2016 Rail and Road - June Edition

RAILROADAN

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

VOLUME 108 No.2 June 2016

Print Post Approved 25500003-01148

Who will you Vote for on July 2?

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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 Peter O’Connor Telephone: 0430 188 116 e-mail: [email protected] Printing - Brightset, Banksmeadow, (02) 9316 4800 Art & Design - P Design - [email protected] - Phone 0402 032 949

RTBU Holiday ParkVacancies - Book your holiday nowThe RTBU Holiday Park is a great place to escape to for a peaceful break in the

National Park and a walk along the beach.Avoid the rush and the high season rates - book your holiday now. The Holiday

Park is situated in a National Park and Members can enjoy a holiday by the sea and relax with fishing, tennis, boating, swimming or bushwalking.

RTBU members can also now get discounted rates at the United Services Union Aquatic Resort (Motel and Caravan Park) at Port Macquarie.

For booking enquiries please telephone Head Office on

(02) 9264 2511

NSW BraNch

head OfficeLevel4, 321 Pitt Street,

Sydney NSW 2000

Tel (02) 92642511

Fax (02)92611342

Email [email protected]

Website www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au

Bus and Tram Division83-89 renwick Street

redfern NSW 2016

Tel (02) 93197277

Fax (02) 93194341

[email protected]

Locomotive DivisionLevel 4, 321 Pitt Street

Sydney NSW 2000

Tel (02) 92643400

Fax (02) 92647679


Newcastle Office33 Gordon avenue

hamilton NSW 2303

Tel (02) 4961 4311

Fax (02) 4961 4779

Wollongong OfficeLevel 1, 306a crown Street, Wollongong, 2500

Tel (02) 4227 5798


Branch ExecutiveSecretary alex claassens

President Phil Kessey

assistant Secretary Mick Schmitzer

OrganisersNewcastle Mick Schmitzer

Wollongong John curley

Frieght Organiser Steve Wright

Branch Organisers Brendan Edghill

Paul Douglas

Bob hayden

Lead Organisers

Phillip Kessey

Doug Klineberg

Lizanne Bennett

Education Officer Maryanne Stuart

Industrial Officer Peter O’connor

Selective advertising is available in RAIL & ROAD at competitive individual issue rates or a discounted annual rate. A design service is also available to have your advertisement professionally designed to your specifications.

RAILROADAN

D ADVERTISINGRATES

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 Peter O’Connor Telephone: (02) 9264 2511 e-mail: [email protected]

Printing - Brightset, Banksmeadow, (02) 9316 4800 art & Design - P Design - [email protected] - Phone 0402 032 949

RTBU Holiday ParkVacancies for School Holiday Period

The RTBU Holiday Park is situated in Jervis Bay on the South Coast.Modern self-contained units with colour TV, microwave ovens and

accomodate families of up to 6 persons. The Holiday Park is situated in a National Park and Members can enjoy a holiday by the sea and relax with

fishing, tennis, boating, swimming or bushwalking.

For booking enquiries please telephone Ingrid at Head Office on

(02) 9264 2511 or Dept: 34432

Keep your career rollingAll job applications professionally prepared

Expertly Written Selection CriteriaContact [email protected] or Telephone 02 9319 0926

NSW BrANch head OfficeLevel 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000Tel (02) 92642511 Fax (02) 92611342Email [email protected] www.rtbuexpress.com.au

Bus and Tram Division83-89 renwick Street redfern NSW 2016Tel (02) 93197277 Fax (02) 93194341Email [email protected]

Locomotive DivisionLevel 4, 321 Pitt StreetSydney NSW 2000Tel (02) 92643400 Fax (02) 92647679Email [email protected]

Newcastle Office33 Gordon Avenue, hamilton NSW 2303Tel (02) 4961 4311 Fax (02) 4961 4779Email [email protected]

Wollongong OfficeLevel 1, 306a crown Street, Wollongong, 2500 Tel (02) 4227 5798Email [email protected]

Branch ExecutiveSecretary Alex claassensPresident Joanne MccallumAssistant Secretary (road) David WoollamsAssistant Secretary (rail) robert hayden

Elected Full-Time OfficialsBranch Secretary Alex claassens

Locomotive Divisional Secretary robert hayden

Tram and Bus Divisional Secretarychris Preston

Tram and Bus Divisional PresidentDavid Woollams

OrganisersWollongong John curleyFreight Organisers Steve Wright Kevin PryorPassenger Organiser Bob Newham Jessica Epps

Branch Organisers Lizanne Bennett helen Bellette Mick cartwright Michael Farhat Graham Fozzard Luke hayden communications Officer Peter O’connor

Jervis Bay

Find Us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RTBUNSW

From the Branch Secretary

Industrial Newscombined Unions to take Protected Industrial Action on ArTc EA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Marathon Meeting of Light rail Members to Discuss EA . . . . 6Industrial NotesIn-cab recording Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Non Payment of Time Worked Dispute continues . . . . . . . . . . 7General NewsPlanning Questions for Newcastle Light rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8ASLEF conference Discusses the Global Issues . . . . . . . . . . . 9PM Needs to Shut Down call for return to Workchoices . . . 10rTBU cSA cleaning Survey results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Opal card Still a challenge on Buses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

World’s Longest rail Tunnel Opens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Sydney Trains reaching Breaking Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Unions Push Labor to Legislate Against Penalty reductions 13commemorating the 1917 rail Strike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Unions change Structures to Foster community Power Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17campaign TrailrTBU campaign Forces Backdown on Station closures . . . . 19Safety MattersBus Fires More Frequent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Sydney’s Most Dangerous Bus routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Summary Financial reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

As this issue of the Rail & Road goes to press, we are deep into a Federal election campaign for the 2 July election. From what we can glean from the public statements from the various political leaders, this is shaping as another ‘WorkChoices’ type election, where a number of basic and essential issues for working families will be determined. The RTBU is concerned at the attacks already made in areas such as, changes to industrial relations, attacks on medicare and health services more generally, the moves to remove week-end penalty rates. In tandem with the Baird NSW Government, the Turnbull Coalition Government is also pushing ahead with privatisation, anti-union and anti-worker measures as its major platform for future reforms. A vote for these measures is a vote for more pain for working families across the board. I would call on all RTBU members to use their votes wisely.Election or not, our union continues to negotiate and debate State government and employer approaches to eroding working conditions and transport services in this state. The combined Rail unions are currently going through the necessary processes to take protected industrial action to progress the stalemate in the ARTC negotiations; we are still fighting Sydney Trains on various reforms around safety, station cleaning, and station staffing, as well as penalty payments for time worked on book off days by signalers. Our Tram

