
4 minute read
MEMBERS URGE RTBU TO KEEP TAKING UP THE FIGHT TO BAD BOSSES
The results of the 2022 RTBU National Members Survey are in, and members have sent a strong message that they want their union to keep taking up the fight to bad bosses.
In total, 2,358 members filled out the online survey form, with 57% of respondents from NSW, followed by Victoria (16%), Queensland (10%), WA (8%), SA/NT (5%) and Tasmania (3%).
UNION PRIORITIES
Members were asked about the importance of a wide range of union functions.
The most important union function, which rated as ‘very important’ by 94% of members, was “challenging employers who treat their workers unfairly”.
Functions that were overwhelmingly rated as ‘very important’ by members were:
» Challenging employers who treat their workers unfairly (94%)
» Ensuring employers comply with the employment obligations (92%)
» Negotiating better wages and conditions (92%)
» Improving job security (92%)
» Providing legal support and advice to members (89%)
» Advocating to preserve the superannuation system so it is not dismantled (83%)
» Improving safety in your workplace (82%)
Other union functions that received strong support from members included:
» Advocating to government for better safety regulation in our industries (77%)
» Advocating to protect Medicare so it is not dismantled or defunded (76%)
» Ensuring that qualifications in our industries are fit for purpose (74%)
» Assisting members or their families when they are in distress (71%)
» Providing input and advice to government on the future of our industries (70%)
» Growing jobs in our industries (70%)
But that’s not all!
Members also identified a further list of union activities that they considered very important – which goes to show just how extensive the role a trade union really is.
Other functions which were identified as very important were:
» Ensuring there are enough people to fill the roles available in our industries (67%)
» Advocating for government for infrastructure projects or upgrades in our industries (64%)
» Providing members with core qualifications like RIW Cards and ‘Safely Access the Rail Corridor’ (64%)
» Advocating on issues that do directly impact our industries but make Australia a better place to live (42%)
» Negotiating discounts on various goods or services to members (32%)
» Providing members and their families with recreational facilities or events (26%)
REASONS TO JOIN THE RTBU
The survey asked members to identify the main reason why they joined the RTBU. It’s clear that members recognise that the importance of having strength in unity, with well over half of respondents (58%) saying the main reason they joined the RTBU was because they believe in trade unionism.
Other important reasons for joining were:
» To get involved in an EA negotiation or industrial action (14%); and
» Being approached by a Delegate or Organiser (7%).
We can all help grow our union strength by telling new employees about how the RTBU works for them, and asking new workers to consider joining up.
POLITICAL ISSUES
Members were asked to list the top three issues a ecting their vote in elections at national and state levels.
Unsurprisingly, given Australia’s rising inflation rate and low wages growth, the most significant political issue for members was the cost of living, which was nominated by 70% of respondents.
Important issues a ecting how people vote were:
» Cost of living and affordability (70%)
» Employee rights (59%)
» Healthcare (52%)
» The economy (37%)
» Climate change and the environment (18%)
» Leadership (17%)
» Education (14%)
» Aged Care (9%)
» Immigration and refugees (4%)
» Gender equality (4%)
» None of the above (3%)
The survey also showed that the RTBU is a multi-cultural union, with just 9.5% of respondents born in Asia, and 44% of respondents having at least one parent born outside of Australia.
ACCESSING NEWS AND INFORMATION
It was interesting to see how the way members access news and information is changing, with 64% of respondents accessing news from internet news websites. Television is still important, with 56% of respondents saying they get their news from TV, while 50% said they get their news from social media.
The growth of social media, along with the concentration of media ownership, is a reminder that we all need to be careful when making judgements about what information is reliable, and what isn’t (see both the Carmichael Centre’s explainer of media ownership on page 13, and the review of Van Badham’s book QAnon and On on page 28).
But rest assured, you always trust information from the RTBU social media pages and from union publications like Transport NOW!