RTBU Tasmania

26/03/2026

19/03/2026

The public do notice what goes on around them.
That is partially why passenger numbers drop.

In Metro Tasmania's own annual report last year, they reported anti social incidents were up 400% since 2019!

We knocked on the door of the then Transport Minister Michael Ferguson and implemented the Department of State Growth led Safer Public Transport Working Group.

Three years ago this month it commenced. RTBU Tasmania pushed for interim onboard security officers. Results saw a decline in such behaviours.

Two years ago to the month, the Safer Public Transport Working Group was put on hold due to the March 2024 State Election.

Shuffle of seats, Eric Abetz took over the reigns of the Transport portfolio. Then we have another election! Enter Kerry Vincent to the helm of Transport.

Three years, three Minister's. No return to the Working Group, zero Transit Officers, funding for Transit Officers that has vanished, statewide recruitment and retention issues for the industry, zero action or communication on the topic.

Will anyone work with us to fix the broken system?

08/03/2026

RTBU women play an important role in our transport industry - they are driving our trains, operating buses, maintaining infrastructure, and coordinating services.

And every day, they go to work fighting to ensure their workplaces support, protect and value women.

So today we celebrate all you do to keep our communities moving.

Happy International Women’s Day!

06/03/2026

A milestone finally acknowledged on Metro Tasmania's timeline. This was requested and pushed for by our Women's committee.

In 1984, the first women employed as drivers for the then Metropolitan Transport Trust. Pictured (left to right) are Miss Ann Tucker, Mrs Narelle Todd and Miss Rosemary Forster.

06/03/2026

Need some serious cash back?

Check this out: you can get up to $3,000 when you buy, refinance, or invest through RTBU Home Loans. Talk about a warm welcome!

Visit http://www.rtbuhomeloans.com.au/ to find out more.

02/03/2026

Another example of our public service that isn't supported.

Granted it's not a Metro Tasmania service, but we're pushing for the safety of all public transport users.

Three years since the Department of State Growth led Safer Public Transport Working Group was formed. They went into caretaker mode with Parliament for an election. And never returned.

Back on September 25, 2023 funding for transit officers was announced by Transport Minister of the time, Michael Ferguson.

Two elections, two different ministers since. Kerry Vincent, did Eric Abetz pass any information on whilst handballing the problems to you? Has the funding been reallocated? Or is the safety of the travelling public not a concern?

Incidents like this happen daily. Talk is great, actions will show support for our industry and the wider community who rely on us.

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Bx2xkH91K/

01/03/2026

165 years young 💪🏼

Happy Birthday, RTBU!

Today, 1st March, marks the anniversary of the day that four unions: AFULE, ARU, ATMOEA and the NURWA came together to build strength through unity.

This year is an important milestone in our shared history, as we celebrate 165 years since our union was first founded.

In 1861, 20 Victorian train drivers united to improve their working conditions. That same resolve lives on in the 35,000 members who make up the RTBU across the country today, united by the same mission to do better for each other.

It’s a legacy built over 165 years, and one well worth celebrating.
Happy Birthday, RTBU! And here’s to 165 years of strength through unity.

RTBU Victoria
RTBU Qld Branch
Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Branch
RTBU
RTBU Western Australia
RTBU Tasmania

27/02/2026

The next issue of the RTBU’s national member magazine, Transport NOW, is out, and this edition looks back at the best of 2025.

Our members set a new bar for pay and conditions across the rail, tram and bus industry. By standing together in 2025, we:

🚎Returned Adelaide train and trams back to public hands and stopped Tasmania’s bus and rail services from falling victim to privatisation

💪Came together to tackle the big issues and shape the future of our union at the 2025 National Council

🚽Launched our national It’s a Bloody Mess campaign, demanding action for clean, safe and accessible facilities for every transport worker

And many more...

Check out Transport NOW: https://www.rtbu.org.au/transport_now_february_2026

05/02/2026

Queensland leading the way, has anyone noticed any improvements here in Tasmania?

This issue isn't going away without action. RTBU Australia RTBU Qld Branch

Brisbane City Council have unanimously voted to approve funding for upgrades to amenities in bus depots following pressure from the bus driver’s union and Council’s Labor Opposition. At yesterday’s…

04/02/2026

No one left behind!

With the TasRail EA encompassing so many different section of the workforce, we stood united and made sure everyone had their voice heard.

21/01/2026

MEDIA RELEASE
22 January 2026
For Immediate Release

TasRail Workers Reject Intimidation as Industrial Action Escalates with a 24-hour strike

TasRail workers have reached a tipping point after management failed to seize the opportunity at yesterday’s bargaining meeting to resolve long standing workplace issues and avert further industrial action.

Rather than working toward a fair and reasonable in principle agreement, TasRail management chose to threaten to “test” the unions and its members. This confrontational approach has only deepened frustration across the workforce.

When workers stood firm on their position, management reacted with hostility instead of problem solving.

“Threats and posturing will not intimidate our members,” Mark Dunsby RTBU State Secretary said. “TasRail’s attempt to strong arm its workforce only reinforces why workers standing together is so important.”

The unions remain committed to securing a fair outcome and will not back down simply because management objects to hearing the word “no.” he said.

Further to this TasRail have threatened to stand down CEPU members without pay for observing partial bans like using hand tools or fault finding. This is outrageous behaviour from a State-Owned Tasmanian company Amanda Coleman CEPU Organiser said.

Industrial action will escalate with a 24 hour statewide strike to take place this Friday 23rd, January commencing at 00:01.

ENDS