Candidate for National Vice President, Affirmative Action - Women

Joanne McCallum

I am standing for the position of National Vice President (Affirmative Action) Women and seek the support of women in the RTBU for election to the position. I have worked in the rail industry for eight years and currently work as a CSA at Tuggerah Station.

I have been active in the union for last four years, and held the position of Vice President, CSA's sub division from 2002 to 2004 and have been elected unopposed as Secretary, Rail Operations Division. I am honoured to be the first woman in the history of the RTBU to hold that position.

I am standing for the position of National Vice President (Women) because I believe that women in the RTBU need strong and effective representation of their interests on the job and in the industry generally at the highest levels of our union.

In NSW women are campaigning for increased Maternity Leave provisions and Leave Sharing rights as part of the general campaign for a new Enterprise Agreement in RailCorp. These claims were developed by the women attending the NSW Branch Women's Conference this year which was attended by women from all sections of the union.

I am committed to a more active union, where members and delegates attend meetings, talk to each other about current issues, keep up to date with is sues on the job and in the industry and able to enforce their rights on the job
RTBU members are facing challenges across the industry in every state and in every Division. I believe that women play a vital role in our industry and that our union needs to hear our voices at every level.

I seek your support for the position.