ via DIRECT DEBIT fortnightly OR 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
IMPORTANT
PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR REFERENCE
RESIGNATION FROM MEMBERSHIP
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.
4. A notice delivered to the Branch Secretary shall be deemed to have been received by when it was delivered.
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.
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 and 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
Level 4, 321 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Tel (02) 9264 2511
Email: nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au
Website: www.rtbuexpress.com.au
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