2015 Rail and Road - June Edition

VOLUME 107 No.2 June 2015

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RAILROAD THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW BRANCH OF THE RAIL, TRAM & BUS UNION

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RAIL & ROAD is the official journal of the NSW Branch of the Rail, Tram and RAIL & ROAD is the official journal of the NSW Branch of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union and is produced as part of the union’s communication strategy Bus Union and is produced as part of the union’s communication strategy to inform and report on matters of interest to members. to inform and report on matters of interest to members.

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Fax (02) 92647679Office Wollongong Level 1, 306a Crown Street, Email nswloco@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Wollongong, 2500 Tel (02) 4227 5798 Email wollongong@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Newcastle Office 33 Gordon avenue Branch Executive SecretaryNSW 2303 Alex Claassens hamilton President 4311 Joanne McCallum Tel (02) 4961 Assistant Secretary (Road) David Woollams Fax (02) 4961 4779 Assistant Secretary (Rail) Robert Hayden

Elected Full-Time Officials Wollongong Branch Secretary Office Alex Claassens Level 1, 306a crown Street, Wollongong, 2500

Tel (02) 4227Divisional 5798 Secretary Locomotive Robertwollongong@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Hayden Email Tram and Bus Divisional Secretary

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Secretary alexPresident claassens Tram and Bus Divisional Gary Way President Phil Kessey assistant Secretary Organisers Wollongong

Mick Schmitzer

John Curley Freight Organisers Steve Wright Organisers

Kevin Pryor Newcastle Mick Schmitzer Passenger Organiser Bob Newham Wollongong John curley

Jessica Epps Frieght Organiser Steve Wright Branch Organisers Lizanne Bennett Branch Organisers Brendan Edghill Helen Bellette Paul Douglas

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Peter O’connor

From the Branch Secretary This issue of Rail & Road reports on a number of major industrial issues, including a recent Fair Work Commission decision to allow Aurizon to terminate 12 enterprise agreements, and potentially forcing thousands of employees back to minimum award wages and conditions. We have been actively involved in, and gained good results in a range of workplace disputes and issues that affect members working conditions. The ongoing reforms within the public transport areas and the general push of the NSW Government around cut backs to services and staff, and a number of disputes and difficult negotiations continue to keep our union busy.

Since the last issue of Rail & Road, we have had a State election, where the NSW Coalition Government, under Premier Baird was returned with a reduced majority, and suffering substantial losses in areas directly affected by the series of ICAC corruption findings. The election result was a protest against some of the major policies of the Government, and a backlash against the seemingly endless corruption allegations that have seen more than a dozen members of the Government resign in the past year.

RTBU activists and members continue to participate in a range of community-based forums, such as the Local Union Community Councils, the Sydney Alliance and others, as a means of promoting measures that will improve transport industry and our members, as well as working families generally. The RTBU turned out in regional centres and Sydney for the annual May Day protest and celebration of union achievements.

Members are also reminded in this issue of our journal that union dues will be increasing from 1 July, for the first time in two years. While the union tries to minimise any such increase in dues, this is the main source of funds for the range of activities that the union undertakes to defend and protect members working conditions. Members are increasingly realising that direct debit is the only secure way of paying their union dues, I would encourage all members to organise their union deductions by direct debit.

This issue of the journal also contains summaries of the Concise Financial Reports for both the NSW Branch of the Federal Union and the State

registered union for the previous year.

Full copies of the Concise Financial Reports can be found on the RTBU website.

As is always the case, the RTBU is continually engaged in discussions, negotiations and campaigns that will protect and improve the working lives of our members, as well as looking at different services and innovative partnerships that will benefit members and their families. This journal provides a snapshot of the range of activities, successes and activities of the union in these areas over the past few months.

Regardless of who is in government Federally or in NSW, or what new stunts industry employers try to weaken our rights at work, our union must continue to provide a united and strong voice for all members, and the long term viability of public and private transport services in this state.

As long as we remain united, focused and prepared to fight for our rights and our jobs and working conditions, we will remain in a strong position to defend our members and their families.

In this Issue Industrial News Aurizon Decision Sends Shockwaves Across Industry. . . . . . 5 RTBU Leads Campaign for Truth in Bargaining. . . . . . . . . . . . 6 RTBU Awaiting Crucial Ruling on Termination of Agreements. . . 7 Industrial Notes Mortdale Route Knowledge Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Pacific National Told to Defend Itself. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 STA Grow Perform Succeed Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Probation Extension Dispute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Shorts Are Back – Sydney Trains Uniforms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Shift Manager Training Dispute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 General News Asciano Urges Bigger Role in Bargaining for FWC . . . . . . . . 12 New Unions Campaign to Protect Workers Rights. . . . . . . . . 12

Candlelight Vigil on Domestic Violence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 RTBU Celebrates May Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Granville Signal Box Celebrates Harmony Day. . . . . . . . . . . 17 Burwood Members Clean War Memorial After 30 Years. . . . 18 Women in Male Dominated Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Campaign Trail Moving Forward on Women’s Campaigns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Union Calls for Security Screens on all Buses. . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Safety Matters RTBU Challenge Sydney Trains Trial of No Safety Vest. . . . . 25 RTBU Members Unite to Stay off Unsafe Roads. . . . . . . . . . . 26 RTBU, AMWU and UnionsNSW Take on WorkCover . . . . . . . . . 2 Whistlestop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 RTBU Concise Financial Reports – Summaries . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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Industrial News Aurizon Decision Sends Shockwaves Across Industry The decision by the Fair Work Commission to terminate 12 Aurizon enterprise agreements has sent shockwaves around the rail industry, and across the country.

The RTBU has now appealed the decision and is awaiting a ruling from the full bench of FWC to try to have the decision overturned.

National Secretary Bob Nanva has slammed the decision, calling it a kick in the guts to Aurizon workers, a massive blow to regional Queensland and a frightening sign of what’s to come for workers across the country.

“Let’s be clear about what this decision means,” Bob said.

“Aurizon was sick of negotiating with its workers over new agreements, so it decided to take its bat and ball and go home.

“It wanted to terminate 12 agreements covering 6,000 workers and throw them all back onto the minimum award protections.

The Fair Work Commission had to decide whether or not this corporate tantrum, this industrial dummy spit, was in the public interest.

“Incredibly, the Commission decided

that terminating the agreements was in the public interest so that Aurizon could become more “competitive”, at a time when Aurizon has around 70-75 per cent share in Queensland.

Clearly the independent umpire needs new glasses. “ Bob said the Fair Work Commission had rewarded Aurizon for its petulant and aggressive behaviour by giving it a massive advantage over its competitors. “this decision, the wages and conditions that were hard earned by workers, that were an important part of the agreement when the Queensland Government privatised Queensland Rail, have been washed away in the stroke of a pen.

“The Commission has taken the pressure off Aurizon to take bargaining seriously and to renegotiate a reasonable deal with its employees.

“A handful of well-paid Commissioners have put a dagger

through the heart of workplace conditions including maternity leave and job security protections.

“There could be huge ramifcations from the decision beyond the rail industry.

Other major employers right across Australia will be thinking ‘if Aurizon can get away with this kind of industrial sabotage, we might as well have a go at it too.’

Bob said the decision meant that agreements negotiated in good faith were now fair game.

“We could now be facing a tsunami of industrial disputes right across the country as a result of this shortsighted decision.

“It’s clear that employers, and even the Fair Work Commission itself, have been emboldened by the aggressive anti-worker agenda of the Abbott Government and Workplace relations Minister Eric Abetz.”

 A handful of well-paid Commissioners have put a dagger through the heart of workplace conditions including maternity leave and job security protections.  RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Page 5

RTBU Leads Campaign for Truth in Bargaining The Aurizon dispute has also sparked a new union campaign for Truth in Bargaining - to force employers to be honest about the true state of their financial projection during their negotiations with workers over pay and conditions.

National Secretary Bob Nanva has called for an amendment to the Fair Work Act to force companies to disclose their fnancial projections and other information to unions during enterprise negotiations.

Workplace Relations Minister Eric Abetz has come out rubbishing the proposal, and backing the rights of companies to keep their workers in the dark about their profitability.

“All unions have their war-stories about being told of impending fnancial doom by an employer during enterprise negotiations – only to see the same employer boasting about the coming rivers of gold in their proft forecasts to investors," Bob says.

Senator Abetz told the Australian Financial Review that providing financial information to unions would have “absolutely disastrous” consequences for employers.

“In our case, we’ve seen Aurizon seek to wipe out 12 Enterprise Agreements on the grounds that it’s supposedly uncompetitive – despite the fact its half yearly profts have nearly tripled to over $300 million, and it controls around 70 to 75 per cent of the coal market in Queensland.

In response, Bob Nanva said: “working people are sick of the political games, and sick of people like Senator Abetz telling them they can’t handle the truth.”

“That’s why we’re embarking on a campaign to mandate truth in bargaining, and to put a stop to the lies and nonsense of companies like Aurizon.”

The RTBU has received support from other unions including the AWU, TWU and MUA. Unions also raised the issue at the at recent ACTU Congress, and will raise at the upcoming ALP National Conference.

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Rail, Tram and Bus Union, NSW Branch

RTBU Awaiting Crucial Ruling on Termination of Agreements A full Federal Court on 21 May reserved its judgment on the RTBU's bid to reinstate 12 enterprise agreements covering workers at rail freight operator Aurizon.

that enterprise agreement must be terminated if preconditions set by s226 had been met and it was not contrary to the public interest to terminate them.

The union is challenging a Fair Work Commission full bench decision to allow the rail freight operator Aurizon to terminate a dozen agreements that are past their nominal expiry date.

"In our view, there is no statutory imperative that the promotion and delivery of productivity benefits at an enterprise level is primarily or exclusively to be achieved through enterprise bargaining in good faith rather than by other means," it said.

Counsel for the RTBU, Warren Friend QC, told the Federal Court hearing in Melbourne that the FWC full bench decision was wrong in focusing on productivity alone rather than on the objectives of the Fair Work Act. "We say they looked at it through the wrong prism," Friend said.

He cited the 2010 ruling in Re Tahmoor Coal Pty Ltd, in which Vice President Michael Lawler found the Fair Work Act's objects were "clearly relevant", and particularly those at s3(f) and s171(a), when assessing whether to terminate enterprise agreements under s226.

