The Independent Transport Union (ITU) is a Union and an industrial association of members established to better represent the industrial interests of workers in the transport industry. We come from a range of companies in roles such as Workshops Maintenance, Customer Service, Infrastructure and Administration.
The Fair Work Act 2009 defines “industrial association” as :[A]n association of employees, or independent contractors, or both (whether formed formally or informally), a purpose of which is the protection and promotion of their interests in matters concerning their employment, or their interests as independent contractors (as the case may be).
We are incorporated under the Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 and can operate throughout Australia.
ITU members can be assured that they have all the protections available to them under the general protections and industrial activity clauses of the Fair Work Act 2009.
Officials and delegates of the ITU can represent members just like any other Union, this includes representing you at disciplinary meetings, providing advice on industrial matters, providing support and representation in courts and tribunals like the Fair Work Commission if required and helping you with your rights under the Enterprise Agreement and negotiating for you. Members have every right to appoint us as their preferred Bargaining Representative which gives us the right to represent you in your Enterprise Agreement negotiations.
To be clear, the Independent Transport Union is not a registered “Employee Organisation” under Fair Work legislation which mainly means that our officials cannot hold a “Right of Entry” permit (ROE). An ROE entitles officials to enter a workplace with 24 hours notice to the employer to speak to members. This does not affect our ability to represent members in meetings at all. It just doesn't allow us to walk into the workplace and hold meetings with members.
If you cannot find an answer to your question, please click the message us button at the bottom right to send us an email.
The ITU and its members have joined together to stand up for our rights, and as a collective group, we know we can do better to improve our conditions. We are taking action without ulterior motives. We are independent of political motivations and will not be controlled or blindsided anymore!
We will fight to secure the best workplace agreement, not only with better wages, but REAL job security, equitable and enforceable promotional streams, better overall conditions and safety in unity with our members, not lining our pockets or seeking political positions!
The ITU can represent almost anyone working in the Transport Industry. Rail Operational staff, Rail Admin staff, Maintenance and Workshops staff, Train Drivers and anyone employed in the Light and Heavy Rail industry including Metro Trains, V/Line, Pacific National, Yarra Trams and Public Transport Victoria. We have also established a new division for Road Transport Workers which includes workers in the Bus transport industry, truck industry and Road logistics.
Every worker has the right to join a union and this includes appointing a bargaining representative of your choice.
It is against the law for a person to purposefully misrepresent to you:
YOU HAVE RIGHT TO CHOOSE!
If an employer or other union official tells you that you cannot join the ITU or there will be some consequences, this is WRONG. Take notes an let us know immediately who they are and what they said.
All you need to do is write to your current Union, preferably via email, and advise them that you wish to resign immediately. Keep a record of this request.
Make sure to stop all payments- If you paid by Direct Debit advise the old Union these need to stop immediately. If you paid your dues via payroll deductions, please contact your payroll to cease all deductions immediately and advise your old union if they receive any deductions after your resignation to ensure they refund you.
Always keep a record of all requests.
No, the ITU is not a registered “Employee Organisation” under Fair Work legislation.
The significant difference? ITU officials cannot hold a "Right of Entry" permit, which allows an official to enter the workplace to have general ad-hoc meetings with members and other workers during breaks.
Is this an issue? NO - We can still meet members outside the workplace during breaks or even via Zoom, and this DOES NOT affect your right to be represented at a meeting. Every worker has a right to a support person during an official meeting.
Fair Work Act 2009 (FWA): sets out and provides the minimum entitlements and workplace rights of employees. All employees have rights under the FWA regardless of union membership.
Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 (the RO Act) registers and manages organisations and provides minimum structure and financial obligations. The RO Act does not provide for workplace protections to employees.
Associations Incorporation Reform Act 2012 registers and manages incorporated associations and provides minimum structure and financial obligations. This Act also does not provide for workplace protections to employees.
The RTBU is a politically affiliated union and rather than concentrate on fighting for and representing their members the officials and representatives of the RTBU have promoted themselves and let down their members for far too long. With woeful bargaining in EA's and deplorable representation, the RTBU have left members with nothing but bad conditions, lack of job security, redundancies, dismissals and demotions.
The ITU will represent its members, not the bosses.
As a registered Association, the ITU has accountability requirements and must lodge yearly financial statements with Consumer Affairs Victoria and also to the members via an Annual General Meeting (AGM). All financial members must be invited to the AGM to review the financial statement. Registered organisations do not have the same accountability as they do not have to hold meeting with members to review finances.
The transparency and accountability threshold for Associations are stringent and penalties are high for non-compliance.
This is the difference to being a Registered Organisation under the RO Act who have their own executive group sign off on their financial statement; therefore, they are approving their own spending and can easily retrospectively approve non-compliant actions by holding a meeting amongst themselves and make conduct right that was plainly wrong at the time.
If you cannot find an answer to your question, please click the message us button at the bottom right to send us an email.
Independent Transport Union
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