READY FOR 2024 by Darren Galea

It’s been a long 12 months of EA negotiations.

The Metro Trains EAs has been a giant step forward Members rights and conditions thanks to the unity and focus of RTBU members.

V/Line continues to hold out while RTBU members ratchet up the pressure for a fair deal. Both of these campaigns have shown the strength and power of union members when they stand together as one – an unstoppable force that can only be created when workers join and drive their union.

While EA campaigns show the power of unity every four years, it is what happens in the period between bargaining that demonstrates the ongoing value of union membership.

I’ve commenced scheduling monthly delegate meetings across the state for the coming year. These meetings which are held for each work area and major location, are your primary forum to raise concerns, notify issues and maintain pressure on employers to live up to the values they espouse.

These meetings are the key portal to create change locally and, most importantly, ensure that the conditions and entitlements that we win in EA negotiations are enforced.

Your Delegates play a vital role in these meetings. They are the eyes and ears of the union in your workplace. They listen, consult, investigate and engage.

In a single year, we notify hundreds of issues across the state and work to resolve those issues with management. This outlet to get things fixed is a privilege that only RTBU members enjoy.

From simply raising a concern through to high quality representation in the Fair Work Commission, RTBU membership is the only ticket that will give you the access you need.

It’s already a big year and it’s only February! Make sure you keep in touch with your Delegates and be sure to say g’day when I’m in next in your neck of the woods.

Your support through the EA campaigns is what will ultimately deliver the conditions members deserve. Enforcing them is the ongoing challenge that we are always ready for.

If you are interested in becoming more active or involved, contact your Delegate or Organiser today!