& Bus members continue to fight for improvements to bus safety, and to resolve ongoing failure of the Opal card system, and our Light Rail members are also engaged in Protected Industrial Action to progress EA negotiations.Meanwhile, the increased enthusiasm by the NSW Government to proceed down the road of privatization remains a high priority. While the government continues with its tendering for an ‘integrated’ Newcastle transport system, despite even private companies publicly questioning the sense and cost-effectiveness of such a move, we are hearing increasingly more announcements on privatisation of a wide range of transport services and infrastructure.Given the enthusiasm of this government for privatisation as a short-term and quick fix for planning and investing in public transport infrastructure and projects, we need to continue to take the lead role in the public debate and campaigns to highlight the short-comings of the government approaches, and in putting forward strong and sound alternatives. We cannot afford to be reactive or get caught on the back foot on this issue. We need to do the front running on community anti-privatisation campaigns. We need to be creating the headlines around effective and longer term solutions for public transport. We need to continue to put ideas such as ‘value capture’ and ‘TODs’ in the public domain as real alternatives to the

more short-term, politically motivated strategies of the government. While we can actively facilitate these campaigns and engage in these public debates, if we put in a serious and concerted effort, in strengthening and promoting the public transport brand in the public consciousness, I believe we can win these campaigns. If this is not the case, then we need our alternate strategies to be well developed and ready to roll out if required. The front line in these battles is currently the process unfolding in Newcastle. Our members have been actively involved in developing and implementing the campaigns in Newcastle, and we need to continue and increase these efforts, in an attempt to win each and every battle as it arises.Our union campaign to protect regional railway stations from closure, job and service reductions across NSW has been successful in forcing the Baird Government to reverse or modify these proposals. We are a little cynical at the moment that this backflip may simply be a stalling tactic while the Federal election campaign is under way. We can however, claim a short term victory for those communities that were facing serious cut backs to rail jobs and services, and will continue to work with activists, retired union members, and community leaders in those areas to secure their local rail services long term.

In this Issue

HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED & NEED LEGAL ADVICE?

1800 059 [email protected] www.codea.com.au

SCOTT DOUGALL PARTNER

MICHAEL BARNES PARTNER

PETER LLEONART PARTER

When It Matters

When it matters contact Michael Barnes, Scott Dougall or Peter Lleonart for a no obligation case evaluation.

Carroll & O’Dea are lawyers for the Rail, Tram and Bus Union and can assist you with your legal needs.

Workers Compensation Motor Vehicle Claims

Personal Injury Damages Claims Insurance Disputes

Providing trusted advice to RTBU members for over 50 years.

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rAIL & rOAD June 2016 Page 5

HAVE YOU BEEN INJURED & NEED LEGAL ADVICE?

1800 059 [email protected] www.codea.com.au

SCOTT DOUGALL PARTNER

MICHAEL BARNES PARTNER

PETER LLEONART PARTER

When It Matters

When it matters contact Michael Barnes, Scott Dougall or Peter Lleonart for a no obligation case evaluation.

Carroll & O’Dea are lawyers for the Rail, Tram and Bus Union and can assist you with your legal needs.

Workers Compensation Motor Vehicle Claims

Personal Injury Damages Claims Insurance Disputes

Providing trusted advice to RTBU members for over 50 years.

SYDNEY PARRAMATTA NEWCASTLE CANBERRA WOLLONGONG CAMPBELLTOWN

Industrial News

Combined Unions to Take Industrial Action to Progress ARTC EA Negotiations

Outcome of Fair Work Conference

On Monday 16 May 2016 the Fair Work Commission held a Conference as the first step in the Combined Unions’ case to address ARTC’s failure to bargain in good faith, failure to address the Combined Unions’ log of claims and failure to provide formal confirmation that ARTC are legally bound to apply the Federal Government’s “Workplace Bargaining Policy” (WBP).

The purpose of the Conference was to see if the Combined Unions and ARTC could come to an agreement on the matter. Unfortunately, although both parties put forward their arguments neither made any concessions and an agreement was not possible.

Is ARTC Bound by the Government’s Workplace Bargaining Policy (WBP)?

After months of questions during bargaining and one appearance in the Fair Work Commission, ARTC have still not provided the legal basis for their reliance on the WBP. The Combined Unions maintain our position that legally ARTC is not obliged to apply it to their workplace

and is incorrectly referring to it during bargaining.

In order to get a definitive answer the matter is being progressed to a hearing at which the Commission has the power to provide bargaining orders including around whether the WBP applies. This process however is a lengthy one and will take time.

The Combined Unions have also lodged with FairWork for a protected action ballot. We have given ARTC every opportunity to do the right thing.The Combined Unions will continue to bargain in good faith, however it is clear that the bargaining is not going anywhere. Please talk to your delegates or officials for more information. Look

out for a further newsletter update on the next steps.

Remember that only union members can be involved in the vote on protected industrial action or in taking protected industrial action, so, if some of your colleagues are not members, please encourage them to sign up now.

It’s time to step up and get involved - with strong member involvement we can make a change for the better.

After months of delays by ARTC to bargain in good faith on a new Enterprise Agreement, and attempts to resolve the matters in the Fair Work Commission, the Combined Rail Unions are now preparing to progress negotiations through Protected Industrial Action.

Turnbull’s bargaining policy calls for ARTC to slash your wages and conditions.

- ARTC is a corporation in its own right.- ARTC is not the government.- ARTC has no reason to follow Turnbull’s baseless and greedy wage policy.

- ARTC has no right to attack workers hard won conditions.

UNITED WE STANDDIVIDED WE FALL

Page 6 rAIL & rOAD June 2016

Marathon Meeting of Light Rail Members Discusses Draft Enterprise Agreement In a four-hour meeting with Tram & Bus Division Secretary Chris Preston and Divisional President David Woollams, 40 members from light rail made it clear they won’t be copping the current draft enterprise agreement from Transdev.Bus Division Secretary Chris Preston said it was important that the members got to have their say.“To have that many members turn up to have their voices heard was great to see,” Mr Preston said.“People came in on their day off, and took time out of their breaks because they didn’t want to miss an opportunity to get involved. “This shows just how passionate the members are about this issue and how important it is that we get the right agreement for our members.”Bus and Tram Divisional President David Woollams said that direct feedback from members was vital.

“We need to hear what the members think about the draft enterprise agreement so we know what issues to take back to Transdev to get fixed,” Mr Woollams said.“Whether it’s wage issues, rostering, safety, or overcrowding, these are all things that need to be considered in the enterprise agreement.”With the expansion of light rail, and new services being added to cope with growing demand, it’s important that the union is able to fight for the best possible deal for members and to ensure they are recognised for the role they play in keeping Sydney moving.If Transdev refuses to make the necessary amendments to the draft agreement, the union will discuss with members about taking other action to secure a better deal.Update:In early June Transdev members voted to take protected industrial action to progress safety issues on the light rail as a result of management's unrealistic demands.

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Non Payment of Penalty Rates for Signallers Issue in Fair Work Commission The RTBU and Sydney Trains attended the Fair Work Commission on 19th May 2016 (FWC) for a conference in relation to the penalty payments for book off days with less than 24 hours notice.As members would be aware Sydney Trains have a different interpretation on the clauses that relate to these payments.The outcomes from the conference are as below;• TheRTBUhaswrittentoSydneyTrainsaskingfortheirpositionandallthedocumentationthattheyarerelyingon.• WewillmeetwithSydneyTrainsforfurtherdiscussionsregardingthisissueinJune.• AsaresultofdiscussionsintheCommission,SydneyTrainshasstoppedthepaymentofcalloutpenaltiesfromthe

22nd May 2016. This advice is provided to ensure that in the event that we get an adverse finding members will not be obliged to pay back the penalty that was paid to them.

