The RTBU will always fight to protect members from the injustices inflicted by management.
Recently when a member with over 20 years driving experience on the job encountered a medical issue, YarraTrams management was quick to terminate their employment.
The RTBU got involved seeking alternative medical advice from a third party who deemed the member fit for alternative duties, passing a Category 3 Medical.
We approached management and insisted that alternative duties should be granted as there existed other suitable roles within the network.
Despite medical advice indicating their ability to continue working, management maintained their position of terminating the employee, a move that can only be described as sinister and mean-hearted.
To press the matter, the RTBU legal team prepared evidence, filing an Unfair Dismissal application with the Fair Work Commission, making clear that the issue would not be resolved lightly.
This caused Yarra Trams to escalate the issue. Desperate to find resolution to the developing situation, KDR came to the table seeking to negotiate an outcome favourable to our member.
The RTBU maintains that such gross attacks on the workforce will never be tolerated and we will continue to fight back where injustice is served on hardworking honest RTBU members.
Noting the recent announcement that John Holland and Transdev under the banner of Yarra Journey Makers will take over the franchise at 3am on 1 December 2024, I have met with Vincent Destot, the incoming CEO, to reiterate the failures and shortcomings of Keolis Downer Rail (KDR) and how such aggressive and unnecessary attacks on staff should not be tolerated by a company seeking to provide improvements to the tram network.
We, like members across the network know, that if companies look after their workers, the workers will look after the network and travelling public.
I want to take this opportunity to reiterate to all members that there is no case too big or small for the RTBU. We are here for members and will fight for justice in the workplace every day.
In unity
Vik Sharma
Branch Secretary
