Spreading the Word About Union Power

Western Australia is our biggest state by area, but the dedicated WA Branch team is out to cover every inch of it.

As noted in the Spring edition of Transport NOW, this recently involved a trek around WA’s remote and rural areas, starting in the Pilbara and then continuing through to the southwest.

The delegation was led in the north by WA Branch Secretary Craig McKinley, and included Industrial Organiser Kristy Martin and WA Branch President George Kelly.

In just a short period they managed to talk to 21 different rail and rail infrastructure companies and gave out 120 membership packs.

“We were in Port Hedland in early November, and spoke to members at BHP, Cat5 Rail, Program, John Holland, EDI Downer, and Fluor,” Craig said.

“We also have an EBA coming up with John Holland so we were keen to meet people there and make some contacts.

“All were really good meetings involving quite a few early morning prestarts. It was a week long, with up at 5am and going well into the evening.”

Craig said the trip was a great success and new members are now beginning to filter through.

The delegation also visited Port Hedland High School, which hosts a Cat5 Rail infrastructure training program for local kids.

“We collected information on their curriculum,” Craig said. “We won’t copy it, but will look at the framework, have a meeting with the Education Minister and try to roll out a similar curriculum in the southwest. That could be in high schools or as a TAFE course.”

Kristy Martin says meeting with Cat5 Rail to discuss their high school training program was a highlight.

“This is something I am personally interested in as there is a huge potential for our children to get a step up into the rail and rail infrastructure system,” Kristy said.

Kristy and George stayed on the road after the Pilbara, heading to the southwest to visit more RTBU members and depots.

Day one saw them in Wagin and then Albany, and they then travelled to Esperance to meet Pacific National and Aurizon crews.

Kalgoorlie, which she says is a hot spot for all RTBU members across all companies, was next stop on the list, then it was on to Merriden and Northam.

“I had the pleasure of meeting some lovely members who between them had a world of rail knowledge,” she said. “I am looking forward to working with you all!

“Throughout my travels I continued to work with our members who came to me with issues, from saving a member’s job when the fight seemed too big, to securing reimbursements for members after pay issues.

“We are here for everyone and we will continue to put your needs first.”