• Intheeventthatwewinthisdisputethecorrectpaymentwillbebackpayed.

The RTBU has had a meeting with the Signallers Sub-Division and delivered a full debrief, and assured members that the RTBU will not leave any stone unturned as we pursue this matter.

Industrial Notes

In-Cab Recording DevicesLast year, the RTBU was advised that Aurizon proposed to retrofit 75 Standard Gauge Locomotives with in-cab camera’s that stores visual and audio data.This was met with serious concern by the National Locomotive Division as this is against our National Locomotive Division Policy on Video and Audio surveillance.Pacific National had trialled such intrusive devices under the Workchoices Legislation.The RTBU National Locomotive Division representatives have been meeting with Aurizon over our members concerns since then.At a meeting held in Sydney recently

Aurizon representatives were asked if the proposal would be rolled out across their entire fleet and the reply from management was a honest and direct ‘at this stage no but that may change into the future’.The push by loco manufacturers to have this equipment installed on all locomotives is being touted for safety reasons to ensure drivers are carrying out their duties such as calling signals, employees being in the cab while moving and other safety requirements of the company’s accreditation, regulatory and legal obligations to ensure that Traincrew adhere to those provisions in case of incidents.

The manufacturers have also proposed that with the amount of storage capabilities these devices have that companies can utilise it for safety incidents, HR incidents, and support training/efficacy testing of Traincrew.Though the proposed introduction is for Aurizon operations we believe that all members across Australia need to be aware, informed and understand that this is occurring.National Locomotive Division and the RTBU National Office and Aurizon will continue consultation over the coming months and members will be updated on the matter.


Planning questions for Newcastle light rail

Infrastructure NSW announced recently that it was reviewing the state government’s light rail plan for Newcastle, but this review does not appear to include the design or merits of the project itself.

Questions have also been raised by Newcastle City Council about just how the proposed light rail system will work in Newcastle – whether it will have its own tracks or whether it will share Hunter Street with vehicle traffic.

Newcastle Council rejects light rail route

Newcastle City Council has stood up for community and good sense by voting to reject the State Government’s planned light rail route.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance has also announced the five firms that the government had shortlisted to build the light rail.

The five firms are CPB Contractors Pty Ltd (former Leighton Contractors), Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd, John Holland Pty Ltd, Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty Limited and McConnell Dowell Constructors (Aust) Pty Ltd.

The Minister said the contract would be awarded later this year.

A separate operating contract for the ongoing running of the combined Transport for Newcastle is also in the works with Keolis Downer and UGL/Transit Systems both in the running.

Paid information session for Newcastle staff

Following pressure from the union, the State Government finally agreed to a paid information session for all transport workers in Newcastle to explain their plans for establishing Transport for Newcastle and privatising the network.

The government has failed to be up front and honest with workers about their plans, which has meant that drivers have heard about changes that could affect their jobs from passengers or on the radio.

This was a valuable opportunity for staff to ask questions about the Transport for Newcastle initiative and what a private operator will mean for jobs and services on Newcastle.

General News


ASLEF conference discusses the global issues

Bob Hayden, Loco Division Secretary, and Keith McMahon, OHS coordinator, recently attended three days of the annual Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) Conference in the UK.

The two were invited to attend after ASLEF attended the Divisional Council meeting last year. The General Secretary and a delegate from the RMTU New Zealand also attended.

The important five day conference is held annually to set future direction of ASLEF both politically and industrially. Among the very diverse range of topics discussed were:

•Britain’sexitformtheeurozone,

•DownturnincoalandtheaffectonFreightlinerUK,

•TheExtensionofDOO.

Social media policy and the possible implications of what members put on social media,

•TheuseoftechnologysuchasiPadsandsmartphones.

•Definedbenefitpensionfundchanges

In the Australian report to the conference, Bob and Keith spoke about how the issues affecting drivers around the world are often very similar, and about the need to continue to build links with each to share and learn from each others’ experiences.

Also covered in the Loco Division report were:

•theoutsourcingofworktosmallernon-unionlabourhire companies;

•attemptstoincreaseshiftlimitsundertheguiseoffatigue management,

•introductionofdriveronlyoperationinNSW,

•WHSissuesandsafetyrelatedissues,

•theintroductionoftechnologytodumbdownandde-skill train drivers,

•attacksonconditionsofemploymentundertheguiseof

“world’s best practice” and “internation benchmarking” particularly in the passenger operations,

•increasingattemptsbyoperatorsto‘increasefootplatetime’ as the warped view that drivers are only productive when they are actually driving a revenue earning service,

•theintroductionofin-cabcamerasandin-cabrecording

•attemptstotransfertheriskfromtheemployertotheemployee when it comes to fatigue management and hours of work.

These issues are not exclusive to Australia. In fact we’ve seen similar, and in some cases worse, attacks on drivers in the United States, New Zealand, Japan, throughout the Asia Pacific Region, across Europe in the UK.

Similar issues spread around the world like the plague as companies, governments and management seek to use whatever the latest buzzword, trend, work practice and new technology is in an effort to attack working conditions – that’s why it’s critical that we as a global transport community work together

The NSW Loco Division is intending to invite ASLEF and a number of other driver unions to a combined Loco Division Delegates Conference being planned for November.


Following a number of complaints from members about the expectations of Sydney Trains that staff perform major cleaning duties, the RTBU conducted a survey of CSAs to find out just how bad the situation is. The results of the survey are below:

The RTBU tabled this report with Sydney Trains at the CSD Consultative Meeting in May 2016.

The ACTU has called on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to publically denounce a business plan to bring back individual work contracts for Australian workers.The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) recently released its business plan for the 2016 election, which outlined its commitment to bringing back Work Choices-style individual contracts that would explicitly exclude unions negotiating and bargaining for better wages.The self-serving plan also attacked penalty rates and gave a disturbing economic blueprint for the Turnbull Government that exorbitantly favours employers over working Australians.ACTU President Ged Kearney has stated that“The idea of bringing back individual work contracts and

stripping workers of their right to union protection is an abomination.”“The Fair Work Act currently allows employers to offer their employees pay and conditions above the Award minimum, so ACCI’s call for a form of individual contracts is just a re-run of Work Choices, where 70% reduced pay and conditions for workers.” Ms Kearney said“ACCI’s agenda is to cut unions out of the bargaining process so workers can be paid less for the benefit of business.”“It appears that little thought has gone into how this policy would actually affect Australian workers as it seems to simply serve the purpose of supporting a conservative Coalition government and business, with no benefit to wider Australian employment or the economy.”

RTBU CSA Cleaning Survey Results

PM needs to shut down call for return to Work Choices - style contracts

R



Question 1: Are you aware that there is an agreement that is currently in place that defines what cleaning a CSA is required to perform?

Question 2: Are you aware of the differences between a general clean and a major clean?

Question 3: Since the implementation of the new customer service model, do you feel that you spend more time cleaning and less time interacting with your customers?

Question 4: Do you feel pressured by your management team to meet unreasonable cleaning standards?

