By Joe Dennis
2024 has seen the RTBU project space grow in membership with some significant wins along the way.
We have fought hard to get rail work back into rail hands, something that has been the focus of the year where all delegates and shoppies have worked tirelessly to make significant progress with always more to do the next year.
We have had numerous issues with contactors throughout the year and as a result saved many members from being made either redundant or being terminated.
We have also secured several large backpay claims with one labour hire company being made to pay members over 3 million dollars in backpay.
Our shop steward structure continues to grow, supporting our continued to fight for the safety of all RTBU members onsite. Members are now more aware of what conditions are in their EA and continue to stand together with the shoppies to get what they are entitled to.
Several enterprise agreements have now been signed off in this space with some labour hire companies coming to the table for the first time ever. As this is a critical step in securing conditions for members, several more are due to be completed in 2025.
Works will continue in the new year and we will continue to work for and with all our members and continue to cement the RTBU as the industry union on all rail projects.
Have a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. Thank you all for your support in 2024.