Vice President Lawler said those particular objects "indicate that collective bargaining in good faith for an enterprise agreement is the central way in which, in the framework that has been established by the FW Act, productivity benefits are to be achieved".

But the full bench in the Aurizon case — Vice President Graeme Watson, Deputy President Val Gostencnik and Commissioner Paula Spencer — accepted arguments from the company last month that this interpretation was "misplaced".

In the full Federal Court hearing, the company’s barrister, Harry Dixon SC, told the court that s226 required the Commission to terminate an agreement if the statutory requirements were met, as they "squarely" did in the Aurizon case.

Dixon said that the Aurizon negotiations had been underway for almost two years, with hundreds of meetings, and there was nothing to stop continued collective bargaining.

The RTBU also argued that the FWC full bench did not take full account of the public interest because the Queensland Competition Authority was preparing a regulatory ruling based on the current pay and conditions.

But Dixon argued the regulatory ruling was a draft document only and could be changed.

The judges — Chris Jessup, Richard Tracey and John Reeves — reserved their decision after peppering counsel for the RTBU with questions.

The FWC full bench ruling in the Aurizon case found

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

"True it is that bargaining, where it occurs, must occur consistently with the good faith bargaining requirements.

But there is no imperative that an agreement must result in productivity improvements.”

Outside the court, Aurizon said it was giving effect to the decision and order of the full bench in terminating the 12 existing expired EAs in Queensland.

It said the terms of employment for about 3,500 Aurizon employees would then be governed by the less favourable Rail Industry Award 2010, the National Employment Standards and individual contracts of employment.

"Aurizon has undertaken to maintain a number of the current terms and conditions for a period of six months, such as base wages, superannuation, and leave accruals," it said.

"There will, however, be immediate changes for affected employees, including the ‘no forced redundancy’ clause ceasing to operate and the loss of some allowances."

Aurizon previously advised it would suspend acting on the termination until the Federal Court heard the application by the RTBU. The company defended its offer of annual 4% wage increase over three years in return for the introduction of a "range of work practices and productivity measures already widely accepted in Australian industry.”

Aurizon managing director Lance Hockridge said the termination of these old agreements meant a "range of legacy conditions that are a hangover from government ownership and restrict Aurizon from making changes in a competitive market, will disappear.”

“We are pleased with progress in our negotiations with unions since the Commission’s decision in April. That decision has certainly been a catalyst for renewed focus around the bargaining table on the outstanding issues.”

“Our ultimate goal has not changed since we started negotiations in April 2013. Aurizon is seeking a negotiated outcome on new enterprise agreements that are contemporary and forward-looking, and match those already agreed by unions with our direct competitors.

Page 7

Industrial Notes Mortdale route knowledge training The long-running dispute over the training of drivers at Mortdale has finally been resolved.

The Loco Division has been calling for additional training to be provided to Mortdale drivers following the new infrastructure changes associated with the upgrade at Glenfield station.

The dispute has now been resolved, with Sydney Trains agreeing in the Fair Work Commission to provide the necessary training.

Starting in May, Mortdale drivers will be provided with the opportunity to traverse the required routes in accordance with TWP 108 and receive a briefing on the associated signalling and infrastructure changes followed by an assessment on the knowledge gained.

Once completed, Mortdale drivers will once again be fully qualified for all aspects of this area in accordance with the provisions of the current EA. If any issues or questions arise regarding this training members should contact their local delegate or the RTBU office.

The RTBU would like to take this opportunity to thank all who participated for their determination and patience in successfully achieving this good outcome.

Pacific National Told to Defend Itself The RTBU has had an important win in the Fair Work Commission that will curb the use of top-tier law firms by employers in routine workplace disputes.

The RTBU surprised Asciano’s lawyers in an unfair dismissal case by opposing their use of an external legal team.

The Commissioner sided with the RTBU. Asciano appealed to the full bench of the Commission, but their appeal was thrown out.

National Secretary Bob Nanva said employers are routinely using trained lawyers to perform work that could and should be done by Human Resources staff.

“This has created a legal arms race, where everyone has to ‘lawyer up’ in order to maintain fairness in Commission proceedings.

“The Commission has now sent a clear message to major employers that they must hire staff qualifed to handle simple matters, and can no longer rely on big law firms to run all of their disputes, including unfair dismissals.”

“We believe there will always be a place for lawyers to assist in complex matters, and to ensure parties in Commission proceedings are given all due advice and assistance - but FWC proceedings should not become a lawyers’ picnic.”

STA Grow Perform Succeed Program

STA have advised the Union of their intention to commence the ‘State Transit Grow Perform Succeed Program’ (GPS) with Bus Operators. As a result you will be asked to sign an individual “Performance Agreement.”

The RTBU advises all members NOT to sign any documentation relating to the GPS program or any other document that resembles an individual performance agreement.

Members should note: • STA Bus Operators are covered by a “Collective Agreement” • Nobody can force you to sign your name • Always take union representation into meetings with supervisors or management.

Page 8 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Probation Extension Dispute A class of Petersham College trainee drivers got a rude shock recently when they were handed letters saying that their six month probation period had been extended to 12 months, with no justification.

The class received a letter saying as much just two days before their six month probation period was due to finish and were reportedly told to sign it or “their position within the traineeship would be reviewed.”

The members immediately contacted the union, and a dispute was lodged.

All trainees sign a letter of offer when commencing employment that clearly states that their probation period is for six months only; however, if any employment issues arise this may be extended.

Incredibly, at the same time as receiving the letter of extension they were provided with their probation reports which clearly indicated that they were meeting all expectations of their employment and there were no performance or conduct related issues, therefore no justification

whatsoever to extend their probation period existed.

The end result is that all the trainees will now revert to their originally agreed six month probation period (as per the EA 2014) and will receive letters of confirmation stating the same.

Many thanks to the class members for their prompt action in informing the union office in order to protect their member rights.

Shorts are back – Big win on Sydney Trains uniforms After a long battle, Sydney Trains has finally agreed to change its uniforms for train crew. Shorts are now back, polo shirts are coming and the business shirts will now be made from a more appropriate material.

Workers have been complaining about the new Sydney Trains uniform since it was first introduced, saying that it wasn’t appropriate for the working conditions.

The union conducted a survey of members which revealed significant numbers of workers have

also been experiencing severe itchy and discomfort as a result of the material the uniform is made from.

The union has been constantly feeding back information to management about the need to rectify the inappropriate uniforms – a move which finally paid off when management agreed to change its policy.

The initial change will be the issuing of a polo style shirt to all employees (which was originally requested) which will be issued in July/August. The business shirts are to be replaced with a more open

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

weave design (similar to the previous blue issue) which will largely negate the heat and sweat-related issues of the current design.

Material has been sourced for this shirt and should be available to trial in August which, if successful, will result in a rollout later this year.

For those who choose to do so, the current issue trousers can now be altered into knee length shorts with crew to be reimbursed the reasonable cost of the alteration. The shorts are to be worn with black ankle socks.

Further discussions with management will continue while these changes are occurring with members kept informed as to the progress of the rollout.

Members wishing to order the new polo shirts or submit trousers alteration expenses should contact their relevant shift manager.

The RTBU would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members who supported the recent survey and actively supported this successful and required change.

Page 9

Still no Information on Bus Routes During Construction When construction of the South East Light Rail Link ramps up in September or October this year there will be major changes to bus routes especially affecting George Street.

Transport for NSW was in the media announcing that it has set up a new stand alone office to deliver the project. But they have not yet explained how buses which currently travel up and down George street will be re-routed.

Shift manager training dispute Concerns around shift managers being trained to detect train faults and failures have now been put to bed, with the dispute being resolved.

It was recently brought to the union's attention that there were plans to have Sydney Trains shift managers “up-skilled� in train faults and failures. This prompted obvious concerns given these are non-operational staff and the plans hadn’t been run past the union.

The RTBU disputed the move and following the escalation of this dispute, a meeting was held with senior management of Sydney Trains where evidence was produced that clearly indicated the intention to implement this training in a certain area.

Management denied its intention to change the nonoperational capability of shift managers, saying that its original intention was to provide a more enhanced knowledge of the drivers duties in order to better facilitate the shift managers overall understanding of the drivers roles and responsibilities. It further explained the evidence provided as being a misunderstanding and a communications failure.

Having said this, management committed to providing correspondence to the RTBU which outlines the full details of its intended proposal which will be followed with further consultation if required.

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General News A Busy Month for Delegates and Reliefs April was a busy month for RTBU Tram and Bus Division delegates and deputy delegates.

Delegates from all depots got together for a two-day executive meeting covering all the important issues and around twenty relief delegates joined together for a full day of training. Here’s what participants had to say:

“I found the training session extremely helpful and I found out much information that was either unknown or unclear to me. The opportunity to question guest speakers and seek the opinions of the other attendees was invaluable.

I feel much better equipped to perform my role as a relief delegate.”

“A fantastic and informative work day! I learnt so much about our union today and I have so much new information for my own benefit and that I can take back to my members at the depot. Thanks for the great day!”

Union Dues 2015 / 2016 Members are reminded that Union Dues will increase by 3% after July 1, 2015 (based on average wage increases gained in the previous year). This is the first increase in union dues in over two years, as any increase in 2014 was deferred due to ongoing negotiations in the passenger area for new EAs with Sydney Trains and NSW Trains.

While we always attempt to keep union dues to a minimum, and RTBU rates compare very favourably with most other unions, they are essential for the core activities and operation of the union. All expenses

such as legal costs in defending members in a range of tribunals, organisers and staff servicing members across the state, the administration of the union office, and services to members such as publications, training and the holiday park, continue to increase.

If you have not already done so, we urge all members to pay their union dues by direct debit, rather than rely on employer payroll deductions. If you have any enquiries about the union due increase or how to change your payments to direct debit, please contact the union office on (02) 9264 2511.

Get on the

Bus Express!

Bus Express is constantly updated with new information from around the depots – including workplace disputes, industry updates and news about RTBU Members.

