Eligible RTBU members can now apply for the retired employee travel pass following a significant fight to reinstate the entitlement originally lost to privatisation.
After more than two years of determined campaigning, RTBU Victorian Branch has successfully secured the reinstatement of the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) Retired Employees Travel Pass meaning the pass is now available to eligible members upon retirement from employment.
Following significant pressure and negotiation by the RTBU, the entitlement has been reinstated and now extends to spouses of eligible members and dependent children.
Importantly, members who have already retired after serving 20 years or more and were knocked back by the pass office will also qualify for the benefit.
The pass had previously been available on similar terms, but the policy was revoked through privatisation by the Victorian Liberal government under former Premier Jeff Kennett, excluding workers who commenced employment after 1999.
This is an important win for workers’ rights and was achieved thanks to hard campaigning by RTBU members and delegates.
This pass is a badge of honour as essential recognition of the commitment shown by essential workers who have dedicated two decades of their lives to keeping Victoria moving.
The campaign for reinstatement of the Retired Employees Travel Pass gained momentum at the 2023 Labor State Conference, where a resolution supporting the claim was passed.
Following a long and hard fight this win is a testament to our industry wide strategy. The RTBU will always stand up for its members and fight to ensure they get the respect and the benefits they deserve.
For any enquiries regarding this win or entitlement, please contact the union office on 8630 9100.
