With leading economists tipping continued and growing impacts on household budgets, the RTBU will continue to ramp up the fight on wages and conditions.
While the past two decades have seen the RTBU deliver strong wage outcomes well ahead of cost of living, many other industries across Australia have suffered wage stagnation. Leading workplace economists are pointing to a combination of factors such as union strength in campaigning and the rights of workers to take industrial action as major driving forces that make the difference.
Workplaces that have a crack and demand better outcomes, and those that have the opportunity to fight have continued to get ahead. It’s our responsibility as workers to demand better and take action to secure a fairer share for everyone. In union there is power.
Results come from our strength on the job and the impact of our strikes and industrial action. When we stick together, we win, and I have every intention of utilising every tool at our disposal to get the job done.
While many industries have faced pay freezes, job cuts and reduction in hours over the pandemic lockdowns, the RTBU has managed to keep public transport running. When many industries have struggled with wage increases, the RTBU has consistently delivered 3.5 or 4%. While we’ve gotten ahead, now is no time to relax. We have work to do to and ensure we are respected in-line with all other increases.
With continued increases in inflation, and cost of living including mortgage rates, food and fuel prices, I have my sights firmly set on the wages and conditions we must demand as rail & public transport workers.
We have seen RBA Governor Philip Lowe give his strongest signal yet that rates are likely to jump another 2.5% over coming months and Jennifer Westacott (CEO of Business Council Australia – a leading employer representative) has broken ranks with other industry groups and urged that wages keep pace with rising living costs. Clear signs we need to continue demanding the standards in wages and conditions we have established in the past.
With the RTBU’s next major public transport enterprise agreement (EA) round commencing early 2023, we’re gearing up with claims, research and member feedback to put employers on notice.
I have prepared a survey for the 2023 Public Transport EAs and am keen to get your input. Capturing the views and experiences of members is the reason I am spending each day out on the job meeting and talking with members from the wide range of workplaces we represent across Victoria.
Click here to fill out the survey. With less than 12 months to go, it’s time to get ready to fight.
-Vik Sharma
Branch Secretary
