Bargaining With Employers
The current wages and conditions of transport workers are a direct result of collective bargaining undertaken by workers supported by the RTBU. Union collective agreements enable union members to maintain their rights and improve their conditions. Union members always vote on the final outcome of the bargaining process before a collective union agreement is finalised.
By working together RTBU members achieve positive outcomes for transport workers and the industries in which they work. The need for collective action is stronger than ever as we are now in an industrial climate where hostile employers and governments are always looking for ways to reduce the legitimate rights and employment conditions of transport workers. Bargaining from a basis of strength and unity is the way RTBU members win in their workplaces.
Campaigning
The RTBU is a campaigning union which uses collective action to get results for members and their families. The RTBU actively campaigns in a range of forums from local workplaces, across NSW, Australia and globally. For example, each year the RTBU participates with other unions in International Rail Safety Day. The RTBU is also active in campaigning for the rights of workers in the Asia Pacific region working closely with unions such as the Maritime Union of Australia.
RTBU members are active in a variety of campaigns to improve worker's rights, public transport and policies that support the aspirations and needs of working families. The RTBU is also actively campaigning for issues such as improved superannuation, paid parental leave and child care that meets the needs of shift workers.
Industrial Services
Representing members to management, including legal representation where appropriate, is an important part of the role of the union. RTBU delegates and activists are trained to deal with local disputes. Disputes which have wide ramifications for the industry or involve important industrial and legal principles are usually handled by the relevant organiser. The union commissions research and specialist advice on such matters as OH&S, industry training, and industry developments.
Communicating With Members
The RTBU produces a range of Newsletters for members in the Rail, Tram and Bus industries. The newsletters range from being industry wide through to tailored editions for specific groups, for example:
- The Transit News which is a newsletter for Transit Officers working in RailCorp;
- The Blue Light which is a newsletter for Guards working in RailCorp; and
- The RTBU News for Bus Drivers working in the State Transit Authority.
From time to time the RTBU will also develop newsletters for specific campaigns or actions the RTBU and its members are involved in such as collective agreement negotiations with employers or for campaigns which involve RTBU members.
The RTBU ensures that members' views and their perspectives on issues effecting their jobs and the industry are widely disseminated to the general public through the media.
Education And Training
The RTBU provides a range of organising and occupational health and safety training programs to assist delegates, workplace activists and members to maintain workplaces that are organised and safe. External education and courses are available free to members who demonstrate workplace leadership in organising and campaigning. Learning about issues and organising is a constant value that the union strives to incorporate in everything it does.
Financial Services
The Union has a number of financial services available to help members with advice on investments, loans and superannuation matters. Some of the financial services available to members include:
- Chifley Financial Services which provides a wide range of financial advisory, planning and investment services to RTBU members
- State Super Financial Services which provides superannuation, retirement advice and planning and investment services
- Discounted Tax Return service, through arrangement with Noel French and Associates, RTBU members receive discounts off their personal tax returns
- Credit Union services through Encompass Credit Union
Legal Services
RTBU members have access to legal services provided by Slater & Gordon who have experienced practitioners to deal with a range of legal matters. Conditions apply so contact the RTBU Office on (02) 9264 2511 for more information on how to deal with legal issue.
Free Will Service
The RTBU also offers access to a Free Will Service to members. Members should contact the RTBU Union Office for more information on (02) 9264 2511.
Mortality Benefits
The RTBU offers a Funeral Benefit to members. Families of deceased financial members are entitled to a funeral benefit of $2,500 to assist with the cost of the funeral.
Conditions apply and a formal application has to be completed so contact the RTBU Office for more information on eligibility and how to access this benefit.
Bus & Tram Division Traffic Fund (Bus and Tram Members Only)
For a total contribution of $59.80 per year ($2.30 per fortnight) Bus and Tram members are entitled to a minimum benefit of $750 per calendar year for legal cost or fines imposed upon them by the Courts or Police for traffic offences while performing rostered duties.
However, some offences are not covered by the Fund so members should contact the RTBU Bus & Tram Division for more information on (02) 9319 7277.
Wage Cover
Income Protection is available to RTBU members through Wage Cover. Income Protection is a type of insurance that pays a weekly benefit (percentage of your income ) to you if you are unable to work due to any injury or illness. This relieves the financial burden of bills, loan repayments and expenses whilst you are off work and not earning an income.
Wage Cover can be contacted on (02)9970 8411 or admin@wagecover.com.au
Car Solutions
RTBU members can use the services of Car Solutions. Car Solutions can access thousands of cars no matter where they are. First they check the car's quality and then you inspect and test drive the car. Car Solutions search from Albury to Tweed Heads and from Bondi to Broken Hill, in fact anywhere in NSW, for cars that sell for more than $10,000.
Car Solutions can be contacted on 1300 30 30 12.
RTBU Holiday Cabins Sussex Inlet
Relax by the water and take in the natural wonders of Booderee National Park. The holiday par has modern two bedroom units with remote control TV and microwave ovens. RTBU members have enjoyed the benefits of an affordable holiday on the shores of Sussex Inlet since 1948.
The RTBU Holiday Park has a manager on-site, a kiosk, laundry facilities, public phone, boat ramp, tennis court and barbecue areas, making it a high quality and popular holiday destination. What hasn't changed is that the Holiday Park is designed to provide union members and their families an affordable and enjoyable holiday location.
For bookings contact the RTBU on (02) 9264 2511.
RTBU Holiday Park: Kayleen Court, Rosebud
RBTU Tramway Holiday Units, Kayleen Court 781 Point Nepean Rd Rosebud Victoria 3939. Units have 2 bedrooms, all facilities included. Situated in beautiful Rosebud, 100 metres from the beach, 40 minutes drive from Melbourne.
For information ring the Union Office on (03) 9600 3030 or the holiday park on (03) 9802 5122.
RTBU Holiday Park: Yambacoochie, Bribie Island
All units have 3 bedrooms and sleep 4 to 6 people, with a double bed and single beds and /or bunks. The units are equipped with electric stove, microwave oven, refrigerator, colour TV set, usual kitchen appliances and all other items considered necessary. Full laundry facilities are available. Tenants must supply their own linen including sheets, pillows cases, towels, tea towels etc. Yambacoochie holiday units are located at, 167 Welsby Parade, Bribie Island.
For information on bookings call (07) 3839 4988