Members who subscribe to the web site get a fortnightly email with links to all the latest scoops. Printed newsletters will also be distributed around depots.

www.busexpress.com.au RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Page 11

Asciano Urges Bigger Role in Bargaining for Fair Work Commission ASX top 100 company Asciano, which estimates that its subsidiary Patrick's last bruising bargaining round cost it $21 million, is calling for a greater role for the Fair Work Commission in "agreement facilitation".

In its submission to the Productivity Commission's IR inquiry, the company, which also owns rail freight business Pacific National, has included a case study detailing the marathon 20-month negotiation with the MUA for a replacement enterprise agreement for its container terminals .

Those negotiations concluded in 2012, after protected and unprotected industrial action and "many hours spent by Fair Work Australia. . . by way of assisting the parties with conciliation", Asciano said.

It said the negotiations cost it $21 million directly not including "costs suffered by customers of Asciano's container terminal business or downstream supply

chain participants."

While recognising that the "efficiency and quality" of enterprise agreement negotiations lay largely in the hands of negotiating parties, aspects of the bargaining framework set out in the Fair Work Act "hampered efficient and equitable negotiations", it said.

It said "there could be more done to facilitate negotiation processes in respect of enterprise negotiations in order to meet the objects of the FW Act. In this regard, Asciano would support a shift from a large focus on a dispute resolution towards agreement facilitation".

Asciano asked that a greater and "more proactive" role be considered for the Fair Work Commission or another Fair Work institution that would give it the power to require parties to engage in conciliation.

It also suggested the Commission take on a "negotiation advisory role".

This could include training on

processes and skills, developing pro-forma negotiation plans and resources, providing a list of recommended facilitators and publishing case studies of successful negotiations, Asciano said.

As for protected industrial action, this should only be considered a "last resort" tool.

Asciano urged adoption "without delay" of legislation currently before parliament requiring parties to take steps to genuinely try to reach an agreement and preventing protected action ballots if unions or employees have pursued "manifestly excessive" or productivity-hampering claims.

Asciano also called for a levelling of the playing field between individual contracts and collective agreements by removing objects of the Fair Work Act that afford "primacy" to collective bargaining.

Of Asciano's 8,500 employees, more than 75% are covered by federal agreements. The 2012 Patrick agreement nominally expires at the end of June.

New Unions Campaign Plan to Protect Workers’ Rights and Living Standards Australian Unions have concluded the ACTU Congress 2015 held over three days at the end of May, invigorated by a new Union Charter and campaign plan to protect workers’ rights and living standards.

Over the three days of the Congress around a thousand union delegates from around the country debated and voted on the policies that will shape the union movement’s agenda for the next three years.

This includes campaigning for domestic violence leave, stopping the exploitation of foreign and local workers, extending the government’s paid parental leave scheme to 26 weeks at the minimum wage plus super, strengthening protections around unfair dismissal and establishing a national portable entitlements scheme.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said that “Unions came out of this Congress with a plan to campaign for working

people and the community to protect our living standards and rights at work.“ The support for a $13 million plan to transform the ACTU into a permanent campaigning organisation will allow unions to campaign online, on the ground, politically and in the workplace.

The ACTU has already begun rolling out resources in around 30 marginal seats around the country to coordinate campaigns to protect penalty rates, rights at work and the living standards of working people.

ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver described the outcome by stating that “The ACTU Congress has reinforced the union movement’s position as the largest, most democratic and dynamic social movement in the nation, working on behalf of almost two million members and millions more working Australians."

Page 12 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

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#noexcuse4dv – Candlelight Vigil to Remember Victims of Domestic Violence RTBU members recently attended the Western Sydney Community Candlelight vigil at Blacktown to pay homage to victims of domestic violence.

John Robertson, Labor MP facilitated the vigil at Blacktown’s Village Green with the purpose of putting the issue of domestic violence at the top of the public agenda. One of the ways that this can be achieved is to organise members of the community into coordinated action through various ways. The call to action started off with the hashtag under the heading of #noexcuse4dv and signing petitions where the information will be used to garner further support for future actions and to update signatories.

The Bega Women’s Resource Centre was inundated with domestic violence victims who had nowhere to go.

Manager, Gabrielle Powell is quoted as saying:

The background for the candlelight vigil was the death of Linda Locke due to domestic violence assault. This received very little attention from the media. In addition to this incident four days earlier a man was charged after an 18 year old woman died in Brewarrina, NSW.

Mr. Robertson said the gesture of the candlelight vigil was not simply about remembrance but taking action.

Mr. Robertson is quoted as saying:

To the date of the vigil 34 women have been murdered as a result of domestic violence. Mr. Robertson is quoted as saying:

“I did try a couple of times to refer women to Mission, but they’d closed the refuge for renovations. Some women left the area; some were sleeping in cars, or in tent.”

In the above example, the nearest refuge, in Cooma, had been closed, and the next refuge was 90 minutes away.

“We need to be pushing for specialist domestic violence courts and reinstating funding for women’s – only refuges to protect victims of (Domestic Violence)”.

“When two women a week die as a result of domestic assaults, it really is a national crisis and something needs to be done.”

The vigil was well attended with more than 100 community members, domestic violence workers, council staff, police and various dignitaries.

The current State Government is decreasing funding and closing women’s shelters all over the state under the program of 'Going Home Staying Home' program.

This program has consolidated 336 individual services into 149 packages operated by 69 non-government organisations. The impact of this was felt immediately, especially in the regional areas.

Page 14 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

RTBU Celebrates May Day RTBU members joined thousands of other unionists and community groups in May Day events in Sydney and regional centres, to both protest attacks on working families as well as celebrate achievements of the union movement.

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Page 15

Budget Fail – No Jobs, No Growth, No Opportunity In a media release following the recent Federal Budget, the ACTU has said that if the Abbott Government’s plan to create jobs is a $5 billion dollar company tax cut – then it has no plans for jobs.

“Tony Abbott is taking more out of the pockets of working people and their families than he is putting in.

is still forecasting unemployment to stay above 6 per cent for the next three years.

invest in infrastructure, skills and training, and the public service to create jobs and boost the economy.

“Australian families will be worse off under this budget with cuts to paid parental leave and family tax benefits that are far greater than the government’s investment in childcare”.

The Abbott Government has also forecast economic growth to increase to 3.25 per cent by 201617 but there are no initiatives in the budget to increase productivity, with no new money for research and innovation – only cuts.

Instead the government has tied childcare assistance to unfair cuts to family benefits and paid parental leave, cut almost one billion dollars from health and missed the opportunity to boost budget revenue by reforming super tax concessions for the wealthy.

ACTU President, Ged Kearney The government has made the $5.5 billion Jobs and Small Business Package the centrepiece of the federal budget – yet $5 billion of that package is a tax cut for small businesses that will save the average small business no more than $20,000 a year – not enough to hire new staff.

Ironically, despite selling this budget as a budget for jobs, the Government

The ACTU states that instead of helping Australians find long-term jobs, the Abbott Government is continuing to punish unemployed people with a “reinvigorated” Work For The Dole program – a program that has been shown not to create long term, sustainable jobs.

With unemployment at or above six per cent for the past eleven months, the Abbott Government should have used this budget to

Proud to Be UNION

There is no new money for major road infrastructure projects and the new $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility is reliant on state government and private industry investment.

The ACTU has called this budget a missed opportunity from a government more concerned about keeping its own jobs than creating new jobs for Australians.

Paid Annual Leave

My union fought for my Paid Annual Leave* ... And Won! * in 1935 the first unions won 1 week annual leave for their members, this was increased to 2 weeks in 1948, and in 1974 four weeks paid annual leave was legislated.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union, NSW Branch

Granville Signal Box Celebrates Harmony Day The Railways has always had a history of multicuturalism. As a benefit of this culture there has always been an enthusiastic welcome of the various customs that come with working in a multicutural environment.

Harmony Day is held every year to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The message of Harmony Day is everyone belongs. It is a day to celebrate

Charlie Tarshishi is leaning against the pole, Laarnie Dizon in the front

Australia’s diversity and a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.

On the 16th March Granville Signal Box celebrated Harmony Day by hosting a Harmony Day Lunch. Laarnie Dizon and Charlie Tarhishi did an amazing job coordinating the luncheon from the canapy through to the seating and the myriad of different foods that celebrated the many cultures that work in the railways. There has to be a special mention of the cake made by Ali Safadi’s wife which added to the festivities and was absolutely decadent.

The RTBU were honoured to be invited to the event which captured the true spirit behind harmony day. It is humbling to have amazing members that have put together such an incredible event.

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Page 17

School Children Left Behind In some parts of Newcastle the shortage of buses in the area has meant that children are being left behind after school because the buses scheduled to pick them up are too full.

Previously a full sized bus came to pick up the children, now a smaller and older bus is used which takes up to 17 fewer students than the previous buses did.

This is leading to school children being left behind or forced to find another mode of transport, causing major disruptions for families and teachers.

This is potentially a safety risk and needs to be immediately addressed by providing more bus services in these areas.

A shortage of buses has been an issue in the Newcastle area for some time, but the problem appears to be getting worse.

The RTBU has raised these concerns with management and we’ll be watching this closely

Burwood members clean war memorial after 30+ years

Burwood members clean war memorial after 30+ years

It took three RTBU members three days to get it perfect, but Burwood’s war memorial has now had its first proper clean in more than 30 years, just in time for Anzac Day. RTBU delegate for Burwood depot Mark Delohery, bus operator Sandra Carroll and Institute Secretary Robert Boudan gave up their own time and worked in some pretty stormy conditions to clean the war memorial site. Robert cut back the overgrown hedges, Mark gave the footpath and the sandstone memorial a good clean with his pressure cleaner and Sandra brightened the area with flowers.

It took three RTBU members three days to get it perfect, but Burwood’s Bus Depot War Memorial has now had its first proper clean in more than 30 years, just in time for Anzac Day. RTBU delegate for Burwood Depot Mark Delohery, bus operator Sandra Carroll and Institute Secretary Robert Boudan gave up their own time and worked in some pretty stormy conditions to clean the war memorial site. Robert cut back the overgrown hedges, Mark gave the footpath and the sandstone memorial a good clean with his pressure cleaner and Sandra brightened the area with flowers.

