Peter Jenkins - Candidate Statement

By Peter Jenkins

The 1993 amalgamation of three Rail and one Bus and Tram Union was necessary to ensure that a national Industry Union properly represented workers in the Rail, Tram and Bus Industry.

I have been an active unionist at the State and National level for 25 years, as a Bus Operator and Workplace Delegate. My candidature for asenior executive position of our National Union ensures that the various divisions are represented and with the other executive officers, we bring together experience that meets the members' objectives.

The National Vice-President is not a ceremonial position that just chairs meetings and conferences. The National Vice-President is an active, important position that forms part of the executive and helps to develop National Policy.

The challenges that face our members are common to all sectors of the Rail, Tram and Bus Industry. I am asking for your support in this ballot to ensure that we can work in solidarity to protect our members through sensible and appropriate policies, and ensure that National Office resources are available to all Branches.

I am committed to the RTBU moving forward to an organising structure that provides appropriate services and resources to the members, while at the same time encouraging further training and supporting democratic workplace structures that ensure the RTBU has grassroots support.