Who Can Be A Member Of The RTBU
To become a member of the NSW Branch of the RTBU you have to be employed (permanent, part-time or casual) in the rail, bus or tram industry within NSW. RTBU members, workplace activists and delagtes are the people who contribute to make the RTBU a successfully industry union. RTBU members are the foundation of the bargaining and campaigning success of the RTBU. Workplace activists and delegates are the prople who volunteer their time to stand up for their workmates' rights at work.
RTBU Delegates and Workplace Activists
Union delegtes play a fundamental role in ensuring the RTBU builds strength in its workplaces by being a contact point between members and the RTBU's organisers. However, delegates cannot build strength and organise their workplace without the support of active members who know their rights.
Workplace activtists work with RTBU delegates to enable the RTBU to build union power in each workplace by working to ensure members have an opportunity to shape the decision that effect them in their workplaces. Workplace activists and delegates support themselves and others at the workplace while also having access to support and the resources of the RTBU and its organisers.
Anyone can be a workplace activist and there is no requirement to stand for an elected position as delegate before you are able to get active. If you are interested in getting active in your workplace contact the RTBU and ask to speak to the orgaiser who supports your workplace. RTBU organisers can be contacted at the union office on (02) 9264 2511.
What can I do?
Being in the RTBU means taking action with your workmates to improve the conditions in your workplace. It is about working together to make sure your voices are heard in your workplace, industry and in your community.
RTBU delegates and workplace activists are responsible for performing a number of tasks in their workplaces in order to build strength. These tasks include:
- Communicating to members about issues effecting them at work;
- Representing members to management;
- Recruiting new members;
- Liaising with their RTBU organiser;
- Promoting unionism and collective action in the workplace;
- Getting other members active and involved; and
- Distributing publications and material to members in the workplace.
All workplace activisits are able to attend RTBU training to assist them in developing skills to perform their role in the workplace. To find out more about the training available contact your organiser or the RTBU on (02) 9264 2511.
How do I go about it?
If you have a delegate in your workplace, assist him or her in distributing material, and in keeping the members informed about what is happening.
If no one is active at your workplace and you would like more information about the issues, contact your organiser who will ensure you are added to the workplace activists' contact list so that you are kept in touch with events, issues and campaigns.
Bus dirvers, Light rail members, Station staff, Signallers, Locomotive drivers, Guards, Transit Officers, On board service staff, Clerical and Administrative staff all have their own networks of activists who support each other at work and keep everybody in touch. Becoming a part of that network is easy. All you have to do is contact the RTBU by phone (02) 9264 2511 or email rtbuho@rtbu-nsw.asn.au and ask to be placed on the relevant mailing list to be sent relevant material that can distributed in your workplace.
Union Training
Training is an important part of the support the RTBU provides to members who want to be active and have demonstrated a willingness to support other members in their workplace. The RTBU has adopted a training policy which commits the organisation to providing appropriate resources to educate and train workplace activists. By providing training the RTBU is developing the skill levels of our delegates and workplace leaders to make them more effective in their workplaces.
The introductory training program for workplace delegates is conducted by the RTBU. Further training is provided to workplace activists and delegates by the ACTU's Education Centre. Members who would like to undertake union training are encouraged to ask their delegate or contact their organiser at the RTBU on (02) 9264 2511.
