Journal - Rail, Tram and Bus Union

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THE ROAD AHEAD WITH RTBU NATIONAL SECRETARY BOB HAYDEN Big Bangs and Hard Yards As you can see from the cover of this issue of Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Worker, RTBU members were out in force at the November 30 National Day of Action. Many joined rallies, many more kept the public transport system running to get workers to the more than 300 venues around the country. Even while at work, they showed their support by wearing badges, distributing pamphlets and adding their voices to mass community opposition to these laws. But while the awesome display of people power at the MCG and venues around the country may be the defining image of 2006, it would be a mistake to think of it as the year’s greatest achievement. That’s because the big bangs like November 30 are only made possible if the hard yards are done up front. And on many different levels, it is hard yards that the RTBU has been doing through 2006. Internally, the RTBU is working more and more as a national union, recognising that while our history lies in our individual branches and divisions, our future relies on our ability to present a united front. To assist our branches and divisions understand their status in the new industrial environment we have appointed an in-house lawyer for the first time. We have also put a lot of time in strengthening our workplace networks. I am particularly proud of this year’s negotiations with Pacific National where our delegates not only took a lead role but delivered a great result. The RTBU has also begun to take a more focussed view of the future of our industry, moving beyond the demarcations of generations to work with all transport unions through the TUF initiative. As is outlined in this issue, big logistic companies are changing the face of transport and we need to understand these trends before they happen. And we have also been doing the hard yards in reaching out to the community. The NSW Rail Division for example has prepared its own blueprint for the future of public transport. Our Tasmanian branch led the argument for improved infrastructure in that state. And RTBU members are participating in Rights at Work committees that are redefining political action in this country. These are the ultimate hard yards, how we mobilise our strength to change the government. It is worth noting that the recent success of Democrats in the USA was largely attributed to union members mobilising and getting friends and families out to vote. Likewise, in Australia, it will be conversations you have at the workplace and at the kitchen table that will determine the outcome of next year’s election. It is a sobering statistic – fewer than 50 per cent of union members voted for Labor at the last federal election – the result, a government hell bent on destroying the union movement. 2007 will be a seminal year for workers rights on this country. Because of the hard work in 2006, the RTBU is well placed to contribute to the labour movement’s most important battle in a generation, the Big Bang of regime change. National Secretary Australian Rail Tram and Bus Worker is the national journal of the Rail Tram and Bus Industry Union. Federal Office 83-89 Renwick St Redfern NSW 2016 Phone (02) 9310 3966 Web www.rtbu-nat.asn.au Email rbtu@rtbu-nat.asn.au NSW (02) 9264 2511 Victoria (03) 9329 6188 Queensland (07) 3839 4988 South Australia / Northern Territory (08) 8243 2511 Western Australia (08) 9225 6722 Tasmania (03) 6228 6188 Advertising Enquiries call (02) 9310 3966 - Published quarterly - Design: Hyve Creative, info@hyve.com.au - Printing: Brightset Front Cover Picture: November 30 Rally 4 | Australian Rail Tram and Bus Worker December 2006
RTBU IN THE NEWS Green Light for Buses Uphill going... Sydney’s Victoria Rd GPS and priority bus lanes are being flagged to avoid Sydney’s commuter gridlock. RTBU Bus Division secretary, Peter Jenkins, is optimistic his members are on the verge of victory in their two-year campaign for bus lanes on the notorious Victoria Rd bottleneck, between Gladesville and Balmain. Drivers from the Leichhardt, Ryde and Burwood depots lit rockets under the state government by taking their proposals to commuters, via meetings and leaflets. Strong backing from state MP, Angela D’Amore, and Leichhardt mayor, Alice Murphy, helped push the claim. Jenkins said soundings of officials left him “confident” the state government would greenlight dedicated bus lanes during morning and afternoon peaks. Meanwhile, the NSW government has announced 4000 buses in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong and Gosford will be fitted with GPS devices by 2009. Transport Minister, John Watkins, said the $135 million investment would allow controllers to fast-track buses through heavy traffic and major intersections. The system will also deliver live information to drivers, passengers and commuters at bus stops. 40 Pieces of Silverton Union members at Southern and Silverton There were no provisions for pay rises Railways have knocked off “nonnegotiable” AWAs. contracts. during the three-year terms of the individual But the NSW rail operator has already Organiser Nick Tesoriero said members flagged its intention to lure staff out of the should be proud their solidarity had forced a collective agreement it has just signed. hostile employer to negotiate collectively. Southern and Silverton finalised a collective “Members will need to stick together to agreement with the RTBU on September 6, make sure the agreement is enforced, and that nine months after telling staff they would any further attempts to erode their conditions have to sign AWAs to keep their jobs. are met head-on,” he said. RTBU Members on the Line Members of the RTBU were at the forefront of the national protest against the federal government’s WorkChoices legislation on November 30, when they joined hundreds of thousands of workers telling John Howard where to stick his workplace laws. The centre of Sydney’s business district was closed as 40,000 unionists and supporters swarmed down George St. Fifty thousand rocked up to Melbourne’s MCG, while Perth train services were disrupted for four hours as drivers joined a rally at the Members Equity Stadium. RTBU national secretary Bob Hayden said the protest sent a clear message that rail, tram and bus workers will not give up their rights and entitlements. Interviewed before the rally, Sydney transit officer, Helen Bellette, spoke for thousands of colleagues: “I’m here to stand up for our rights for some of our colleagues who couldn’t get here today due to management not releasing them. “What don’t I like about the legislation Where do I begin” More pics and comments ps 14-15 Tas Rail’s Dollar Shop Special Tasmanian rail privatisation has turned into a disaster, with Pacific National selling the northern freight route back to the state government for the princely sum of $1. On top, it will invest $38 million, over eight years, to upgrade rundown rolling stock and equipment. The deal was announced one year after the RTBU spearheaded a community campaign to save the Apple Isle’s rail freight. Unions and community activists warned closing the Hobart-Launceston-Burnie freight line, as threatened by Pacific National, would see hundreds of extra trucks pounding the state’s roads. The line services major northwest industries, including newsprint giant Norske Skog and Gunns’ proposed $1.4 billion pulp mill at Bell Bay. The sale should save 150 rail jobs but, as usual, taxpayers will have to bail out the private operator. The three party deal will see PacNat offload its track, yards and terminals, while state and federal governments contribute an additional $118 million over the next decade. RTBU Tasmanian organiser, Rex Neil, is critical of the way the network has been rundown since privatisation. “To run a railway you need a rail track, and we’ve got a goat track,” he said. Australian Rail Tram and Bus Worker | 5
Page 1 and 2: Volume 14, Number 3 - Summer 2006 C
Page 3: Long Haul Wins PacNat Dividend Spea
Page 7 and 8: IN PROFILE My Train Driver Was an A
Page 9 and 10: IN PROFILE Better Homes, Gardens an
Page 11 and 12: The TUF unions are active members o
Page 13 and 14: Perth, June 2006 In Their Own Words
Page 15 and 16: Victor Salloum bus driver I don’t
Page 17 and 18: NEWS FROM AROUND THE MOVEMENT WORKE
Page 19 and 20: NEWS Vale Tony Massaria Well-liked

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