Question 5: Do you feel your health and safety are being compromised by the expectations from Sydney Trains management to meet unreasonable IV results? (E.g. pulling a gurney up and down 2 flights of stairs at stations where there is no lift access)

Question 6: Do you feel the expansion of the cleaning flying gang (group of cleaners that perform heavy cleans only) would be beneficial to you and your station?

As can be seen from the results above, the majority of Customer Service Attendants have a number of concerns in relation to cleaning duties.

The RTBU will be tabled this report with Sydney Trains at the CSD Consultative Meeting in May 2016. Membership will be updated on the result after this meeting.

21%

79%

Yes

No

55% 45% Yes

No

97%

3% Yes

No

94%

6% Yes

No

89%

11% Yes

No

86%

14% Yes

No

Yes No Total 19 73 92






R



Question 1: Are you aware that there is an agreement that is currently in place that defines what cleaning a CSA is required to perform?

Question 2: Are you aware of the differences between a general clean and a major clean?

Question 3: Since the implementation of the new customer service model, do you feel that you spend more time cleaning and less time interacting with your customers?

Question 4: Do you feel pressured by your management team to meet unreasonable cleaning standards?

Question 5: Do you feel your health and safety are being compromised by the expectations from Sydney Trains management to meet unreasonable IV results? (E.g. pulling a gurney up and down 2 flights of stairs at stations where there is no lift access)

Question 6: Do you feel the expansion of the cleaning flying gang (group of cleaners that perform heavy cleans only) would be beneficial to you and your station?

As can be seen from the results above, the majority of Customer Service Attendants have a number of concerns in relation to cleaning duties.

The RTBU will be tabled this report with Sydney Trains at the CSD Consultative Meeting in May 2016. Membership will be updated on the result after this meeting.

21%

79%

Yes

No

55% 45% Yes

No

97%

3% Yes

No

94%

6% Yes

No

89%

11% Yes

No

86%

14% Yes

No








Opal card still facing challenges on busesClose to 8000 Opal card reader breakdowns on Sydney buses each year are being blamed on major glitches in computer equipment and staff shortages at the contractor hired to run the system.Tram & Bus Division Secretary Chris Preston told the Daily Telegraph that drivers are fed up dealing with passenger complaints about the faults.“Every depot in Sydney and Newcastle has the same issues with the system,” Mr Preston said.“Drivers have lost their patience with the constant hardware crashes that cause safety problems and delays.“The government is clearly missing out on millions of dollars of revenue because commuters aren’t able to pay their fare when a machine isn’t working properly.”Commuters on the city’s 5000 buses are constantly faced with Opal card readers malfunctioning, forcing drivers to let passengers ride for free.It has been revealed that servers meant to link bus drivers’ Opal consoles to the electronic ticketing card system’s main computer fail on a regular basis.Media coverage still fails to uncover Opal truth

We are now more than three years into Opal, and the government still hasn’t figured it out.Opal was first trialled on the 333 service out of Waverley, and those drivers have been living with it for the longest time. And they are at their wits end.At North Sydney depot the contractor recently implemented an upgrade of the Opal machines. While this is a regular occurrence, nine buses went out the next morning only to fail whilst in service due to the opal system interfering with the buses electronics. What a great system, a system that doesn’t just not work, but also makes the buses themselves not work.Even more troubling, a delegate has told the union that his drivers are getting called into the depot office and told that they have to sign a

document that states the driver is responsible for the Opal machine going down.With so much time spent telling passengers that the Opal machine is down, and the delays that are caused with passengers trying to tap on to broken machines, drivers have asked if they can put a bag over the machine when it’s not working. But, of course, instead of fixing the problems, TfNSW said they wouldn’t allow the bags because they would look bad to passengers and the media when they saw just how many machines don’t work.The Opal card on buses is a lemon.If the Opal system were a new car it would be parked outside the dealership with lemon stickers all over it.This system works fine overseas on buses i.e. oyster card in London. It can be done right. The NSW Government should have the opal card contractor Cubic in court to recoup lost revenue and the damages perceived by the public of our Employees and transport network.We as drivers, and other staff in the public transport industry are getting blamed for things that are completely out of our control, and completely up to a private company to manage and fix.

On the 18th March 2016 the RTBU demonstrated solidarity by supporting the Transport Workers Union (TWU) in their fight for Safe Rates. Safe Rates guarantees that every truck driver – from employee to subbie – has rates and conditions of work that ensure they’re paid for every hour, every kilometre and every cost. There is coverage for employee drivers through the relevant industrial legistation. However, the same

cannot be said for owner drivers (subbies). Many Subbies are forced to work horrendous hours just to keep their truck running. In addition, they are kept waiting in queues outside distribution centres (Coles for example) for many hours that are unpaid. Hardly fair considering Coles posted a profit of $895 million between July to December 2015. The TWU have been successful in fighting for the Road Safety

Remuneration Tribunal and following this on with further goals that include strong national union agreements with transport companies.

RTBU Stands In Solidarity with TWU


The world’s longest and deepest rail tunnel – the Swiss Gotthard – has just opened in Switzerland.The tunnel, which has been 20 years in the making at a cost of approximately $12 billion, is expected to revolutionise Europe’s freight transport and has been lauded as a triumph of engineering.The 60km long and 2.3km deep tunnel will allow high-speed rail travel between northern and southern Europe, underneath the Swiss Alps, for the very first time. The Alps are sometimes described as Europe’s natural trade barriers. From Roman times, the routes across the Alps have been mapped and fought over. Today, Italian olive oil destined for the Netherlands or German cars for Greece still have to cross the Alps. So too do many thousands of tonnes of goods from China or India: they may dock in Rotterdam, but their final destination could be Rome, Vienna or Zagreb.

Impetus for the tunnel project started in 1992 when Swiss voters backed their government’s plan to build a new high speed rail link through the Alps. The project gained further impetus two years later when voters also backed a proposal from environmental groups to move all freight travelling through Switzerland from road to rail. Where older alpine tunnels corkscrewed their way up through the mountains, the new railway line, from Zurich in the north all the way to Lugano in the south, is completely flat and straight. Twin tunnels running in both directions north-south should transport Europe's freight not only much more safely, but much faster. With no danger of collision, trains will race through the tunnel at speeds of up to 250km/h (155mph).The impressive feat is in stark contrast to the lacklustre performance on passenger and freight rail transport we’re seeing from both major parties during the Australian Federal Election campaign.

An RTBU representative has complained to the Advertising Standards Bureau about an advertisement which he believed not only depicted women in a sexist way, but could also cause serious distress to train drivers.The ad for Ultra Tune features two highly sexualised women parking on a railway crossing. A train then crashes into the parked car.

As train drivers all know, this situation is everyone’s worst nightmare and the ad has caused a number of members to experience serious flashbacks.While the ASB ruled that the advertisement didn’t depict material contrary to the Prevailing Community Standards on safety around level crossing, it did uphold the complaint on the basis that it discriminates against or vilifies a person on account of gender.The advertiser has stated it will appeal the decision.

