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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Delegates get some hands on experience in the RTBU office
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Network Control delegates Sam and Joe had the opportunity to come into the RTBU office this week and have a chance to get some coaching from their organiser Andrew as well as cross river rail project officer Ren.
It was great to have them get a better understanding of what exactly goes on in the day-to-day running of your union office. Andrew really enjoyed the chance to spend some quality time getting to know some of his delegates better and what issues they have been facing in their roles.
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Long-term union member, delegate and branch councillor, Luke Hetherington, pictured below, has recently been working out of Chinchilla depot with the structures gang.
On Wednesday they were kind enough to invite the RTBU out to their team building day for a cooked breakfast and a chat about the upcoming EBA.
The Chinchilla structures gang recently got a small win, as it's looking like two more workers will be put on in their gang to deal with the timber bridges.
They’re a great depot with a great mob of friendly characters. Thanks for the hospitality.
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Proud union members on platform 10
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Meet Matias, who is one of our proud union members working on platform 10 Roma Street here in Brisbane.
The Travel and Tourist team are very proud to be a part of the RTBU family and eager to be involved with your union. Along with their brand new delegate Andrea, they are showing a unity that hasn’t been seen here in some time.
Matias, who is responsible for all of the RTBU stickers placed throughout the baggage room, was more than happy to pose for a picture for the weekly wrap.
When asked why he is a member of your union, he proudly stated that without a strong union and union presence in the workplace, workers would be worse off.
Matais lives our union motto “Unity is strength”.
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Things are heating up for PNQ Mainline Drivers
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This week the RTBU gave PNQ notice that members intend to strike next Tuesday. Members at Moolabin, Rockhampton and Townsville depots will each participate in 25 hour strikes starting Monday.
This comes after bargaining representatives have been battling with the company at the bargaining table for months and have only had one of their claims accepted.
We will be holding get togethers on Tuesday in Brisbane, Rockhampton and Townsville for PNQ Driver and we encourage all members who want to show solidarity to come along.
If you can't make it and still want to show your support you can send us a picture or message for us to pass on.
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This week Stef along with Traincrew delegates Jaime and Kelvin were invited to talk to the new QR guard school about joining a union.
These talks are one of our favourite jobs as union representatives, we get to talk to potential members about why they should be in a union, tell them about all the things our union has been able to achieve and show them that being in a union is more than protecting your rights but is solidarity, working together to achieve great things.
The school of 30 is mixed with both internal and external applicants who applied back in 2020. The RTBU ran a lengthy dispute with Queensland Rail after they cancelled training in early 2021, leaving the remaining successful applicants in limbo for 18 months.
We are so pleased to see them beaming, ready to learn their new role as guards
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Stef, Anthony, Ross, Patricia, Cassandra, Ty and Jaime
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Aurizon Coal Traincrew Bargaining
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Bargaining representatives for Aurizon Coal Traincrew me with Aurizon in Brisbane this week where they exchange their log of claims.
These first meetings are generally about getting familiar with each side's log of claims and gauging what they might be seeking. They will return to the table in a fortnight to discuss further details about their claims and hopefully reach some agreements.
Members are in good hands with strong bargaining teams across Traincrew, Maintenance and Freight Operators.
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Dan Van Sherpenseel, Paul Ryan, Pat Grace, Rachel Hancock and Paul Clarke
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Pacific National Coal EA Delegates meet with the Company
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RTBU Bargaining Delegates Ash Mosedale, Rob Van Moolenbroek, and Ben Mathieson met today with the Company to see what solutions they had in addressing the no vote.
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This week our retired members were in the office for the Retired Members Association monthly meeting in Brisbane.
The RMA is made up of former retired Rail, Bus and Tram members of the RTBU. The group currently has 23 members who meet bi-monthly at the state office and get together for rallies, Labour Day, conferences, and many other activities.
Pictured left to right is;
John Meikle, former Bus Driver, Delegate and Associate Member
Russell Ashdown, former Bus Driver, Assistant Delegate and Life Member
Luigi Ferrara, former Bus Driver and Associate Member
Jim Egerton, former Station Master, Delegate and Union President
Bruce Ostbye, former Station Master and Delegate
The group recently started using online meetings (Teams) allowing members who can't attend in person to be present at the meetings.
They also just ran an election that saw outgoing Secretary, Jim Egerton hand over to incoming Secretary, John Meikle. Also elected were, Russel Ashdown to President, Bruce Ostbye to Vice President, Ray Ferguson to Treasurer and Peter Ridgewell to Assistant Treasurer.
Congratulation on your new appointments!
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In February of this year, Cairns QR Locomotive Maintainer Brad Logan clocked up 40 years as the local ARU / RTBU Delegate.
During this period Brad has been involved in many changes in the workplace as well as participating in a number of Enterprise Agreement negotiations. He is highly respected in the workplace and is renowned for never taking a backward step when dealing with management over workplace issues.
He is currently mentoring the next generation of RTBU activists in his workplace as he appreciates the need to have younger employees ready to step up into the Delegates role sometime in the future.
It is Delegates like Brad that have achieved the standards that we all enjoy in the workplace today and have dedicated many hours of commitment to “Stand Up Fight Back” when the workers are under attack by management.
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Les headed up to Redlynch
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On Tuesday Innisfail Infrastructure Delegate Roy McCarthy arranged to have the local Cairns Infrastructure employees meet first thing in the morning at the Redlynch depot with Northern District Organiser Les Moffitt.
The guys raised a number of issues that they believe need addressing at the next round of negotiations with respect to their Enterprise Agreement. Roy does a fantastic job in looking after his fellow workmates throughout the far north of the state and is highly recognised for his dedication to the role as the RTBU Delegate for QR Infrastructure Members.
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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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