Urgent Protected Action Update

19/11/21

Dear Member,

This week the RTBU and TWU gave notice of our intention to turn off Opal machines for Monday 22/11/21 as protected action tied to the Region 6 EA negotiation.

This afternoon the company started issuing threats of docking member’s pay for the upcoming protected action in region 6. The union will fight this all the way in the Fair Work Commission. The company does have the right to ask if you are taking part in any action. If you are called into talk with management then make sure you take your delegate with you.

In the weeks to come we will be taking more serious actions including work stoppages. It is important to remember a couple things. Firstly, this will NOT be a short process. The company is likely to drag things out as long as possible, just like they always do.

Secondly, we need to avoid impacting the HSC. This is because we don’t want discussions to be about how we’re making things hard for the students; we want the talk to be about OUR issues.

There also has to be co-ordination between the Unions. For those who are chomping at the bit to give the company a bloody nose and walk out- please be patient. That action is coming and nothing will stop it, but we’ve seen in the past how taking a single day strike action achieves nothing. We’re looking at a long and drawn out battle if we want to succeed there has to be an overall plan.

To those who are unsure and worried about what’s on the horizon, talk to your local delegate or attend one of the depot meetings planned for next week. Many members will never have taken part in a campaign of protected action and not know what we can and can’t do. It’s important that everyone is together as we move forward.

Remember, ONLY RTBU AND TWU MEMBERS WHO HAVE NOT NOMINATED TO BE REPRESENTED BY SOMEONE ELSE CAN TAKE PART IN OUR PROTECTED ACTION.

One independent representative is going through the process of a protected action vote and the people they represent will be join us once that vote is done.

In Solidarity,

David Babineau, Divisional Secretary   

Daniel Jaggers, Divisional President