The ACTU has pointed to the ABS figures released in May to highlight the failure of the Turnbull Government to address unemployment. The ABS figures show that nearly three quarters of a million people remain out of work. Part time work continues to displace full time work. Youth unemployment is still in double digits.The job figures show that unemployment has remained at 5.7% for another month. Full time employment fell 9,300 and part time employment increased 20,200, seasonally adjusted.Added to wage growth numbers released yesterday showing that the wage costs to employers are at their lowest point in 18 years, a full picture of what life is like for working people under the Turnbull Government starts

to emerge.ACTU President Ged Kearney is reported as saying that: “If this is what Mr Turnbull’s knowledge economy looks like – stagnant wages, stagnant unemployment, youth unemployment in double digits and nowhere for young people to get the skills they need to get a real job – then Australia desperately needs a better plan.”“We need a jobs plan that invests in real job creation in key industries including renewable energy, in public sector jobs, in technology and research, in education, skills and on the job training. These are all areas this government has cut funding and support.” Unions know that right now any job is hard to find, full time jobs even

more so, and too many young people are falling through the cracks and failing to get good quality jobs.This is why we have been campaigning for the government to put back the billion dollars it cut from apprenticeships, and the $250 million it has cut from the Industry Skills Fund.– cuts that have reduced the number of people in apprenticeships by more than 120,000 since 2013.People right across Australia want to improve their skills so that they can better jobs. But they have to struggle against a government that has gutted TAFE and skills training, and then has the audacity to demonise people who are forced onto welfare programs.So much for the Liberal slogan of "Jobs and Growth".

World’s longest rail tunnel opens

RTBU rep wins TV ad complaint

Jobs growth, wages stalling while youth unemployment soars - ACTU

Sydney Trains reaching breaking pointStatistics from Transport for NSW show that the train network is at breaking point with the average morning peak train running at 114 per cent capacity, and many lines reaching levels that cause delays and discomfort for passengers.These numbers represent a 10 per cent increase in patronage in just twelve months, but Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Branch Secretary Alex Claassens says that the government is not doing enough to ease the squeeze for commuters.“It’s clear that people want to use the train network, and the government should be encouraging more people to use public transport, but the service is just getting worse,” Mr Claassens said.

“In April, infrastructure failures caused delays on 14 days, and mechanical issues with trains caused delays on 24 days.“This is the reality when a government is more interested in cutting costs and slashing jobs than delivering a quality service.”Mr Claassens said that the government’s metro will not reduce pressure on suburban networks, which experience some of the worst delays caused by overcrowding.“The Illawarra Line, the Northern Line, and the Inner West Line are some of the most crowded routes, each over 135 per cent capacity,” Mr Claassens said.“The Metro is going to increase

overcrowding on the Northern Line even more in the first five years of operation when it starts picking up passengers from as far out as Rouse Hill and dumping them at Chatswood where they will have to join regular commuter services.“None of the most crowded lines will benefit from the Metro and the government has no plan to improve the experience for these commuters.“For those people that will be able to eventually use the Metro, they will be faced with driverless single-decker carriages which passengers don’t want, and with fewer seats in Metro trains, more commuters will be forced to stand for lengthy stretches on commutes as long as 40 minutes.”

Unions to push Labor to legislate against penalty reductionsUnions will push for a legislated "no reduction principle" for penalty rates, in contrast to the Labor policy stance of having them decided by the Fair Work Commission.ACTU secretary Dave Oliver said during a debate with ACCI chief executive James Pearson that unions would push for a Labor Government to introduce legislation to "provide the framework to future decisions to ensure that you have this no reduction principle.""What it looks like, it's not a simple solution by just taking penalty rates and legislating the existing rate,"Oliver said. "It's about setting parameters for what gives guidance to the Commission to consider things in the future."The union proposal follows the Fair Work Commission reserving its decision on the employer application to reduce Sunday penalty rates to those payable on Saturday for hospitality and retail workers.

Shadow workplace relations minister Brendan O'Connor said recently that Labor would intervene in the FWC in support of penalty rates if it won the Federal election on July 2, but did not comment directly on the ACTU proposal."We'll examine any proposition put to us by the ACTU," O'Connor told ABC Radio National. "I have to say the culture and history of the Fair Work Commission would dictate that it would not act against the interest of the low paid workers.It's been there as a unique institution in this country.""And we would hate to think that they would consider, or contemplate at all, the trashing of the penalty rates system. And I’m very confident that won’t happen."

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How Will You Vote on July 2?

It is Your Vote – Don’t Waste It

Will you vote for the return of a Turnbull Coalition Government that will:

• Cut penalty rates for some of our lowest paid workers

• Re-introduce ‘WorkChoices’ style industrial relations and individual workplace agreements

• Continue the attack on working families and their unions

• Continue to cut funding to essential community services such as child care, education and health care

• Focus on roads infrastructure as a solution to our transport needs

• Attack and cut Medicare

• Replace existing jobs with exploited migrant labour and $4 per hour internships

• Privatise more public services

• Further restrict access to higher education through increased university fees

• Erode superannuation and pension entitlements

• Increase tax breaks to the wealthy

• Introduce radical changes to the Fair Work Act to take rights away from workers (cut leave for injured workers; more bargaining power for employers; harder to take protected industrial action)

• Further limiting the minimum wage

• Remove limits on contractors, casual and labour hire

• Remove unfair dismissal protections

• Continue to attack unions through its Trade Union Royal Commission

• Reintroduce the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) designed to attack construction, maritime and transport workers rights

• Introduce changes to the Registered Organisations legislation to make it harder for unions to effectively represent workers

Working families will continue to suffer and go backwards under a

Federal Coalition Government

Vote to Defend Basic Working Conditions of all Australian Workers

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Commemorating the 1917 Rail StrikeThe 1917 General Strike occurred at a time of deep social and political contestation in Australia. The immediate context included participation in WW1, deep divisions around a narrowly defeated conscription referendum, falling wages and price inflation occasioned by Australia’s participation in a war which was becoming unpopular as casualties mounted. The strike, which started in the Randwick Tramway workshops on the 2nd August 1917, involved over ninety seven thousand workers at its height, the vast majority of which (77,350) were located in NSW. The strike spread from the NSW Tramways and Railways Workshops to include maritime, mining and engineering industries as well as many individual firms and enterprises across NSW.At its height it involved 14% of the NSW workforce and 33% of the state’s registered trade union membership. Strike activity spread from Sydney to Newcastle, Broken Hill, Bulli-Wollongong, Lithgow,

Bathurst and Goulburn, and sympathetic support was extended by trade unions in Victoria and Queensland. 1

A feature of the strike was the strong support that working communities across Sydney and NSW extended to the strikers and their families, and the broad working class mobilisation that occurred, including demonstrations involving proportionally more people than any time before or since. The strike and its aftermath was a defining event for the workers, their families and the unions they belonged to. It involved significant social, economic and personal trauma for both individuals and the NSW working class communities affected by it. Many unions were deregistered, many workers who participated in the strike were never employed by the NSW Railways and Tramways again, and those that were reemployed lost seniority, superannuation and employee benefits as a result.