The memorial was sparkling clean and looking great for the Burwood Depot’s Anzac Day Ceremony, where the flag was lowered to half mast and Staff Supervisor Andrew Bryson read the speech of a digger who died at Gallipoli.

Page 18 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Women in Male Dominated Occupations and Industries On the 4 - 6 of May, five RTBU women Joanne McCallum, Narelle Sinclair, Julie Puttock, Leanne Holmes (all from NSW), and Kath Larkin (Flinders Street Station Victoria) attended the Women in Male Dominated Occupations and Industries (WIMDOI) conference held at UnionsNSW. WIMDOI’s vision is “Women to be active Unionists and equal participants in male dominated occupations and industries and to enjoy the deserved wages and conditions achieved through collective action”.

The conference had over 30 guest speakers including Ged Kearney, Emma Maiden, Kara Keys and Ludo McFerran.

Join the RTBU Retired Members Association

For more information, contact Don McKechnie on 0409 813 643 or the union office on (02) 9264 2511

Sexism, discrimination and harassment in the workplace were common themes. As was domestic violence (DV).

The importance of domestic violence being made into a workplace health and safety issue was raised, as well as having DV leave as a stand alone leave option in our Awards. The conference was told that there are now 555 DV agreements across Australia (mostly in the private sector).

Recommendations flowing from the WIMDOI conference include: • recommend to the ACTU to standardise employees of Unions Paid Parental Leave (PPL) clauses.

• develop more WIMDOI meetings such as state and regional • encourage/develop women’s leadership in the workplace an in the Unions.

• that WIMDOI encourages all Unions to invest in the training of Union employees around DV and in the workplace • that WIMDOI encourages attendees to propose further skills development sessions for future conferences

RTBU Express Website

www.rtbuexpress.com.au

The Union Movement as Force for Progressive Change In an address to the National Press Club on 6 May, ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver outlined some of the major achievements of the union movement in recent times, and addressed the current issues that continue to make a strong union movement essential in 2015. In his ‘The State of the Unions’ address, Mr Oliver reminded us that “Overwhelmingly, unions have been a force for good in this country”, and that unions have ‘a vital and ongoing role in building our economy and society, and our concerns about the direction the country is heading, particularly growing inequality". The following article is a selective extract from the ‘State of the unions’ address.

He added that “most Australians believe that this country is better off with strong unions and that the type of Australia we have today, one that was built on the fair go and equality is largely due to the work of the labour movement”.

Unions, organising in workplaces, campaigning in the community, and participating in the political process helped to build the social compact that underpins the minimum wage, job security, the welfare system, public health and education, and a range of public services.

These foundations of a civilised and productive society have never been in more peril than they are today.

Living standards in Australia face the greatest threat in a generation, with weak wage growth, longer unpaid commuting times, the rise of insecure work and persistently high unemployment.

Workers are missing out on their share of the productivity pie with the wages share of national income at close to record lows.

Profits are up. Executive salaries are up. But wages are down.

I have no doubt that the decline

of living standards has been accelerated by the policies of the Abbott Government.

The Abbott Government has shown a callous disregard for Australian jobs through its lack of a co-ordinated industry policy, which has not only seen the impending closure of our auto and components industries, but has put in jeopardy our shipbuilding and Defence contracting industries.

It is an indictment that in 2015 – as we saw in a recent Four Corners program – migrant workers who have come from all over the world expecting to come to the lucky country expecting a fair go find themselves ruthlessly exploited by unscrupulous employers and labour hire firms.

That is why we have campaigned against this type of exploitation for many years and currently have secured a senate inquiry into temporary work visas.

It is not just the budget putting the living standards of workers and their families under great pressure.

Through the Productivity Commission inquiry into the workplace relations system, the government has created a vehicle for big employers to push for cuts to penalty rates, cuts to wages, wider use of individual contracts, and making it easier to sack people – all in the guise of “flexibility”.

This inquiry has given a platform to employers and business to attack the fundamentals of the industrial relations system that has for the most part successfully balanced the needs of workers and employers for a century.

For example, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry wants to get rid of the Award system entirely in favour of a stripped back safety net with restrictions on enterprise bargaining.

Clubs Australia wants to reduce penalty rates and make signing an individual agreement a condition of employment, and the Institute of Public Affairs wants to abolish the minimum wage entirely.

Needless to say, employer groups are almost unanimous in wanting to weaken unfair dismissal laws.

If these business radicals get their way and abolish penalty rates it would be the biggest own goal in living history. Workers are consumers. Cutting their wages would suck billions of dollars out of the economy that would otherwise be spent in restaurants, cafes and shops around the country.

The Productivity Commission reviewing industrial relations and the role of unfair dismissal laws is undermining the foundations of fairness that workers count on every day in their working lives.

It is news to no-one that many employers also want to restrict the role of unions in representing workers.

Unions have been instrumental in fighting back against these attacks on our rights and living standards.

One of the reasons why Australia has avoided going down the same path of inequality as many other developed economies has been because we still have a strong union movement.

As a recent paper by none other than the International Monetary Fund explained, inequality has risen at the same time as union density has fallen in developed countries.

The research shows that without strong unions, workers have less bargaining power to increase wages or re-distribute income relative to the owners of capital and top earners.

Conservative columnist Nicholas Kristof, writing earlier this year in the New York Times, is another

Page 20 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

who has come around to recognise that strong unions are essential to a stable and sustainable society, where the benefits of economic growth are dispersed fairly.

After writing many articles over the years that disdained unions, Kristof has admitted: he “was wrong”.

He went on to cite the role of unions in pushing for a higher national minimum wage and universal childcare, as well as holding big companies accountable and striving against inequality.

In Australia, an active and popular union movement continues to be the main obstacle to the Coalition’s agenda to strip away workers’ rights and reduce their pay and conditions.

So I’ve got news for those who would seek to demean or tear down the union movement: we’re still here and we’re not going anywhere.

The union movement is at its best

when campaigning as one for change around issues that resonate with working people, and there was no better example than the Your Rights at Work campaign.

A movement that is able to mobilise 100,000 people at short notice, as we did in the national day of action on March 4, where people took part in rallies in 17 cities and regional centres on a weekday – That’s how strong the anger is at the Coalition Government and its policies. But none of this should shield us from the challenges the union movement faces.

So much has changed in the last 30 years, and the pace of change only seems to increase exponentially. All organisations are facing challenges about how they adapt to this new environment, and unions are no different.

Over the past two decades in Australia, we have witnessed the

rise of insecure work, particularly casualisation and labour hire, to the point where it now makes up about 40% of the workforce. We face a profound challenge as to how we organise and represent workers in the coming decades.

It is also an environment where unions will continue to have a significant role in ensuring that working people are rewarded for delivering economic and productivity growth, so that our society is not hollowed out with the very wealthy at one end and an underclass of working poor at the other.

The last time Australian workers were confronted by a hostile government with no vision for the future the union movement came together, we pooled our resources and we made a difference … we will do it again.

ACTU Calls for Increase to Minimum Wage Years of moderate increases to the minimum wage mean low incomes earners are all but shut out of the housing market.

The ACTU lodged a submission to the FWC on March 27 calling for a wage increase for Australia’s lowest paid including cleaners, retail and hospitality staff, child care workers, farm labourers, and some factory workers.

The annual income of a full-time minimum wage worker is $33 418 while the average price of a dwelling in the capital cities is $677 550. This means paying 80 per cent of the mortgage on an averagepriced house would take up a staggering 81 per cent of a minimum wage worker’s gross income.

However, a minimum wage worker could only borrow around $150 000 according to the Commonwealth Bank which is a quarter of the average dwelling price.

Over the past ten years the Australian housing market had ballooned, with average house prices

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

increasing by 67.5 per cent between 2004 and 2014 but minimum wages only rose by 37.1 – or 4.8 per cent in inflation-adjusted terms.

Buying a house and escaping the rental trap is the biggest affordability dilemma for most workers but for minimum wage earners it’s a pipedream.

Key facts: • 1.86 million Australians (18.8% of the workforce) are paid the national minimum wage or an award minimum wage • The ACTU is seeking a $27 per week increase to the minimum wage from $640.90 per week to $667.90 (from $16.87 to $17.58 per hour) • The $27 per week increase also applies to award minimum wages up to the C10 tradesperson rate and a 3.6% increase for award rates above the C10 rate (these are classifications for workers on award minimum wages) • The Abbott Government’s decision to delay the 0.5 super

increase until 2021 means a 20-year-old minimum wage worker will be $18,401 worse off in retirement Speaking in support of the minimum wage increase, ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver explained that “The raising of the minimum wage is about people’s lives. This year we call on the Fair Work Commission to carefully consider the impact on low income earners when they are all but exiled from the housing market,” Mr Oliver said.

“Many minimum wage earners have been working all their lives caring for older Australians in aged or community care, they work farms, they clean schools and hospitals or look after young children in childcare”.

Stop Press

At the time of going to press the FWC has announced an increase to the minimum wage of $16 per week, midway between the ACTU claim of $27, and the Employers claim of $6 per week

Page 21

Paid Parental Leave "Double Dipping" to Stop from July 1

"The total figure is about 47% of those claiming paid parental leave currently have either been overclaiming or completely double dipping."

The government will be putting an end to the practice from July 1 "because it's not fair", he said in an interview on the ABC's News Breakfast television program.

Finance Minister Matthias Cormann told the ABC's AM program that many private and public sector paid parental leave schemes paid "full

"What we're saying is that if you are accessing a more generous paid parental leave scheme elsewhere, we don't believe it's fair that you also access the taxpayer funded scheme on top of that."

Treasurer Joe Hockey also told Channel 9's Weekend Today program that "people can claim parental leave payments from both the government and their employers so they are effectively double dipping. We’re going to stop that.

You can’t double dip, you can’t get both parental leave pay from your employer and from taxpayers.”

Sydney University Professor of Employment Relations Marian Baird stated that: "It is not double dipping, it's double crossing."

"The Government went to the electorate with a generous paid maternity leave scheme".

She says it has now dropped that commitment "and furthermore", has "taken away what women have".

She says what the government is describing as double dipping is not, "because it is not taking twice from government funds".

It also doesn't constitute double dipping "because the employer pay and government subsidy are used consecutively, not together".

He also claimed that federal public servants are also double dipping and that too would be halted. He said the change would save $1 billion over four years.

