Weekly Wrap
Welcome to the weekly wrap where we take a snapshot of what’s been happening across the RTBU Qld Branch this week.
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Taking matters that affect our members to Canberra
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(L-R) RTBU Delegates Ben Refalo & Brett Dawson, National President Shayne Kummerfeld, myself and ACTU National Secretary Sally McManus.
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This week I headed to Canberra, collectively with other unions, to impress upon federal MPs the importance of fixing the broken workplace laws.
We wanted them to know the impact it has on our members and other industries when you have bad laws. We talked about cancelled agreements, no wage growth and the inability of the Fair Work Commission to help end disputes in a fair way.
SAME JOB, SAME PAY was also discussed with a positive response received. However we will be actively holding the government accountable to bring back fairness to the system.
RTBU Delegates Ben Refalo and Brett Dawson did a stellar job sharing their stories to federal MPs. Not only did I get the chance to talk to Federal Ministers and MPs about workplace laws but also important infrastructure projects for our members future.
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It's a small world at the Isisford Yellow Belly Fishing Competition
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On the last weekend of July the Isisford Yellow Belly Fishing Competition is held each year at the Oma Water Hole on the Barcoo River at Isisford.
This year was the 20th year since the competition began and Les did his normal travel trip over to join in the activities. He was surprised when he arrived to find long term RTBU Pring Locomotive Driver Gordon Brackley camped at the same site that he was staying at. Gordon joined QR and the RTBU in the early 1980’s and his father also worked for QR in the local Bowen Infrastructure Gang many years ago.
He also caught up with quite a number of retired and existing RTBU members from Central and Central West Queensland also 2 from Brisbane (Mayne). Queenslanders enjoying the outback country. A good time was had by all who attended.
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Longreach Bridge Gang - Way Out West near Winton
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Pictured Left to Right, Shane Hayden, Ralph Edmeades, Brian Burnie and Nick Burke have been out at Winton this week making sure the bridges are in top shape condition and with RTBU members on the job that is a given.
We all know that members like our bridge members are the salt of the earth. Shayne Hayden is a great delegate and values 100% membership in the west and is always on the job doing his delegate role. Shayne is also getting geared up for the next bargaining in Infrastructure due in early 2023.
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Delegate Spotlight - Anthony Stokes
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Meet Anthony, one of your local RTBU delegates out in the Robina group in Queensland Rail stations. He's been in the rail industry for a little over 5 years and an RTBU delegate for about 1 year.
When he isn't at work greeting trains and helping members, he is watching a game of NRL, enjoying a craft beer (or 2) and traveling with his partner Beckie.
In a few weeks Anthony is moving on from stations, and starting the next stage of his career as a guard. Anthony was a key player in a dispute the RTBU ran for over a year after Queensland Rail decided they wanted to take external applicants over internal applicants on the order of merit list.
If you see him around make sure you say g'day and feel free to ask him any questions, if he doesn't know the answer he is always proactive in finding it out for you.
We wish Anthony all the best in his new career path and we know he will remain an active member of the RTBU!
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Rail Organisers Stef Whyte and Dave Bulloch head to Toowoomba
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Getting out and about is what our Organisers are all about and when Dave Bulloch (Bully) was down from Central Queensland, he thought why not take a trip with Stef and catch up with members in the Toowoomba region.
Toowoomba has a large membership base for us an we are proud to get out that way and listen to members and build power. We aim to build our footprint bigger in this location and work is continuing on getting a robust organising structure in place so we are prepared for the future.
Members in Aurizon Coal have commenced bargaining for a new agreement and Watco Australia will be hot on the heels and early next year Queensland Rail kicks off. so getting our delegate structures and organising committees underway is our focus. Greg Jordon life member and aka The Captain also made time to catch up and say hi.
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Bully and Bully
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RTBU's Organiser, Stef Whyte has been raising awareness and working hard to raise money for Jeans for Genes Day this year.
This year Stef's goal is to raise $12,000 and at this time of publication it's already up to $7,900. Well done Stef!
Don't worry, there is still time to donate and if you donate right now your donation is worth DOUBLE.
If you would like to make a donation and help Stef reach her goal, click below.
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Pet Bandanas have arrived!
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Craig's Friday Inspirations
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We're here to help
Need to talk to the union office, or just need some help contacting your local rep? Contact our membership team on 3839 4988 for assistance, or email us at info@rtbu.com.au
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