Keep Transits on Trains - Rail, Tram and Bus Union of NSW

An Attack on One is an Attack on All
There have been a number of instances of disciplinary action recently involving State Transit union representatives
that may go beyond coincidence. As State Transit continues to restructure and reorganize to meet the requirements of
the NSW Government and Transport for NSW, two RTBU representatives have come in for close attention for alleged
disciplinary breaches that are questionable at best. One incident involves a delegate being regressed for ‘misuse’ of
STA resources while on a retraining shift, and the other alleging that a union delegate ‘instructed’ union members on
what action to take during an industrial dispute. The merit and intent of these actions will be tested in the industrial
tribunals.
However, these circumstances give rise to a series of questions around motives behind these actions. It begs the
question to ponder whether the established union positions within STA depots are part of the ‘restructure’ process, and
that these flimsy allegations are a way of ‘softening’ up the role of union representatives, with an eye to removing them
altogether. It also seems more than coincidental that as the STA attempts to restructure and re-define work functions, it
is also attacking key union representatives.
The role of the union positions within STA continues to be vital in ensuring protection of members working conditions
and entitlements, and to limiting the attempts by management to undermine these. The RTBU will defend any attacks
on these union representatives as a direct attack on members rights and the union itself. If STA want to enter into a
contest for the hearts and souls of members, through orchestrated attacks on their workplace representatives, we will do
whatever is necessary to defeat these efforts. If STA wants to use trumped up allegations to ‘formally’ discipline union
representatives, they should be prepared for a much more vigilant enforcement of all industrial obligations. If STA
management is stating through these actions that they do not wish to co-operate with the union in the workplace to
achieve satisfactory outcomes, so be it. The RTBU views these attacks as an attack on all Tram and Bus members, and
will respond accordingly.
RTBU
Supports
Asbestos
Diseases
Foundation
The RTBU was part of a fund
raising effort supporting the
work of the Asbestos Diseases
Foundation (ADFA). The funds
raised will go towards victims
of asbestos related diseases and
their families and the volunteer
work of ADFA.
The RTBU support was
recognised at UnionsNSW with
the presentation of a certificate
of appreciation, which was
received by Infrastructure
President Jimmy Buckley on
behalf of the RTBU.
RAIL & ROAD March 2012 Page 27