Despite what was a complete defeat at the time, the events and their aftermath left a legacy that continues to reverberate a century later.To commemorate the centenary of the 1917 Strike, UnionsNSW has formed a committee to organise a series of events and resources to mark this milestone.1. Taksa, Lucy ‘Defence Not Defiance': Social Protest and the NSW General Strike of 1917 Labour History, No. 60 (May, 1991), pp. 16-33

Do You or Your Family Have Stories or Memorabilia

of the 1917 StrikeWe would like to hear from any union members or retired members with any family stories or memorabilia that you would like to share of the 1917 General Strike. If you have any information that you think might be of interest in assisting the commemoration of the 1917 Strike, please contact Nick Lewocki on mobile: 0418 407 302 or Roger Jowett on mobile 0432 105 509.

Celebrating the LilywhitesDuring the 1917 Strike those workers that remained on strike in defiance of government and employer threats became known as the Lilywhites. During the strike the government called on farmer organisations to enlist scab labour from the large numbers of unemployed especially in the drought affected rural areas. Private schoolboys were also used as volunteer labour during the strike. Those who remained loyal to the government and the railways and scabbed during the strike were known as the ‘Loyalists’, and given preferential treatment in terms of seniority, promotion and expunging past misdeeds from employment records. The loyalty of the scabs was also officially recognised through Departmental certificates issued to the ‘loyalists’. The unions reciprocated by issuing their own certificates to the ‘Lilywhites’.Many of the ‘Lilywhites’ were sacked in the railways, with some 3,000 having their employment records marked ‘not to be re-employed’ or

‘dismissed by Proclamation’. Those that were eventually re-employed were victimised for years afterwards, with demotions, pay cuts and being forced to work with scab ‘Loyalists’ and ‘Early Birds’ (those that returned to work before the strike ended). All of the twenty unions involved in the strike were de-registered. A number of scab unions were established with active employer support in the railways.One such proud Lilywhite was Norman Brown who at the time of the 6 weeks 1917 Strike was employed as a conductor at the Ultimo Tram Depot in Sydney having commenced on the job in 1913. He was born in 1892 and at the time of the strike was married with a newly born first child. During the strike he survived due to the generosity of his mother although surviving herself on a miserly pension. He retired in 1957 6 weeks after he turned 65.He had to work a further 6 weeks beyond his 65th birthday to make up for the lost time during the strike otherwise it would have adversely affected his pension.

Many thanks to Jane Timbrell of Canberra (Granddaughter of Norman Brown) for sharing these memories and photos

The NUW and MEAA are among the first unions to change their rules to accept no or low-fee community and associate members since the ACTU's call to transform their membership models by adopting "radical thinking".At an ACTU leadership forum in February, secretary Dave Oliver urged unions to consider new recruitment and membership models and cited his AFL club's "seven types of membership" as one potential template .The NUW says it expects the FWC will soon approve an application to recognise its growing numbers of community members as "part of the union", while the Commission last month approved an MEAA application to establish to an "associate member" category.The NUW has been offering community memberships at a cost of $1 a week or $50 annually for about a year, with about 270 so far signed on to support initiatives such as the Fair Food Campaign, Secure Jobs in the North, and the Australian Unemployment Union campaign.NUW assistant national secretary Paul Richardson says that as well as recognising community members, therule change is about "codifying their rights without extending or characterising them as industrial members"."Community membership is not a substitute for industrial membership, it is about building a broad movement for progressive change and linking up union members with community organisations and civil society," Richardson says.He says the rule change will not alter where industrial members may come from but rather it is intended to build "a good foundation for collaboration and community campaigning" as

community membership grows.He adds that, although community members can join online, the union is encouraging sign-ups by "reaching out to communities and the individuals in them".An MEAA spokesperson says the union is yet to decide how to restructure its memberships since securing approval.Community empowerment key to union renewal: Academic, community organiser, founder of the Sydney Alliance and former Unions NSW deputy secretary, Amanda Tattersall, says a face-to-face approach and empowering members of the community to organise and become recruiters is vital for union renewal.She says this style of membership works where communities are "targeted in a geographical area and reinforced through such things as identity, ethnicity or interest, like an online community, a shopping centre chain or area where economic transformation is happening, or in the homes of the docklands or shearing communities".She cites the success of the Service Employees International Union's Fight for $15 campaign which has led to California and New York committing to a $15 minimum wage.It is the first time this has been done on a state-wide basis in the US, where they are also targeting employers like McDonalds.Tattersall say that in Australia, unions can also draw lessons from the Your Rights at Work campaign.She says community membership strategies require unions to "work together with a genuinely collaborative spirit in the community" and to "match movement with organisation", as facilitating action without "building organisation in parallel" will not sustain change.

"What we do know is that the union movement can't rebuild itself one union at a time and that when campaigning in the community we need to go beyond a single issue or moment – unions need to be rebuilt by rebuilding organisations that can be around to fight for working life issues long term," Tattersall says."Your Rights at Work was an amazing community campaign but it didn't expand union membership,"Tattersall says. "What would be amazing is to think about how community membership could intersect with community campaigning so that unions are advancing 'sword of justice' issues while also growing their organisational base."Griffith University professor of employment relations Professor David Peetz says he can see the potential of multi-level memberships to increase engagement among those hesitant to a fully join a union and it might "potentially open up opportunities to get them more engaged later on".However he says the "downside risk is if people who would otherwise have fully joined go for this 'easy way out', and never fully engage".ACTU assistant secretary Scott Connolly says the ACTU is "excited" about the "great new ideas being implemented by the MEAA, NUW and others"."Our membership categories — including costs, accessibility and benefits — are just one of the areas being carefully studied."Connolly says the ACTU is encouraging all unions to continue to innovate, and expects positive results from its cross-industry taskforces and $1 million innovation fund to help unions pilot new ideas and share successes.

Unions Change Structures to Foster Community Power Base


RTBU Members can also take advantage of the United Services Union’s Aquatic Resort at Port MacquarieThe 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 Aquatic holiday 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 fi shing!Please note – there are no tent sites at the Port Macquarie Caravan Park.

You can contact the motel or caravan park by calling the Comfort Inn Aquatic Motel on 02 6583 7388 or the Aquatic Palms Caravan Park on 02 6584 9155 or check the website at www.aquaticinport.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 Jervis Bay or Port Macquarie or full rates will apply. United Services Union

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RTBU Holiday Park at Jervis Bay

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 units sleep up to a maximum of 6 people and rates are based on a family of 2 adults and 4 children. Other rates are available, however all units only have the capacity to sleep 6 people.Units have a double 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 units 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.The boat ramp allows direct access via the Sussex Inlet Channel to St Georges Basin or outside into the famous fishing grounds of Jervis Bay.Bookings can be made by telephoning the RTBU Office on (02) 9264 2511.

Booderee National Park & Bherwerre BeachIn 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. This spectacular eagle has a white head, rump and underparts, dark or slate grey back and wings. It has an awe-inspiring wingspan of up to 2.2 metres. 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.


