Rail, Tram and Bus Union - VICTORIA

Rail, Tram and Bus Union - VICTORIA

  • About
    • A powerful union
    • Our history
    • Get representation at work
    • Contact
    • RTBU Media
  • Members
    • RTBU Express
    • 2023 Enterprise Agreement Survey
    • Member Benefits
      • Income Protection for the Rail Industry
      • Gordon Legal
      • Union Health
      • AustralianSuper
      • RTBU Holiday Apartments
    • Member Bulletins
    • Enterprise Agreements
    • Financial Information
    • Member Resources
    • Campaign Resources
    • RTBU Women
  • Store
  • Join

A powerful affiliation

As a member of the RTBU, you are directly linked into a family-like network of public transport workers not only in Victoria, but across the world. 

With over 150 years of history and democratic structures, members have a seat at the table and are empowered to take control in the workplace. Be it changes to work practices or workplace bargaining, the RTBU is not only driven by the decisions of members, but will use our collective resources to:

Small Fish Organise Against Big Fish

  • Coordinate effective campaigns
  • Access expert reports and advice
  • Seek legal advice and litigation
  • Organise across the industry and establish minimum standards
  • Educate and train members
  • Represent members as a collective
  • Protect occupational health & safety

We put members first. We’re here to support members in all aspects of their working life which includes providing the support, advice and direction on financial and family support. We look out for each other, we’re here to help. 

 

Our history

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) covers all employees in the rail and public transport industry.

The RTBU was created in 1993, but its history and roots go as far back as the 1860s.

The modern RTBU was formed from the amalgamation of the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen (AFULE), the Australian Railways Union (ARU), the Australian Tramways and Motor Omnibus Employees Association (ATMOEA), and the small National Union of Railway Workers (NURWA).

It is now one of Australia’s major industry based unions.

The amalgamation of the various unions and the creation of the RTBU was important because it gave rail, tram and bus members one unified strong voice in its dealings with Government and private operators, to defend and protect member’s rights.

The amalgamated RTBU was the workers response to massive change in public transport, motivated by an anti-union and privatisation ideology driven by conservative Governments.

Our union is affiliated with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), the Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC), International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), the Australian Labor Party (ALP) and the Transport Unions Federation (TUF).

The RTBU has six State Branch offices and a National Office in Sydney. The State Branches co-ordinate major campaigns with respect to State-based Collective Agreements, better industry training and improved safety for workers and the broader community. Members also benefit from other services including grievance handling, financial advice and legal support. The National Office coordinates national campaigns, negotiates national agreements and provides representation with the Federal Government, the International trade Union movement and the ACTU.

The RTBU has provided support and representation for hundreds of thousands of members over its 150 year plus history and continues to protect the interests of the 35,000 members it currently services.

39289149_1985773148153791_7905506676931821568_n
29186813_1785035268227581_4833159720768742662_n
40826238_2014357661962006_5539657764797677568_n
44539070_2074252772639161_4729049255375798272_o
60598804_2392142290850206_4914562851533750272_o
71287548_2646429378754828_1462635006525440000_n
76913768_2767025410028557_1854059917653049344_n
78943143_2800504160014015_1118609062418710528_n
84861031_2916979865033110_4250713512055144448_o
89357390_2981565721907857_4723358200370298880_o
87848720_2987998307931265_1346033129839656960_o
Screen-Shot-2020-05-21-at-10.34.32-am

Latest News

ANNA STEWART MEMORIAL PROJECT by David Paton

The RTBU has a proud history of supporting women members to better participate in our union. The Anna Stewart … Read more >>

INDUSTRY BARGAINING FOR CHANGE by Bryan Evans

Results matter so let's keep our eye on the prize. At the commencement of this bargaining round the RTBU launched an … Read more >>

See more News

Campaigns

METRO TUNNEL TRAINING DISPUTE by Victor Moore

The RTBU has consistently raised the issues around career progression and the lack of training for station staff across … Read more >>

Metro Operations EA: In-Principle Agreement Reached By Vik Sharma

An in-principle agreement has been reached for members at Metro Trains that delivers significant improvements on our … Read more >>

View other Campaigns

Contact us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Update your details

© Rail, Tram & Bus Union VIC | ABN (19 122 611 478)