Union Tsunami Appeal

Many Queensland Rail workers donated a day's pay from accumulated leave, for example. Other employers are matching members' donations dollar-for-dollar.

The RTBU National Executive donated $5,000 to the Union Tsunami Appeal, the Queensland and SA / NT Branch Executives donated $1,000, the Tasmanian Branch donated $500, and other Branches are actively involved.

A meeting of RTBU National and Branch Officers on January 12, 2005, resolved to throw the full weight of the RTBU behind the Union Tsunami Appeal, initiated by the Australian Council of Trade Unions, through it's overseas aid arm, Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA. It called on all members throughout Australia to donate generously to the union appeal for the victims of the tsunami in South Asia. If every member of a trade union gave just $2, it would raise over $4,500,000.

Where your donation goes

Funds contributed to the Union Tsunami Appeal will go to northern Sri Lanka, southern Sri Lanka and Aceh.

In northern Sri Lanka, APHEDA's partner, Norwegian Peoples Aid (the aid arm of the Norwegian trade union movement) has over 600 local staff working on delivering water, food, shelter and medical aid to heavily affected communities.

In southern Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan trade unions have mobilised a force of 20,000 volunteers to also ensure that the water, food, shelter and medicines are delivered quickly and efficiently.

In Aceh, APHEDA is working with Acehnese community organisations and other Australian aid agencies to get resources outside of the control of the Indonesian military.

With very low administrative costs by using local trade union and volunteer structures, Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA can ensure that funds donated to this appeal will get through to people in need in Sri Lanka and Aceh.

How can you donate

1. Ring 1800.888.674 (free call) or (02) 9264.9343 between 8:00am and 6:00pm
2. Visit the Union Aid Abroad - APHEDA website on www.apheda.org.au
3. Mail a cheque to APHEDA, Level 3, 377 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000

(Any donation over $2 to APHEDA is tax deductible. APHEDA's ABN is 76 425 451 089. Authority to Fundraise CFN12752.)

Payroll deduction

Contact your RTBU Branch Secretary about your employer's availability of payroll deduction to the Union Tsunami Appeal.