She says "the original scheme was designed to enable mothers to take up to 26 weeks by combining the employer provision with the government funded scheme."

The government made the announcement just three months after Prime Minister Tony Abbott dropped his signature six months paid parental leave scheme .

Baird's colleague Associate Professor Rae Cooper said yesterday on Twitter: "Not 'double dipping', Paid Parental Leave scheme was designed for national minimum to be topped up by employers".

However, leading IR academics say the government's notion of "double dipping" is misconceived.

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www.locoexpress.com.au

AM AND BU

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Social Services Minister Scott Morrison claimed that "around 20,000-odd parents have been taking the full amount from their employers and then turning up for the full amount from the taxpayer and you've got a slightly higher number than that who have been claiming a partial payment."

replacement" wages "much more generous than what is on the table from the public sector".

R AI

The federal government is planning to end what it claims is "doubledipping" when 20,000 working parents each year receive their full paid parental leave entitlements from both their employer and the public purse, but leading IR academics say the two payments are intended to be complementary.

UN

ION

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RTBU Holiday Park at Jervis Bay RTBU Members can also take advantage of the United Services Union’s Aquatic Resort at Port Macquarie The RTBU and USU have a reciprocal arrangement where members of each union can book holidays at the two locations, at member discounted rates.

The USU owns the Aquatic holiday resort, in a glorious location on the Hastings River at Port Macquarie on the north coast of New South Wales. The resort consists of a Motel and a Caravan Park.

Stay in comfort at the holiday resort and enjoy great discounts and great style while relaxing in what many say is the best climate in Australia.

No matter what type of holiday you are after your needs are covered. Lots to do any time of the year! There are a lot of attractions in the area for you and your family – have a great game of Putt-Putt golf or try Jet boating, Parra Sailing, Waterslides, Wave Bowling & Lawn Bowls which are all within walking distance. And don’t forget the fishing!Please note – there are no tent sites at the Port Macquarie Caravan Park.

You can contact the motel or caravan park by calling the Comfort Inn Aquatic Motel on 02 6583 7388 or the Aquatic Palms Caravan Park on 02 6584 9155 or check the website at www.aquaticinport.com.au You can also call the United Services Union’s Head Office on 02 9265 8211 for more information.

Members must provide proof of identity plus their RTBU membership card at the time of arrival at Jervis Bay or Port Macquarie United Services Union or full rates will apply.

Located in the Booderee National Park, the RTBU Holiday Park at Jervis Bay, is just a 3 hour drive south from Sydney, but a world away…

Each of the 14 self-contained units sleep up to a maximum of 6 people and rates are based on a family of 2 adults and 4 children. Other rates are available, however all units only have the capacity to sleep 6 people.

Units have a double bed, two single beds and a set of double bunks. You will need to bring your own sheets as only mattress protectors, quilts and pillows are supplied.

The units contain a digital television, an oven, microwave, fridge, crockery, cutlery, glassware, pots and pans as well as basic cooking utensils. Make sure you come prepared as the closest grocery shop is in Vincentia, a 30 minute drive away.

The RTBU Holiday Park facilities available to all guests include a Boat Ramp, Undercover Bar-B-Q area with seating, Tennis Court and a Coin Operated Laundry.

There are various swimming spots to enjoy and natural areas to explore, suitable for all the family.

Kangaroos, possums, wallabies, kookaburras, bandicoots, echidnas and rosellas visit the grounds of the Holiday Park daily.

Enjoy fishing for whiting, flathead and bream from the calm shores or take a quick walk to experience beach fishing for tailor and salmon on the pristine Bherwerre Beach.

The boat ramp allows direct access via the Sussex Inlet Channel to St Georges Basin or outside into the famous fishing grounds of Jervis Bay. Bookings can be made by telephoning the RTBU Office on (02) 9264 2511.

Booderee National Park & Bherwerre Beach

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RAIL & ROAD June 2015

In the Dhurga language, Booderee means “Bay of Plenty” and the area is the home to the people of Wreck Bay. The Booderee National Park has the only Aboriginal owned Botanic Garden in Australia. The gardens are well known for providing a centre for interpreting plants used by the local aboriginal people.

The Park is also home to 200 species of birds, over 30 different native mammals including 10 species of bats, 37 reptiles, 17 amphibians and at least 180 species of fish.

The White-Bellied Sea Eagle is a special bird at Booderee as it is the guardian of the Koori people of Wreck Bay and features on the Booderee National Park logo.

This spectacular eagle has a white head, rump and underparts, dark or slate grey back and wings. It has an awe-inspiring wingspan of up to 2.2 metres.

Within the Booderee National Park you will find beautiful white sandy beaches at Green Patch, Murrays, Steamers, Caves and Bherwerre.

Bherwerre is home to some of the Boderee National Parks rarer seabirds. Pods of Bottle-nose dolphins are often spotted playing in the waves at the Sussex Inlet Entrance and Humpback whales have been known to enter the protected areas close to shore.

Page 23

On the Campaign Trail Moving Forward on Women’s Campaigns Twenty women from across all RTBU divisions met recently for the biannual Women’s Campaigns Committee (WCC) meeting.

Women are vastly under represented in the transport industry with figures showing that only around 8 per cent of STA employees, 16 per cent of Sydney Trains employees and 24 per cent of NSW Trains employees are female.

There are many real and perceived barriers in the industry which prevent the recruitment, retention and progression of women across our transport network.

The WCC discussed these issues and have agreed on concrete ways to move forward and improve conditions for women, such as by campaigning to ensure that domestic violence clauses are included in all agreements and comparing different employers’ policies on issues which impact women, such as their professional development, flexibility of shifts, and access to a maternity uniform.

Union is Calling for Security Screens on All Buses Our recent member survey has shown that 53 per cent of bus drivers have reported being assaulted by a member of the public while at work.

It is unacceptable that so many of us go to work fearing for our safety, especially on a Friday or a Saturday night. As all bus operators know only too well, when you’re driving a bus you’ve got no security guard and nowhere to go if a member of the public behaves in a threatening manner.

The 3/4 security screens on the new buses are a good safety measure because they provide a barrier between the driver and a potentially violent passenger. But these screens are currently only fitted on about 30 per cent of the fleet.

When the majority of bus drivers are reporting being assaulted at work it’s clear that we urgently need every bus to be retrofitted with a safety screen.

The Tram & Bus Division has taken this issue to the media and STA has responded, promising to talk to the union about expanding the process of rolling out the safety screens.

This is a great outcome and the union will progress talks with STA on this matter immediately.

Page 24 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Safety Matters RTBU Challenge Sydney Trains Decision to Trial No Safety Vest in the Name of Fashion

“When there is no orange vest it’s like playing a game of Where’s Wally?”

RTBU Member Sydney Trains commenced a trial of removing the safety vests from the Customer Service Attendants (CSAs) conducting Right of Way (ROW) duties. The basis for the change in safe working is due to the orange vest impacting Sydney Trains branding, this being the new grey uniform. The stations where the trial were run are Central, Strathfield, Town Hall, Wynyard, Parramatta, Sydenham and Chatswood.

The RTBU responded quickly and put out a survey to the CSAs and Guards who are impacted by this change for their feedback. The survey contained five questions and a comments section.

There was a strong return of the survey in which the member’s main

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

message was Sydney Trains have put safety at a low standard for the sake of making a fashion statement.

The secondary concern was customers being unable to identify CSAs when they require assistance.

Sydney Trains reacted by extending the trial. The RTBU responded by distributing a second survey. The return from the members was over 250 surveys returned, of which 98% of those who participated in the survey disagreeing with removal of the safety vest from the CSA’s whilst conducting ROW duties.

Many viewed this as an attack on safe working and customer service.

The majority of the concerns were around how the safety vests were going to impact safety. The point that was constantly raised was guards being unable to identify the CSA’s conducting ROW duties especially during peak period due

to the uniform blending in with the surroundings. The CSA’s also pointed out that guards were having difficulty in finding them during peak hour and customers can’t find them for assistance.

The other concern raised was regarding customers with a disability not being able to locate station staff when requiring assistance. This was seen by the members as a form of discrimination as it impacts the safety and quality of customer service for members of the public that have a disability.

The RTBU have been given a mandate by the membership that the removal of the safety vest due to Sydney Trains positioning themselves as the fashion police is not acceptable. The RTBU will be fighting this ridiculous proposal.

Page 25

RTBU Members Unite to Stay Off Unsafe Roads in Wild Weather As Newcastle and the Hunter area battled cyclonic conditions recently, strong union leadership kept our members off unsafe roads.

The storm brought some of the wildest weather in years to the city of Newcastle and surrounds. There were winds of up to 130km an hour, trees were down, as were power lines, houses were destroyed, people went missing, and there was flooding and general devastation in the community. The storm was described as a category 2 cyclone and later declared a natural disaster area.

As those drivers who were able to made their way to work that Tuesday morning they weren’t sure about the extent of the danger they would face on the roads.

As the winds grew stronger, so too did the fear amongst the workers, who gathered together at work, ready for duty, but concerned for their safety. In response union meetings were called at both Hamilton and Belmont depots to decipher which course of action would be taken.

No one wanted to risk their lives and those of the travelling public out in the wild and dangerous conditions and with strong leadership from the union members wholeheartedly voted for the safest option: for the buses to remain off the roads until the conditions were proven to be safe.

As the day progressed members agreed that certain services could operate safely.

The RTBU Newcastle membership were particularly united on that day and the strength and support they showed each other was quite remarkable. It was because of this unity that they managed to get through the day and night without too many concerns.

An STA bus during the storm

A Hunter Valley bus during the storm

Page 26 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

RTBU, AMWU and Unions NSW Takes on WorkCover The RTBU and the AMWU lodged an application under the coordination of Unions NSW before the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales (NSWIRC) naming WorkCover as the Respondent.

The basis for initiating this action is due to the RTBU and AMWU elected Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) choice in training provider being denied by Sydney Trains which is contrary to the stipulations set down in the Work, Health and Safety Act. The RTBU and AMWU elected HSRs had chosen as their training provider Heath Occupational Safety Training Australia (HOSTA).

HOSTA administers the delivery of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) HSR training.

