Your RTBU team has been getting some great wins over the last few months all around the state. A crucial element in those victories has been the network of RTBU delegates.
Your team of RTBU delegates are the first line of investigation and advocacy. They know their workplace, their colleagues and their rights. In all of the disputes that we run, it is a combination of agreed fact and structured argument that ultimately wins the day. Your RTBU delegates’ knowledge and consultation skills provide your officials with the best information to win for the people we represent – you!
We’ve had several moments recently that have demonstrated the combined power of engaged members, excellent delegates and skilled officials. Here’s a brief rundown on a couple of those:
Pacific National – Training on RDOs
This is an excellent example of how the local delegate, Lyle McGrath, demonstrated the knowledge and tenacity to get the win for members. The employer had decided unilaterally to schedule training on RDOs. This would have been acceptable had the employer adhered to the overtime clause and paid double time for any work performed on the RDO. However, PN decided they would treat these days as normal working days, effectively absorbing the RDO. This dispute went to the Fair Work Commission where Lyle’s knowledge and fight really came to the fore. Lyle was able to effectively communicate to the Commissioner how the roster worked and how members were being disadvantaged by the actions of the employer. In addition to the arguments put by the RTBU officials, it was Lyle’s contribution that ultimately won the day, resulting in a great result for members at PN.
V/Line North East Rostering Issues
The North East region has been a hotbed of management mismanagement. When it comes to roster changes, we have agreed consultation processes to ensure that all members’ voices are heard.
Rosters impact life both at work and home. These processes around changing rosters are vitally important and have been hard won by members in the past.
It should come as no surprise that RTBU representatives Brock Boddington, Jeff Ford and Calvin Garing have been busy calling out management’s attempts to circumvent these processes and ram through new rosters. Jeff, Brock and Calvin’s knowledge of the process and fearless advocacy for the members they represent has seen V/Line forced to back down on numerous occasions, supporting the work of your RTBU Organiser and Industrial Officer.
The focus, knowledge and dedication of your RTBU delegates continues to prevent management’s attempts to force change without proper consultation.
Your RTBU team is made up of many parts, all equally important to ensuring that members’ interests are served. We are lucky to have such dedicated, knowledgeable delegates to work alongside your RTBU officials who provide ongoing training and support to ensure your Delegates are stronger every day. Good delegates means great outcomes for members!
