The RTBU take extreme exception that ARTC now believe they speak on behalf of the RTBU NSW. The RTBU negotiating committee never supported the draft ARTC NSW maintenance agreement 2007 as members were advised through our email sent to RTBU EA depot representatives on 4.10.2007.
The RTBU advised ARTC that any voting process prior to ARTC directly employing our members was not possible under the existing legislation. ARTC still decided to have a handful of direct employees vote on an agreement that was not supported by our membership.
This non union enterprise agreement is significantly worse than the current pay rates and conditions our membership have.
The RTBU were advised week ending the 15th February of ARTC's intention to have a non union agreement. The RTBU's Secretary sent a letter on 20th February to the CEO of ARTC requesting that they don't proceed with their proposed non union agreement and enter into good faith bargaining.
ARTC chose not to continue with any further negotiations and had a handful of their direct employees vote on the non union agreement the following day, 21st February 2008.
Our membership clearly understand this vote clearly locked them out of the process and denied members an avenue to fix and deliver a fair enterprise agreement for all workers.
This isn't the fair Australian way, this is the "like it or lump it approach" of ARTC.
Bulletin issued by: Doug Klineberg, Lead Organiser Bulletin authorised by: Nick Lewocki, Secretary