Sydney Trains position is that they believe that HSR training is restricted to are those on the Sydney Trains procurement list. In addition, Sydney Trains are also relying on the Public Works and Procurement Act. This is contrary to the information that Sydney Trains published in a question and answer fact sheet published on the 8th September 2014 when encouraging people to run in the WHS elections. In the publication Sydney Trains stated:

“Health and Safety Representatives are entitled to choose and attend a WorkCover endorsed training course.”

On the 4th February 2015 during a HSR consultation meeting WHS representatives repeated their choice of training provider this being HOSTA. Unfortunately Sydney Trains remained firm in their position of denying the HSR’s choice of training provider and commenced to organise training for the said HSRs with a training provider of Sydney Trains choice.

Due to this action, the RTBU lodged a complaint with WorkCover on the grounds that Sydney Trains were not adhering to the legislative requirements with regards to training. However, WorkCover determined that Sydney Trains were not breaching the legislation.

As a consequence of the above, the RTBU and one of the HSRs lodged an application for an Internal Review with WorkCover.

On the 31st March 2015 the Internal Review agreed with the original

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determination, in that Sydney Trains could dictate who the HSRs training providers are. As such, Unions NSW facilitated the application for an external review with the NSWIRC. On Thursday 24th April 2015, Mr. Aron Neilson from Slater and Gordon appeared in the NSWIRC for directions. However, WorkCover failed to appear due to WorkCover being served the paperwork in the wrong area. His Honour directed the parties to have discussions about directions and gave leave to file documents with the Commission within 14 days. His Honour further requested that Sydney Trains be notified of our application, which was done on the 23rd April 2015.

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RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Page 27

Whistlestop Workmates Rally Around Trevor McDean In late May approximately 80 workmates turned up to the Taree Railway Bowling Club, for a send-off for Trevor McDean, organised by the local RTBU activists. Trevor has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, and won’t be returning to his duties as a Train Driver at the Aurizon Taree Depot. Trevor has called it quits after 45 years on the job, variously working in the Traffic area from 1969 to 1994 as a Junior Porter, Shunter and Guard, before moving across to Loco as a driver in 1994, with ten years with National Rail, then the past ten years as a driver with Aurizon.

The company also organised a special event at Taree Races on June 5, where approximately 50 workmates from Aurizon, Pacific National and CountryLink attended to say their goodbyes to Trevor.

Trevor has been active in many of the railway events and send-offs over many years, and the local Golf Day was renamed the Garry McDean Memorial Golf Day, in memory of Trevor’s twin brothers who passed away several years ago.

We join his workmates and colleagues in wishing Trevor all the very best for his recent 63rd birthday, and the future.

Guards Circulate Message for a Manager Missed The following message was circulated to Train Guards by Steve Brown, Secretary Central Guards Sub-Division after the passing of David Haynes in April of this year.

It is with a very heavy heart I advise you of the passing of Sir David Haynes.

Dave was a long serving Railway employee and left the organisation in recently times.

He was an Operations Standards Manager at Central for many years and always had the wellbeing of the Crew at heart.

He was part of that rare breed that knew and understood the Railway compared to some within the current managerial lineup.

His intention was always to turn issues around and keep the process simple.

Dave left a huge impression on me as being a person of intelligence and integrity.

He had a good sense of humour and the welfare of the Crew was always his primary focus.

May You Rest In Peace Dave

Page 28 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Resignations operations division stepping down as a delegate for the am I that on Uni m Tra and Bus l, I hereby notify the Rai years due to health reasons. My retiring from the railway after nineteen am I k). sLin rain WT (NS st coa tral Cen under TOMA (Termination Friday 15th May 2015. I am retiring ing com this be will ent loym emp full ber 118654 effective last day of my resignation from the RTBU as mem mit sub also e efor ther I . ons diti con on medical advise) ons from my bank be terminated. immediately, and request all deducti just on the Central the RTBU to our railway members not ting esen repr and gate dele a as guidance I have enjoyed my time Mick Cartwright for your advice and and f rsel you k than to like ld wou I Coast but NSW as a whole. meetings, to Maryanne Stuart for e when trying to organise reports and enc pati her for i ron Pet To rs. yea into becoming a union over the n. Joanne McCallum for trapping me unio the g lvin invo gs thin all of t por -working causes, the her undying sup zard. Graham your dedication to safe Foz ham Gra is e ther then and e delegates. delegate in the first plac to safety, your an inspiration to young tude atti lax ts men age man of ss rdle safety of all rail workers rega my cancer, the loss of my wife and that supported me when I went through n unio a le, who a as U RTB the to Finally k you all. then one of my grandchildren, I than s on the Central Coast fortune and I dearly hope the member d goo s ber mem it’s all and U RTB ect the RTBU to solve I wish you the on their collective backsides and exp sit not can they , lved invo get to e realise that they hav ION”. to realise that “THEY ARE THE UN everything. They the members have Regards.

Stephen Threlfall Coast.

Delegate for NSWTrainsLink Central Retired.

Dear Branch Secretary, I have accepted Voluntary l, Tram and Bus Union, reason being Rai the from tion gna resi my of ise vy industry.

I wish to adv 5, and do not expect to return to hea /201 13/2 ay Frid on l iona Nat ific Redundancy from Pac the guys from r the years, especially John Curley and ove help r thei all for n unio the k I would like to than Wollongong and Port Kembla.

Yours Sincerely, James Russell Unanderra

Dear Mr Claassens,

loyer, Government Transport Sydney

membership of the RTBU. I left my emp I am writing to say I am resigning my ncy on 9 June 2015.

Trains, by way of voluntary redunda

great length of time I have a member for 35 years, because in that n bee e hav to y luck very n bee e hav nch Organiser Mick I feel that I have received personal help from Bra and ns, asio occ s erou num on n unio sought help from my Cartwright numerous times. of such a great union. t lucky indeed to have been a member If I may repeat myself, I have been mos Yours Sincerely, Thomas Nicolic

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Page 29

The following reports provide a summary of the Concise Financial Reports for the NSW Branch of the Federal Union as well as the State registered union. A full copy of the Concise Financial Reports can be found on the RTBU website : www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au

NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014 The Committee of Management of the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, New South Wales Branch has resolved to provide a concise financial report to members for the financial year ended 31 December 2014, in accordance with the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 The concise financial report has been derived from the full report and cannot be expected to provide as full an understanding of the financial performance, financial position and financial and investing activities of the branch as the full report. A copy of the full report and auditor’s report will be sent to any member who requests them free of charge.

Members are advised of the following provisions: FAIR WORK (REGISTERED ORGANISATIONS) ACT 2009.

Section 272 Information to be provided to members or Registrar 1. A member of a reporting unit, or a Registrar, may apply to the reporting unit for specified prescribed information in relation to the reporting unit to be made available to the person making the application.

2. The application must be in writing and must specify the period within which, and the manner in which, the information is to be made available. The period must not be less than 14 days after the application is given to the reporting unit.

3.

A reporting unit must comply with an application made under subsection (1).

ALEX CLAASSENS NSW Branch Secretary

Page 30 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT STATEMENT On the 29th May 2015 the Committee of Management of the Australian, Rail Tram and Bus Industry Union, New South Wales Branch passed the following resolution in relation to the general purpose financial report (GPFR) of the reporting unit for the financial year ended 31st December, 2014: (a) the financial statements and notes comply with the Australian Accounting Standards; (b) the financial statements and notes comply with the reporting guidelines of the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission; (c) the financial statements and notes give a fair view of the financial performance, financial position and cash flows of the reporting unit for the financial year to which they relate; (d) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the reporting unit will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable; and (e) during the financial year to which the GPFR relates and since the end of that year: (i) meetings of the committee of management were held in accordance with the rules of the organisation including the rules of a branch concerned; and (ii) the financial affairs of the reporting unit have been managed in accordance with the rules of the organisation including the rules of the branch concerned; and (iii) the financial records of the reporting unit have been kept and maintained in accordance with the RO Act; and (iv) the financial records of the reporting unit have been kept, as far as practicable, in a consistent manner to each of the other reporting units of the organisation ; and (v) information has been furnished to any member of the reporting unit or to the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission, as the case may be, where information sought by the member or the General Manager of the Fair Work Commission was duly made under section 272 of the RO Act: and (vi) no order for inspection of financial records have been made by the Fair Work Commission under section 273 of the RO Act. (f) The Branch has not derived any revenue during the year as a result of any recovery of wages activity it may have undertaken on behalf of members.

Signed in accordance with such resolution as passed by the committee of management.

ALEX CLAASSENS NSW Branch Secretary Date: 29 MAY 2015

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Page 31

December 2014, in accordance with the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009

The concise financial report has been derived from the full report, which can be found on the RTBU NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH website : www.rtbu‐nsw.asn.au .

CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014 FINANCIAL REPORTS

FINANCIAL REPORTS AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH STATEMENT OF

AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH STATEMENT COMPREHENSIVE INCOME OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME For the Year Ended 31st December 2014 For the Year Ended 31st December 2014

INCOME Members Contributions Legal Levy Received Capitation Fees Interest Received Rent Received Grants and/or Donations Net Gains on Sale of Assets Other Income TOTAL INCOME

EXPENSES Employee Expenses Capitation Fee paid to National Office Affiliation Fees Administrations Expenses Grants or Donations Depreciation and Amortisation Legal Costs Audit Fees Net Losses from Sale of Asset Net Losses from Derecognition of Asset Impairment Expenses Other Expenses TOTAL EXPENSES PROFIT/(LOSS) FOR THE YEAR

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR

Note

2014 $

1

2

3A 3B 3C 3D 3E 3F

3G

6,990,183 491,085 ‐ 248,995 275,573 ‐ 14,355 88,069 8,108,260 3,016,467 858,781 194,895 1,050,534 21,613 112,870 167,425 43,919 ‐ ‐ ‐ 1,084,200 6,550,704 1,557,556

Restated 2013 $

‐

1,557,556

7,240,419 424,944 ‐ 188,345 215,287 ‐ ‐ 69,135 8,138,130

2,750,194 901,801 205,755 1,049,845 17,620 129,970 261,558 53,709 5,425 2,602,742 500,180 1,441,793 9,920,592 (1,782,462)

‐ (1,782,462)

Page 32 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED FUNDS STATEMENT As at 31st December 2014 OF CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED FUNDS As at 31st December 2014

Retained Profits Balance 01/01/2013 Net Effect of a Correction of an Error Restated Balance 01/01/2013 Deficit for the year Transfer to/from Asset Revaluation

14,614,155 (2,745,575) 11,868,580

(1,782,462) 2,609,070

Addition for the year

12,695,188

Balance 31/12/2014

14,252,744

Balance 31/12/2013

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

1,557,556

Asset Revaluation $

3,378,550 (769,480) 2,609,070

‐ (2,609,070) ‐ ‐ ‐

Total $ 17,992,705 (3,515,055) 14,477,650 (1,782,462)

‐ 12,695,188 1,527,556 14,252,744

Page 33

AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH

CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION As at 31st December 2014 As at 31st December 2014

CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents Receivables Other TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

NON‐CURRENT ASSETS Financial Assets Receivable Property Investment Property Plant & Equipment Motor Vehicles

Notes

7 8

TOTAL LIABILITIES NET ASSETS

ACCUMULATED FUNDS Reserves Accumulated Surplus ACCUMULATED FUNDS

8,653,557 265,107 127,087

Restated 2012 $

7,652,229 255,183 152,929

10,248,945

9,045,751

8,060,341

1,236 973,978 487,500 3,200,000 180,196 163,454

1,236 963,366 500,000 3,200,000 211,713 165,529

1,236 955,967 3,424,810 3,560,429 223,501 140,191

7

15,255,309

9 10

5,006,364

CURRENT LIABILITIES Accounts Payable Provisions TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

9,739,591 242,670 266,684

Restated 2013 $

TOTAL NON‐CURRENT ASSETS TOTAL ASSETS

2014 $

1,002,565 1,002,565

14,252,744

5,041,844

340,042 662,523

‐

14,252,744 14,252,744

16,096,475

808,093 584,314

587,337 1,031,488

14,087,595

8,036,134

1,392,407 1,392,407

12,695,188

‐

12,695,188 12,695,188

1,618,825 1,618,825 14,477,650

2,609,070 11,868,580 14,477,650

Page 34 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014 For the Year Ended 31st December 2014

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the Year Ended 31st December 2014

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

Receipt from other reporting entity Receipts from Members Payment to other reporting entity Payments to Suppliers and Employees Interest Received Rent Received Receipts - Other

Cash at the End of Year

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

1,376 7,665,363 (891,366) (5,970,089) 188,345 215,287 67,759

(50,662)

(50,662)

(275,347)

2014 $

1,136,696

CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACITIVITIES Payment for Assets Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash Held Cash at beginning of the Year

Restated 2013 $

23,160 7,481,267 (1,291,359) (5,680,203) 248,995 275,573 79,263

Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities

1,086,034 8,653,557 9,739,591

1,276,675

(275,347)

1,001,328 7,652,229 8,653,557

Page 35

NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S STATEMENT To the members of the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, New South Wales Branch.

SCOPE We have audited the concise financial report of the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, New South Wales Branch for the financial year ended 31 December, 2014 comprising the Committee of Management Statement, Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements. The Committee of Management is responsible for the financial report. We have conducted an independent audit of this financial report in order to express an opinion on it to the members.

Our audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards to provide reasonable assurance whether the concise financial report is free of material misstatement.

Our procedures in respect of the audit of the concise financial report included testing that the information in the concise financial report is consistent with the full financial report, and examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures which were directly derived from the full financial report. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the concise financial report is presented fairly in accordance with Accounting Standards, the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.

I am an approved auditor for the purpose of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.

RECOVERY OF WAGE ACTIVITY The accompanying notes to the financial statements include comment that the Union has not derived any revenue during the year as a result of any recovery of wage activity it may have undertaken on behalf of members. Our Audit Opinion has been formed on the basis that no recovery of wage activity was undertaken.

AUDIT OPINIONS In our opinion, the Concise Financial Report of the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, New South Wales Branch for the year ended 31st December, 2014 is in accordance with the full audited general purpose financial report available for inspection my members. The Audit opinion, express in that report is as follows: In our opinion, the general purpose financial report of the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, New South Wales Branch presents fairly in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards and other mandatory professional reporting requirements in Australia as well as the requirements imposed by the Reporting Guidelines or Part 3 of Chapter 8 of Schedule 1B of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009.

We are also of the opinion that management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements was appropriate.

Ken Mangraviti Ken Mangraviti Pty Ltd Chartered Accountants Registered Company Auditor Suite 4D/140 William Street Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 Dated: 29 May, 2015

Page 36 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

The following report provides a Concise Financial Report for the State registered union. A full copy of the Concise Financial Report can be found on the RTBU website : www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au

STATE CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014 The Committee of Management of The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, New South Wales has resolved to provide a concise financial report to members for the financial year ended 31 December 2014, in accordance with the NSW Industrial Relations Act 1996.

The concise financial report has been derived from the full report and cannot be expected to provide as full an understanding of the financial performance, financial position and financial and investing activities of the reporting unit as the full report. A copy of the full report and auditor’s report will be sent to any member who requests them free of charge.

Members are advised of the following provisions: SECTION 517 OF THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT 1996 In accordance with Section 517 of the Industrial Relations Act a copy of the Auditor’s Report, Accounts and Statements will be supplied free of charge to members who request same.

Certificates required to be given under the Act’s by the Accounting Officer and Committee of Management have been completed in accordance with the provisions of the Act’s and contain no qualifications.

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Page 37

STATE CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014 CERTIFICATE BY COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF A STATE ORGANISATION [The provisions of section 510(2) of the Industrial Relations Act 1991 and clause 59(1)(b) of the Industrial Relations Regulation 1992 apply as regulations under section 282(3) of the Industrial Relations Act 1996] We, the undersigned members of the committee of management of THE AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES hereby certify in respect of the financial year ended 31 December, 2014 that: (a) In the opinion of the committee of management the accounts prepared show a true and fair view of the financial affairs of the organization as at the end of the financial year to which they related; and (b) In the opinion of the committee of management, during the financial year to which the accounts relate, meetings of the committee of management were, in the opinion of the committee, held in accordance with the rules of the organization; and (c) To the knowledge of an member of the committee, there have not been, during the financial year to which the accounts relate, instances where records of the organization of other documents (not being documents containing information made available to a member of the organization under section 512 (2) of the 1991 Act, as applied by section 282(3) of the Industrial Relations Act 1996, or copies of those records or other documents, or copies of the rules of the organization, have not been furnished or made available, to members of the organization in accordance with the Act, this Regulation or the rules of the organization, as the case maybe; and (d) In relation to the report prepared in accordance with section 514 of the 1991 Act, as applied by section 282(3) of the Industrial Relations Act 1996, by the auditor of the organization in respect of the financial year immediately preceding the financial year to which the accounts relate [i.e. the second most recently concluded financial year] and in relation to any accounts and statements prepared in accordance with section 510 (1) of the 1991 Act to which that report relates, the organization has complied with section 517 (1) of the 1991 Act and whichever of subsections (5) and (6) of that section of that Act is applicable.

This certificate is in accordance with a resolution passed by the committee of management of the organization in relation to the matters to be stated in the certificate and is signed on behalf of the committee of management by at least 2 members of the committee.

Page 38 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

STATE CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014 ACCOUNTING OFFICER STATEMENT [The provisions of section 510 (2) of the Industrial Relations Act 1991 and clause 59(1)(a) of the Industrial Relations Regulation 1992 apply as regulations under section 282(3) of the Industrial Relations Act 1996] I, Alex Claassens, the accounting officer of THE AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief that: there were 14,450 persons that were members of the organization as at the end of the financial year ended 31 December, 2014. and in my opinion: (a) the accounts show a true and fair view of the financial affairs of the organisation as at the end of the financial year; and (b) a record has been kept of all money paid by, or collected from, members of the organisation, and all money so paid or collected has been credited to the bank account or accounts to which the money is to be credited, in accordance with the rules of the organisation; and (c) before any expenditure was incurred by the organisation, approval of the incurring of the expenditure was obtained in accordance with the rules of the organisation; and (d) No payment was made out of a fund referred to in clause 57(b)(xiii) or (xv) of the Regulation for a purpose other than the purpose for which the fund was operated; (e) All loans or other financial benefits granted to persons holding office in the organisation were authorized in accordance with the rules of the organisation; and (f)

The register of members of the organisation was maintained in accordance with the Act.

ALEX CLAASSENS Secretary Date: 29 MAY 2015

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

Page 39

Financial Reports for NSW Branch of the Federal Union on the RTBU website : www.rtbu‐ nsw.asn.au

STATE CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014 FINANCIAL REPORTS

FINANCIAL REPORTS THE AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME ForFor the Year Ended 31st December 2014 the Year Ended 31st December 2014

2014 $ INCOME Rent – Caravans Rent – Units TOTAL INCOME EXPENSES Administration Expenses Depreciation and Amortisation Other Expenses

265,406

237,511

202,375 129,132 24,312

196,591 134,285 25,314

(90,413)

NET INCOME

75,606 161,905

355,819

TOTAL EXPENSES

118,415 146,991

Restated 2013 $

356,190

(118,679)

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Gain on Revaluation of Land & Building

‐

247,124 TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (90,413) 128,445 FOR THE YEAR THE AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED FUNDS

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN ACCUMULATED FUNDS As at 31st December 2014 As at 31st December 2014

Retained Profits Balance 01/01/2013 Net Effect of a Correction Restated Balance 01/01/2013 Addition for the year Transfer to/from Asset Revaluation

‐ 2,745,575

2,745,575 128,445 (247,124)

Deficit for the year

2,626,896

Balance 31/12/2014

2,536,483

Balance 31/12/2013

Asset Revaluation $

(90,413)

‐ 769,480

769,480 ‐ 247,124

1,016,604

‐

1,016,604

Total $

‐ 3,515,055

3,515,055 128,445 ‐ 3,643,500 (90,413) 3,553,087

Page 40 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

STATE CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014 THE AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AsAs at 31st December 2014 at 31st December 2014