WhenregionalstaffreviewskickedofftheNSWGovernmentwasplanningforaprocess that would be quick and quiet.What they didn't expect was a grassroots union and community campaign against these unfair job cuts. Protests, petitions, and media stories hounded the review team as they went around NSW trying to slash hours, and take away important jobs and services from regional stations.These campaigns showed that towns around the state wouldn't just lie down as Sydney basedofficialscutregionalservices.While our campaign meant the cuts weren't as bad as they could have been, we expect that the government will continue their vendetta after the federal election is over.Special thanks to activists within our retired members association for their assistance in this campaign, with special mention of Barry Seghers who led the charge in Taree defending our stations and jobs, which saw more than 150 people attend a protest at Taree Station in April.

The Manning River Times, and regional television and radio have reported extensively on the proposed cuts to Taree Station. The following article has been extracted from these reports. ThefighttostopcutstoTareeRailway Station operating hours andstaffinggainedmomentuminlate April as more than 150 people gathered to protest the proposed NSW government changes.The 1.30pm protest rally saw a large crowd gather at the station to learn more about what is proposed for Taree in the NSW TrainLink review of regional services. The rally allowed Rail, Train and Bus Union representative Secretary Alex Claassens to detail the proposed changes and members of the public to address the crowd, including Greater Taree City Council deputy mayor Alan Tickle, Wendy McKeough OAM, retired RTBU Organiser Mick Schmitzer,

and Greens candidate for the Lyne electorate, Julie Lyford. Currentlystaffareatthestationto handle and book luggage for the 1.30am service and provide a measure of security for customers. However, the NSW government in its review of regional services is proposingtocutthehoursstaffareat the station and it would mean no customer service for passengers travelling after 9.30pm.RTBU Secretary Alex Claassens told the rally that Local Member "Stephen Bromhead is letting his Liberal Party bosses tell him that they are ripping away jobs and services from his electorate and when questioned about it he said, 'oh we don't know what the union is complaining about, there are six jobs there today and there will be six jobs there tomorrow' but he obviously hasn't looked at the detail," Mr Claassens said."I say to him, shame on you, you've

been elected to represent the people of this area, you should do your homework and get out here and talk to the people."The disappointing thing in all of this is that despite me personally writing to all the National Party MPs some months ago asking them to protect local jobs and services, we didn't even get the courtesy of a response."The Manning River Times quoted Pat Welna, 72 of Cundletown, who makes regular bookings from Taree Station for specialist medical appointments,"You feel safe knowing that someone is there. CCTV and customer help points are no good if you need help. In no way do those measures reassure me, really, what are they going to do if I need help?"I just don't think it is fair. It's the only public transport service we have and the government doesn't do anything else for us in the country."Why try to fix it if it's not broken?

Government back down on stations just a stalling tactic

150 attend meeting to protest cuts to Taree rail station operating hours

On the Campaign Trail

RTBU Secretary Alex Claassens and retired

Organiser Mick Schmitzer


Theunioniscallingforaswiftroll-outofvitalfiresuppressantsystemsonallbusesacrossthestate,followingrevelationsthatbusesarecatchingonfireatarateofoneaweek.ANSWOfficeofTransportSafetyInvestigationsreportshowsa38percentincreaseinbusfiresoverthepasttwoyears.FollowingalongcampaignbytheRTBU,theStateGovernmentfinallyagreedtoroll-outfiresuppressantsystemsonall State Transit Authority buses by December 2016, however the union has concerns that there is no timetable to install the systems on all other buses across the state.The union will be holding the government to its timeline.Itisbeyondbeliefthatwearestillseeingourbusescatchingonfireonourroads.Itisputtingpassengers,drivers,pedestrians and other road users at enormous risk.Thefiresuppressantsystemsareproventodramaticallydecreasethelikelihoodofbusfirestakinghold.Abuscatchingfireeveryweekiscompletelyunacceptable.Wecan’tcontinuetoallowthepublicandourdriversbeput at risk.

A survey of drivers has revealed the city’s most violent bus routes, with some unexpected results.Crime statistics show that more than 1925 assaults have taken place on buses, at bus stops, or at depots since 2011 – more than one assault per day.Particularly bad are the 545 and 513 routes to the west, the 470 and 431 in the city, and even the L90 to the northern beaches.Violent assaults on passengers and drivers aren’t just confinedtoonerouteoronearea.Driversalwayshavetobe wary for their own safety and the safety of customers.Offendersthinktheycantakeadvantageofsituationsto intimidate and harass public transport workers and passengers.The government needs to get serious about installing safetyscreensonallbusesinthefleet,andweneed

dedicatedtransitofficersforbusesbecausethecurrent‘flyingsquad’modeljustdoesn’tworkwhenyouneedthem most.With the government claiming that assaults are falling, the lived experience for drivers and passengers tells a differentstory.

Bus Fires more frequent since government promises to fix

Sydney’s most dangerous bus routes revealed

Safety Matters

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.

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RTBU Express Website

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For more information, contact Don McKechnie

on 0409 813 643 or the union office on (02) 9264 2511

Join the RTBU Retired Members

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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.


NSW Branch Annual Report 2015

Page 22

Summary of Financial ReportsNEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH

This summary of Financial Reports for the NSW Branch have been extracted from the audited NSW Branch General Purpose Financial Report for 2015, 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 explanitory notes) are available on rtbuexpress.com.au

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEFor the Year Ended 31st December 2015

2015 2014

$ $INCOME

Members Contributions 6,901,631 6,990,183

Legal Levy Received 509,379 491,085

Capitation Fees - -

Interest Received 223,254 248,995

Rent Received 276,360 275,573

Grants and/or Donations - -

Net Gains on Sale of Assets 187 14,355

Other Income 94,790 88,069

TOTAL INCOME 8,005,601 8,108,260

EXPENSES

Employee Expenses 2,792,414 3,016,467

Capitation Fee paid to National Office 833,670 858,781

Affiliation Fees 200,489 194,895

Administration Expenses 971,016 1,050,534

Grants or Donations 7,574 21,613

Depreciation and Amortisation 94,352 112,870

Legal Costs 60,042 167,425

Audit Fees and Accounting Fees 53,155 43,919

Other Expenses 1,135,255 1,084,200

TOTAL EXPENSES 6,147,967 6,550,704

PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE YEAR 1,857,634 1,557,556

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - -

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 1,857,634 1,557,556

rAIL & rOAD June 2016 Page 23Page 23


STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS EQUITYFor the Year Ended 31st December 2015

Retained Profits Total

$

Balance 01/01/2014 12,695,188 12,695,188

Profit for the year 1,557,556 1,557,556

Other Comprehensive Income for the year - -

Total Comprehensive Income for the year 1,557,556 1,557,556

Balance 31/12/2014 14,252,744 14,252,744

Addition for the year 1,857,634 1,857,634

Other Comprehensive Income for the year - -

Total Comprehensive Income for the year 1,857,634 1,857,634

Balance 31/12/2015 16,110,378 16,110,378



Page 24

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONFor the Year Ended 31st December 2015

2015 2014

$ $

CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and Cash Equivalents 11,648,057 9,739,591

