FAQs about our application for a Multi Enterprise Agreement
28 August 2024
Dear Members,
Below are some Frequently Asked Questions by Sydney Trains and NSW Trains Members about our application for a Multi Enterprise Agreement.
Why do we want one?
A Single Interest Employer Agreement is the strongest instrument that we have ever had to protect against privatisation of the public transport network. This type of agreement removes the biggest selling point of privatisation – our wages and conditions.
With this type of agreement even if parts of our organisation were to be sold off, all wages and conditions would remain intact, and the new employer would be forced to engage in bargaining at our bargaining table, not somewhere else and not with a new enterprise agreement.
The more of us who stand together, the stronger we are. With a Single Interest Employer Agreement, no government can divide us.
What is a multi?
A single interest employer agreement is a type of multi-enterprise agreement that allows 2 or more employers to be covered by the same agreement.
This type of agreement is part of the recent Federal Government industrial relations reforms. It aims to give employees more strength to fight for better wages and conditions. It also gives us a unique opportunity to safeguard against privatisation indefinitely. This window of opportunity could close if there is a change of government.
Where are we at?
We previously made a bargaining claim for a Single Interest Employer Agreement that covered only Sydney Trains and NSW Trains. In making our PABO, Deputy President Cross made a finding that Sydney Trains and NSW Trains were in a ‘common-enterprise’ – effectively meaning they are treated as one employer by the Fair Work Act, and therefore do not need a Single Interest Employer Authorisation to bargain together.
Simultaneously, our Tram and Bus Division is in a protracted EA fight with their employer Transdev, this has created the space for us to potentially stand together with Light Rail and bring forward the fight against privatisation.
The RTBU has applied for a Single Interest Employer Authorisation (the Authorisation) with the Fair Work Commission, this process will take time but will run in parallel with our current EA Negotiations and won’t necessarily cause any delays in bargaining.
Ultimately the decision is with the Fair Work Commission as to whether we are granted an Authorisation to bargain to cover the Light Rail as well. In the meantime, bargaining will continue with Sydney Trains and NSW Trains as it has for the past few months.
What happens next?
The RTBU will continue to negotiate for our log of claims. This includes using our recently available protected industrial action. We will be able to turn up the pressure on the government to lock in the wages and conditions that our members deserve.
Be prepared for a scare campaign from Sydney Trains & NSW Trains filled with misinformation who desperately don’t want to us to have this vital tool. If you have any questions reach out to your EA Delegate so they can get the answers and information you need. You can find information about your EA delegates and other information on our website, www.fightingforourfuture.com.au.
In unity,
RTBU NSW