With the Metro Operations EA now certified by the Fair Work Commission, back pay will be hitting members accounts in the coming weeks.
This EA shows the results that can be achieved when we all band together to accomplish something great.
Meetings have started with Delegates, Organisers and Management to troubleshoot the implementation of rostering and classifications. No doubt there will be some minor teething issues as the EA rolls out, but the RTBU is ready to work alongside members to ensure all Members benefit from their new EA.
Safety is Union Business
Assaults continue to remain an issue, with the RTBU working around the clock to ensure issues are addressed.
No member should ever be subjected to physical and verbal assaults on the job. The RTBU will always fight to ensure Managers take Safety seriously.
The RTBU has been working with a variety of organisations to combat the rise in assaults and continues to advocate within the newly formed Safe Public Transport Committee.
We ask all Members to report incidents to your employer and the RTBU via safety@rtbuvic.com.au.
Disputes
Metro has recently gone on the attack, cancelling long standing flexible work agreements that have been in place under the guise that they suddenly can no longer afford it.
Attacking employees at their most vulnerable times is against everything we as a union fight for.
We have, and will continue to, fight this at every level. We will take this to the Fair Work Commission, and we will shame and expose the lack of empathy that Metro has for its employees wherever we find it.
Working closely with workplace Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) we have identified a number of incidents of staff working in unacceptable conditions, endangering their health and safety. After being notified, we have taken and strong stance and we are demanding that Metro immediately address this situation and rectify any and all long standing faults.
Tunnel Project Update
In an announcement that will shock no one, the tunnel project is experiencing delays and unforeseen problems.
To name but a few: unrealistic completion dates, platform doors that blow open as trains pass through, CCTV cameras in lunchrooms, change facilities without locks, public toilets in areas without CCTV or staff presence, and in one bizarre instance, green platform information and red emergency buttons in a staff meals area!
We have been meeting regularly with Delegates and staff appointed to tunnel positions, along with management to identify and address these issues. Touring the future stations at Parkville, State Library and Arden, we are also ensuring that Metro adequately address training and staffing levels at the new tunnel stations to provide a safe, adequately staffed workplace.
Stronger than ever
We have more, and more diverse, Delegates across the Network than ever before.
We have also built a record number of enthusiastic, committed activists, and a list of members ready to step up for Delegate or HSR positions.
Every day we’re out visiting different stations. If we haven’t seen you recently, we’ll be in front of you in the near future! Get in touch if you’d like to organise an on the job meeting.