Receivables 371,815 242,670

Other 158,194 266,684

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 12,178,066 10,248,945

NON-CURRENT ASSETS

Financial Assets 1,236 1,236

Receivable 973,538 973,978

Property 475,000 487,500

Investment Property 3,200,000 3,200,000

Plant & Equipment 145,216 180,196

Motor Vehicles 111,474 163,454

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 4,906,464 5,006,364

TOTAL ASSETS 17,084,530 15,255,309

CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts Payable 293,013 340,042

Provisions 681,139 662,523

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 974,152 1,002,565

TOTAL LIABILITIES 974,152 1,002,565

NET ASSETS 16,110,378 14,252,744

ACCUMULATED FUNDS

Accumulated Surplus 16,110,378 14,252,744

ACCUMULATED FUNDS 16,110,378 14,252,744


Page 25


STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSFor the Year Ended 31st December 2015

2015 2014

$ $

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Receipt from RTBU National Office 32,676 37,578

Receipts from Members 7,601,254 8,026,502

Payment to RTBU National Office (860,000) (1,340,013)

Payments to Suppliers and Employees (5,496,970) (6,277,119)

Interest Received 223,254 248,995

Rent Received 303,996 303,130

Receipts - Other 98,960 139,384

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities 1,903,171 1,138,457

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES

Payment for Assets 5,295 (52,423)

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities 5,295 (52,423)

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash Held 1,908,466 1,086,034

Cash at beginning of the Year 9,739,591 8,653,557

Cash at the End of Year 11,648,057 9,739,591



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Summary of State Financial ReportsRAIL, TRAM AND BUS UNION OF NEW SOUTH WALES

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOMEFor the Year Ended 31st December 2015

The Summary of State Financial Reports has been extracted from the audited State Financial Statements 2015 (including explanatory notes) prepared in compliance with reporting requirements of the NSW Industrial Relations Act 1996.

A copy of the full State Financial Statements for 2015 is available from rtbuexpress.com.au

2015 2014

$ $INCOMERent - Caravans 131,799 118,415Rent - Units 150,929 146,991Interest Received 70 -TOTAL INCOME 282,798 265,406EXPENSESAdministration Expenses 206,162 202,375Depreciation Expenses 132,790 129,132Other Expenses 35,362 24,312TOTAL EXPENSES 374,314 355,819NET (LOSS) (91,516) (90,413)OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - -TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR (91,516) (90,413)

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN MEMBER’S EQUITYFor the Year Ended 31st December 2015

Retained Asset Total

Profits $ Revaluation $ $Balance 01/01/2014 2,626,896 1,016,604 3,643,500Net (Loss) for the Year (90,413) - (90,413)Other Comprehensive Income for the Year - - -Total Comprehensive Income for the Year (90,413) - (90,413)Balance 31/12/2014 2,536,483 1,016,604 3,553,087Net (Loss) for the Year (91,516) - (91,516)Other Comprehensive Income for the Year - - -Total Comprehensive Income for the Year (91,516) - (91,516)Balance 31/12/2015 2,444,967 1,016,804 3,461,571


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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITIONFor the Year Ended 31st December 2015

2015 2014

$ $CURRENT ASSETSCash and Cash Equivalents 114,688 84,360Other - 16,345TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 114,688 100,705NON-CURRENT ASSETSInvestment Property 3,410,500 3,500,250Sussex Inlet Property & Equipment 924,871 928,511TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 4,335,371 4,428,761TOTAL ASSETS 4,450,059 4,529,466CURRENT LIABILITIESPayables 14,950 2,401TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 14,950 2,401NON-CURRENT LIABILITIESPayables 973,538 973,978TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 973,538 973,978TOTAL LIABILITIES 988,488 976,379NET ASSETS 3,461,571 3,553,087ACCUMULATED FUNDSReserves 1,016,604 1,016,604Accumulated Surplus 2,444,967 2,536,483ACCUMULATED FUNDS 3,461,571 3,553,087

This Year Inflows (Outflows)

This Year Inflows (Outflows)

2015 $ 2014 $CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIESRent Received 311,001 265,406Interest Received 70 -Payments to suppliers and employees (241,343) (226,158)NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) 69,728 39,248CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIESPayment for Assets (39,400) (14,375)NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) INVESTING ACTIVITIES (39,400) (14,375)Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash Held 30,328 24,873Cash at beginning of the Year 84,360 59,487Cash at End of Year 114,688 84,360

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GET IN TOUCH Contact the RTBU on 02 9264 2511 for a referral to Slater and Gordon Lawyers

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RTBU Change of DeTails foRm

Change of Personal Details

Change in Banking Details

Surname

Street Address

Home Telephone Number

Name of Financial Institution (Bank)

Credit Card Type: Eg Visa, MasterCard, AMX

Credit Card Number Expiry Date

Branch where account is held

Credit card in the name of

Employer

Occupation: Eg Train Driver

Bank/State Branch Number: (BSB Six Digits) Account Number (Maximum of 9 digits)

Date Of Birth

Account in the name(s) of

SIGNATURE DATE

Email (work)

Email (home)

Work Telephone Number

Employee Number RTBU Member Number

Work Location/ Depot

Mobile Number

Date Commenced

Next Pay Week

Employment Status

Given Name(s)

Suburb

Gender

Post Code

MaleFemale

Fulltime Part time Casual

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 of Bank aCCoUnt to Be DeBiteD

Details of CreDit CarD to Be DeBiteD

I/We authorise and request the Rail Tram and Bus 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.

Please email your completed form to [email protected] by using the submit button Post: Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 or fax: 02 9261 1342

RA

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sUBMit

I, ___________________________________________________ the undersigned, hereby apply to become a member of the Australian Rail, Tram & 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 & By-Laws for the time being of the Union.Signature of Applicant _______________________________________________________ Dated _____________________ I, __________________________________________________ the undersigned, hereby apply to become a member of the Australian Rail, Tram & Bus Union NSW, 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 _____________________

DETAILS OF THE ACCOUNT TO BE DEBITED

Account Name OR Name on Credit Card __________________________________________________________

Financial Institution ______________________________________________ Branch ___________

Date of next pay week __________________________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) Account No./ If Credit Union Membership No. _____________

Card Type MasterCard Visa Expiry Date /

Credit Card Number

Please submit this Form to the RTBU’s Membership Officer by email [email protected] OR Mail to Level 4, 321 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 OR Fax (02) 9261 1342

RTBU MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM

RA

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Membership Enquiries Telephone (02) 9264 2511

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 Rail Tram & Bus 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 Rail, Tram & Bus 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 ____________________

Surname

Street Address

Home Telephone Number

Employer

Occupation: Eg Train Driver

Date Of Birth Email (work)

Email (home)

Work Telephone Number

Employee Number

Work Location/Depot

Mobile Number

Date Commenced

Employment Status

Given Name(s)

Suburb

Gender

Post Code

MaleFemale

Fulltime Part time Casual

PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR REFERENCE

RESIGNATION FROM MEMBERSHIP

OF THE RTBU1. 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 & 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.

RA

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IMPORTANT

Level 4, 321 Pitt StreetSydney NSW 2000

Tel (02) 9264 2511 Fax (02) 9264 1342

E-mail [email protected] www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au

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Documents

2016 Rail and Road - June Edition