Comrades,

The fight against Metro and Yarra Trams is still on!
Please support RTBU comrades in their rally for a fair deal.
Time: 12.00 pm
Place: Flinders Street Station
THIS FRIDAY 20 AUGUST

The RTBU sent out a letter to all members last month asking them to update their membership details with the union. It was great to see that a huge amount of members took the time to update their details, thank you. Those who updated details went in the draw to win a prize.

Having drawn the names, we can announce the following winners:

1st Prize (2 nights stay @ RTBU Holiday Apartments in Rosebud): Michael Overall – Conductor, Rail Operations
2nd Prize winner ($150 Bunnings voucher): Allan Lindo – Locomotive Driver, Locomotive Division
3rd Prize winner ($150 Myer voucher): Neil Sheard – Locomotive Driver, Locomotive Division

Congratulations to these lucky prize winners and thank you to all RTBU members who updated their membership details.

Luba Grigorovitch, RTBU Branch Secretary
Phil Altieri, RTBU Assistant Branch Secretary

The RTBU Victoria welcomes the State Government’s announcement today of the establishment of a Melbourne Metro Rail Authority to oversee the construction of the Melbourne Metro Rail tunnel.

The announcement of the Authority, which will oversee the development and construction of the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel, is a welcome sign that the Andrews Labor Government intends to make good on its election pledge to build a world class rail tunnel network in Victoria. The Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel, which will run between the Sunbury and Cranbourne/Pakenham lines and see the creation of five new underground stations in Melbourne’s metropolitan zone, will relieve congestion throughout the City Loop and significantly increase the peak-time capacity of the Metro rail network.

Planning, construction and development of the Metro Rail Tunnel project will see the creation of 3,500 new jobs and a permanent expansion in the employment size of the public transport industry. The RTBU looks forward to ongoing consultation with the State Government and project stakeholders to ensure that the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel proceeds in a quality and timely manner.

The all new RTBU Express is out now. Take a look!

It is with great sadness that the Rail, Tram and Bus Union notes the passing of former Victorian Labor Public Transport Minister Lynne Kosky.

Lynne Kosky was a strong supporter of the rail and public transport industries, and a passionate advocate for social justice.

As Minister for Public Transport Lynne Kosky intuitively understood the importance of public transport to social inclusion.

Lynne Kosky also oversaw Victoria’s public transport network during a period of unparalleled patronage growth.

This was a reflection of the former Labor Victorian Government’s success in encouraging greater use of public transport, but also created significant challenges for managing the network.

Lynne Kosky always tackled these challenges with determination, courage and good humour.

Most importantly, Lynne Kosky was regarded as a fundamentally decent, warm and caring person, with a burning ambition to make a positive contribution to her state and her community.  She undoubtedly achieved that goal.

On behalf of rail, tram and bus workers, I wish to pass on our condolences and deepest sympathies to Lynne Kosky’s family.

She will be greatly missed.

Bob Nanva

NATIONAL SECRETARY – RAIL, TRAM & BUS UNION