Transport forum addresses the new political environment

Over 100 delegates attended a forum at Trades Hall on Thursday 1 September which aimed to prepare transport workers for their new political and working environment following the recent change of government.

Delegates came from all the major public service unions involved in the transport sector, including the RTBU, PSA, ASU, MUA, APESMA, AMWU, AMOU, AWU, CEPU, AIMPE, TWU and CFMEU.

A highlight of the day was a talk from the RTBU Vic Secretary Trevor Dobbyn, who explained how the Victorian union survived through a very difficult period when public transport services were privatised.

 

In the afternoon delegates broke into groups to discuss ideas for cross union campaigning on transport issues. This is the first step in making sure unions work together cooperatively on transport issues as we collectively face the challenges of possible privatisation, job losses and attacks on pay and conditions.

This includes the State Government’s plans to create a new integrated transport authority, privatise Sydney Ferries, cap public sector wages and castrate the Industrial Relations Commission.

We’ll keep members up to date on actions coming out of the forum.