MTS Member Bulletin Updates from EA Bargaining, Rostering and Work Health and Safety

A lot has been happening in the last few weeks and your RTBU Delegates, HSR’s and Rostering Working Group representatives have been working hard on your behalf.

EA Bargaining

Our Bargaining team met with MTS on Wednesday this week for our 8^th bargaining meeting.

The reason for the 4 week gap between meetings is because the RTBU refused to meet with MTS several weeks earlier as management had not organised for a Professionals Australia OCC delegate to be rostered to attend bargaining and as an act of solidarity we stood with our PA friends in the OCC.

Discussions on Wednesday covered:

Pressure Mats – it is generally agreed that high quality “pressure” boots are preferable to mats if they serve the same function and provide the same level of protection.

Because of crowding on trains CJCT’s may not be able to access a fixed pressure mat and CJC’s are not always able to choose where they stand

Seating on Stations for Staff – this is generally agreed and MTS are preparing draft guidelines around accessing the seating.

In addition, there is a need for additional seating at some busy stations and delegates will be putting together a list of stations that require extra seats.

Classification Structure – we have proposed a new classification structure for frontline staff that increases pay rates for the second and third year of service.

This is on top of the yearly EA increases.

In exchange, MTS may ask you to consider a new starter rate for the first 6-8 weeks of service.

Safe Space on Trains – we recognise that getting funding from the State Government for a retrofit of trains to provide a safe space for staff is a long term project and will require a major union campaign to achieve, just like saving the 48 fixed term members. However, we are seeking a commitment in the EA that MTS will collaborate and co-operate in this campaign.

Union Rights in the workplace – the Federal Labor Government has introduced changes to delegates/ union members rights in the Fair Work Act – these are now the new minimum, and your EA will have to reflect these rights.

Journey Insurance and Improved Parental Leave – these were rejected by MTS on Wednesday which is disappointing .

Rostering Working Group

We’ve now given very definite, collective, feedback around the New Loops Proposal – most feedback is negative, and members believe the proposal poses a risk to members health and safety.

We’ve asked for a risk assessment to be undertaken which was has been ignored – your HSR’s are also taking this issue up.

RTBU members on the Rostering Working Group (RWG) report that the group is working very well and for the first time members input is being genuinely considered and responded to – great work from everyone involved.

Your RTBU RWG will send out their own member bulletin in the next week with a more detailed report.

Health and Safety Representatives

Your HSR’s have raised several WHS risks for Single Person Stations and SafeWork NSW are now engaging with MTS on this issue.

SafeWork have also raised concerns about fatigue issues arising from “pyjama days”.

They have also issued PINS (Provisional Improvement Notices) around lighting at Bella Vista and broken locks on fire escape doors at Epping – well done Tessa!

In other news

All of your RTBU Delegates attended the Bi-Annual RTBU Delegates Conference last week and were absolute stars (particularly on the dance floor at conference dinner we hear!)

MTS is now an established part of the RTBU family and has the full support of all divisions of the RTBU in our EA campaign!