RTBU National conference a huge success

Once again, the Tram and Bus Division were a powerful voice at the National Conference of the Australian Rail Tram and Bus Union in Melbourne in late September.

As delegates marked 20 years since the RTBU was formed by amalgamating four Transport Unions, the NSW Tram and Bus Delegation made significant contributions to all major debates and development of the Unions National Policies.

The conference ratified positive measures to address the growing problem of casualisation and contracting of the workforce which leads to erosion of wages and conditions, the most notable measure being the imminent appointment of a National Organiser to focus specifically on addressing this problem and hopefully achieving unionised workforces on collective agreements which will protect the rights of these workers.

During the course of the conference there was a strong line up of guest speakers, including a senior official from the Japanese Rail Union, National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia Paddy Crumlin and Superannuation experts etc.

The agenda was huge for the three day event and delegates should be proud of what was achieved.