CURRENT ASSETS Cash and Cash Equivalents Other

TOTAL NON‐CURRENT ASSETS

3,500,250 928,511

TOTAL ASSETS

4,529,466

100,705

NON‐CURRENT ASSETS Property Sussex Inlet Property & Equipment

CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables

TOTAL NON‐CURRENT LIABILITIES

973,978

TOTAL LIABILITIES

976,379

ACCUMULATED FUNDS Reserves Accumulated Surplus ACCUMULATED FUNDS

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

963,366

4,471,945

923 923

955,967 955,967

956,890

3,515,055

1,016,604 2,626,896

769,480 2,745,575

3,643,500

3,432,876 992,296 4,425,172

8,742

972,108

3,553,087

3,590,000 953,518

30,573 16,200 46,773

963,366

1,016,604 2,536,483

8,742

973,978

3,553,087

59,487 12,603

4,615,608

2,401

NET ASSETS

Restated 2012 $

4,543,518

2,401

NON‐CURRENT LIABILITIES Payables

72,090

4,428,761

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES

Restated 2013 $

84,360 16,345

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

2014 $

3,643,500

3,515,055

Page 41

THE AUSTRALIAN RAIL, TRAM AND BUS INDUSTRY UNION, NEW SOUTH WALES STATE CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the Year Ended 31st December 2014 For the Year Ended 31st December 2014

CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Rent Received Payments to Suppliers and Employees Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities CASH FLOW FROM INVESTING ACITIVITIES Payment for Assets Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash Held Cash at beginning of the Year Cash at the End of Year

2014 $

Restated 2013 $

265,406 (226,158)

39,248

34,415

(14,375)

(14,375)

24,873 59,487 84,360

237,511 (203,096)

(5,501) (5,501)

28,914 30,573 59,487

Page 42 RAIL & ROAD June 2015

STATE CONCISE FINANCIAL REPORT FOR 2014

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S STATEMENT To the members of The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, New South Wales.

SCOPE We have audited the concise financial report of The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, New South Wales for the financial year ended 31 December, 2014 comprising the Committee of Management Statement, Certificate by Accounting Officer, Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement of Financial Position, Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements. The Committee of Management is responsible for the financial report. We have conducted an independent audit of this financial report in order to express an opinion on it to the members.

Our audit has been conducted in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards to provide reasonable assurance whether the concise financial report is free of material misstatement.

Our procedures in respect of the audit of the concise financial report included testing that the information in the concise financial report is consistent with the full financial report, and examination, on a test basis, of evidence supporting the amounts and other disclosures which were directly derived from the full financial report. These procedures have been undertaken to form an opinion whether, in all material respects, the concise financial report is presented fairly in accordance with Accounting Standards and the Industrial Relations Act 1996 I am an approved auditor for the purpose of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 AUDIT OPINIONS I certify that the Concise Financial Report is a fair and accurate summary of my Report, Accounts and Statements of The Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union, New South Wales for the year ended 31st December, 2014. My Auditors Report did not contain particulars of any deficiency, failure or shortcomings as referred to in the Industrial Relations Act.

Ken Mangraviti Ken Mangraviti Pty Ltd Chartered Accountants Registered Company Auditor Dated: 29 May, 2015

RAIL & ROAD June 2015

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Lawyers helping Rail, Tram & Bus workers across NSW Slater & Gordon is proud to be the preferred legal service provider for the RTBU NSW Branch, its members and families. We have offices throughout NSW & ACT and offer preferential rates and services to members of the RTBU and their families.

Practice areas Motor vehicle claims

Member benefits

Compensation & negligence claims

Free first consultation No Win - No Fee™ arrangements

Wage loss claims & workplace disputes

Out of hours appointments

Family law

Free standard wills

Conveyancing

*Conditions apply.

Does not include other party costs.

May not include out of pocket expenses.

Call the RTBU on

(02) 9264 2511

or contact an official or your organiser for a referral

www.slatergordon.com.au

For 24 hour information on legal services you can visit our website

www.slatergordon.com.au Reputation & Results

4031SG_RTBU Advert_FEB12

Wills & deceased estates

AM AND

RTBU Change of DeTails foRm

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BU

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Change of Personal Details

ION

Surname

Given Name(s)

Gender Male Female

Street Address

Suburb

Post Code

Home Telephone Number

Work Telephone Number

Date Of Birth

Mobile Number

Email (work) Email (home)

Employer

Employee Number

Occupation: Eg Train Driver

RTBU Member Number

Work Location/ Depot

Date Commenced

Employment Status Fulltime

Part time

Casual

Change in Banking Details iMPortant Members need to specify the date of their next pay so that when the membership fee debit occurs on a friday there is sufficient money in the account to ensure the transaction is not dishonoured which results in you then being charged an additional fee by your bank.

Next Pay Week

Details of Bank aCCoUnt to Be DeBiteD Name of Financial Institution (Bank)

Branch where account is held

Account in the name(s) of Bank/State Branch Number: (BSB Six Digits)

Account Number (Maximum of 9 digits)

Details of CreDit CarD to Be DeBiteD Credit Card Type: Eg Visa, MasterCard, AMX

Credit Card Number

Credit card in the name of

Expiry Date

I/We authorise and request the Rail Tram and Bus Union, until further notice in writing to arrange for my/our account described in this direct debit authority, to be debited with any amounts which the debit user may properly debit or charge me/us through the direct debit system.

I/We authorise and request this direct debit authority to remain in force until cancelled, deferred or otherwise altered in accordance with this service agreement.

SIGNATURE

sUBMit

DATE Please email your completed form to nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au by using the submit button Post: Level 4, 321 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000 or fax: 02 9261 1342

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Membership Enquiries Telephone (02) 9264 2511

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RTBU MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM

AM AND

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ION

Surname

Given Name(s)

Gender Male Female

Street Address

Suburb

Post Code

Home Telephone Number

Work Telephone Number

Date Of Birth

Mobile Number

Email (work) Email (home)

Employer

Employee Number

Date Commenced

Occupation: Eg Train Driver

Work Location/Depot

Employment Status Fulltime

Part time

Casual

I, ___________________________________________________ the undersigned, hereby apply to become a member of the Australian Rail, Tram & Bus Industry Union, an Organisation of employees registered under the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 as amended, and hereby undertake to comply with the Rules & By-Laws for the time being of the Union.

Signature of Applicant _______________________________________________________ Dated _____________________ I, __________________________________________________ the undersigned, hereby apply to become a member of the Australian Rail, Tram & Bus Union NSW, an Organisation registered under the Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW) as amended, and hereby undertake to comply with the Rules and By-Laws for the time being of the Union.

Signature of Applicant _______________________________________________________ Dated _____________________ 1. I agree to pay $ __________ via

DIRECT DEBIT fortnightly; OR

CREDIT CARD fortnightly or any other amounts as may be determined from time to time in accordance with the Rules of the Union.

I certify that I have received a copy of Rule 14, Notification of Resignation From Membership.

2. I/We authorise and request the Rail Tram & Bus Union, until further notice in writing to arrange for my/ our account described in this direct debit authority, to be debited with any amounts which the debit user may properly debit or charge me/us through the direct debit system.

3. I/We authorise my employer to notify the Rail, Tram & Bus Union of any change of address during my employment.

4. I/We authorise and request this direct debit authority to remain in force until cancelled, deferred or otherwise altered in accordance with this service agreement.

Signature of Applicant _____________________________________________________ Dated ____________________ DETAILS OF THE ACCOUNT TO BE DEBITED

Account Name OR Name on Credit Card __________________________________________________________ Financial Institution ______________________________________________ Branch ___________ Date of next pay week __________________________ IMPORTANT Members need to specify the date of their next pay so that when the membership fee debit occurs on a Friday there is sufficient money in the account to ensure the transaction is not dishonoured which results in you then being charged an additional fee by your bank.

Bank / State Branch No. (BSB)

Card Type

MasterCard

Account No. / If Credit Union Membership No. _____________

Visa

Expiry Date

/

Credit Card Number

Please submit this Form to the RTBU’s Membership Officer by email nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au OR Mail to Level 4, 321 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000 OR Fax (02) 9261 1342

IMPORTANT PLEASE KEEP THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR REFERENCE

4. A notice delivered to the Branch Secretary shall be deemed to have been received by when it was delivered.

RESIGNATION FROM MEMBERSHIP

5. A notice of resignation that has been received by the Union is not invalid because it was not addressed and delivered the Branch Secretary.

2. A notice of resignation from membership of the Union takes effect:– (a) where the member ceases to be eligible to become or remain a member of the Union (i) on the day on which the notice is received by the Union or (ii) on the day specified in the notice, which is a day not earlier than the day when the member ceases to be eligible to become a member, whichever is later; or (b) In any other case:– (i) at the end of two weeks; or (ii) on the day specified in the notice: whichever is later.

3. Any subscriptions, fees, fines and levies owing but not paid by a former member of the Union in relation to a period before the member’s resignation took effect, may be sued for and recovered in the name of the Union in a Court of competent jurisdiction, as a debt due to the Union.

What happens if I get pregnant, sick for an extended period or take leave without pay?

If you are on unpaid maternity leave, sick or are off work for a substantial period of time you can seek to have your membership fees suspended until you return to work by giving written notice addressed and delivered to the Secretary of his/her Branch under Clause 11 (8): (8) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Rule, should any member during any financial year be without pay owing to ill health or to other causes which a Branch Executive regards as warranting special consideration, then the Branch Executive may grant the member exemption from payment of all or any contributions imposed in accordance with the Rules for all or part of the period during which he/ she is without pay. During the period of the exemption, the member shall be deemed to be financial.

The Rail, Tram & Bus Union is bound by the Privacy Act and your information can only used for RTBU processes and cannot be used for any other purposes.

AM AND

BU S

Level 4, 321 Pitt Street Sydney NSW 2000

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1. A member may resign from membership of the Union by written notice addressed and delivered to the Secretary of his/her Branch.

6. Resignation from membership of the Union is valid even if it is not affected in accordance with this Rule, if the member is informed in writing by or on behalf of the Union that the resignation has been accepted.

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OF THE RTBU

Tel (02) 9264 2511 Fax (02) 9264 1342 E-mail nswho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au Website www.rtbu-nsw.asn.au

UN

ION

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