PacNat EBA RTBU Newsflash No. 1/2005

IN THIS EDITION OF YOUR RTBU NEWSFLASH! RTBU Delegate Conference Planned for 22nd and 23rd February 2005

RTBU DELEGATES CONFERENCE

The recent RTBU National Executive meeting passed a resolution to hold a conference of RTBU Pacific National delegates from around the country on the 22nd and 23rd February 2005 in Sydney, in preparation for the upcoming Enterprise Agreement negotiations. The current Pacific National Enterprise Agreement is due to expire on the 30th June 2005. The current EBA states that the parties are to commence negotiations 3 months prior to the nominal expiry date, and so it is timely that we conduct the delegate conference.

Below is a copy of the resolution of the RTBU National Executive which outlines the classifications / locations from which delegates are requested to be nominated for attendance at the conference. Delegates are asked to forward details of those nominated to your respective Branch / Divisional Secretary and a courtesy copy to the National Office. Advice of the nominated representatives from each classification / location is requested as a matter of urgency to ensure that those nominated are able to attend.

RESOLUTION

"2.2 PACIFIC NATIONAL EBA 2005 - DELEGATES MEETING

Resolved on the motion of Comrades G. Harvey and R. Hancox:

National Executive recognises the importance of ensuring that members, and in particular delegates and activists, are appropriately educated and advised of the environment of the day in developing a Log of Claims. We further recognise the importance of ensuring a strong and united front on issues of importance to the maintenance and advancement of the wages and conditions of Pacific National (NSW and ACT) members.

National Executive notes that the current Pacific National (NSW and ACT) Enterprise Agreement is due to expire in June 2005. We further note that outcomes of recent significant events, such as the re-election of the conservative Federal Howard Liberal government and the Electrolux decision are likely to result in the negotiations for the next Pacific National (NSW and ACT) EBA being difficult.

Therefore, National Executive endorses the proposition to convene a meeting of Pacific National (NSW and ACT) workplace delegates from across the country on the 22nd and 23rd February 2005 to achieve those objectives.

National Executive endorses that, as a guide, one delegate from each of the classifications and / or locations as listed below as being appropriate to attend the abovementioned delegate conference.

National Executive calls on the National Office to write to Pacific National to request the releasing of delegates at the earliest possible opportunity after the appropriate delegates are identified at the local level in consultation with Branches and / or Divisions".

The motion was put and carried unanimously."

In addition to Delegates employed by Pacific National (NSW and ACT), the RTBU will be inviting Delegate representatives from TasRail, Freight Australia and Pacific National Queensland, all which are recent acquisitions of Pacific National. We will also be inviting a Delegate from the New Zealand Rail and Maritime Transport Union because the freight rail system in New Zealand is now owned by TOLL Holdings.