This RTBU Tram & Bus Division Election, vote for a team that is united, competent & proactive
Brian Penza
Max Tocci
Heivaha Ayeni
Stafford Burby
Trammies deserve a union that is present in depots, clear in communication and serious about winning better outcomes.
Too often, members have been left in the dark, issues have slipped through the cracks, and our Division has been isolated from the broader strength of the RTBU.
We can do better.
A strong union is built on visible leadership, accountable decision-making and respect for the members and delegates who keep the system moving every day.
We are standing for a more visible union with:
Regular depot visits
Direct access to the Executive Team
Stronger communication with members
Better support for delegates and HSRs
A union that shows up before problems become crises
This election is about rebuilding a Division that is united, competent and focused on members.
Trammies deserve better...
We are standing for a more accountable union with:
Clear reporting back to members
Proper follow-up on workplace issues
Stronger collaboration with Victorian Branch officials
Better governance, compliance and training
No more division, secrecy or personal agendas
With EA negotiations ahead, trammies need experienced, organised and united representation. We need a Division that works with members, supports delegates and uses the full strength of the RTBU to win.
Brian Penza
for Secretary
Many years working at Yarra Trams, including more than a decade as a Union Delegate and RTBU Victorian Branch Assistant Branch Secretary, have taught me the importance of strong relationships, strong representation and a strong union.
I have seen ruthless attacks from management, represented hundreds of members across all depots, and worked through countless workplace issues. Through collaborating with RTBU representatives across Australia, other unions, Victorian Trades Hall and the ACTU, I have learned that we are strongest when we share information, work together and stay united.
My experience has helped deliver significant outcomes for members, including:
Significant back pay for members in the WorkCover annual leave accumulation dispute
Thousands of hours of personal leave re-credited to members
Defending depot amenities clubs against HR attempts to impose restrictions
Negotiated job-share arrangements for members transitioning to retirement and flexible working arrangements for special circumstances
I have participated in numerous Enterprise Agreement negotiations and understand the pitfalls we need to watch for. I have represented members at Fair Work, in Federal Court, DoT investigations, WorkCover, OHS and steering committees, including being questioned and cross-examined by Yarra Trams lawyers, management, HR, company directors, commissioners and judges.
We now have a chance to build a stronger, more united union that is proactive, and puts members first.
Working together, we can fight for fairer rosters, better conditions and ensure our union is fighting fit.
Your voice is important and we want to hear from you. Call me on 0415 172 042.
Max Tocci
for Assistant Secretary
I began as a Yarra Trams driver in 2008 at Brunswick Depot before moving to Southbank the following year.
For more than twelve years, I have served as the RTBU delegate at Southbank Depot. In that time, I have represented members in disciplinary matters, held management accountable on safety, security and rostering, and helped organise members during industrial action and rallies.
I am proud of the strong collective culture we have built at Southbank. Our Amenities Committee, Health and Safety Representatives, roster committee and engaged members all play a vital role in making the depot stronger, fairer and more united.
Before joining the tramways, I worked in hospitality, where I saw how internal division can weaken a union. I saw management exploit infighting while wages and conditions went backwards.
That experience shaped my belief that unity is not just a slogan. It is how workers protect each other and win.
The RTBU is a strong and powerful union. As Assistant Secretary, I will work to keep our Division united, visible and focused on protecting and advancing the rights and conditions of every member.
Heivaha Ayeni
for President
I began my working life as a shorthand typist in the legal system before coming to Australia. Changing careers was a major step, but I found my place in the tramways, first as a conductor and then as a driver. I have now worked in the industry for 33 years.
From day one, I have been a proud union member. During the PTC era, I helped co-found the first women’s group, “The Women’s Circle”, later renamed “Circle of Friends”. I have also been involved in depot amenities and member support throughout my career.
Four years ago, I became more active again as a proxy delegate before becoming the RTBU delegate at Malvern. I take that responsibility seriously. I have represented and negotiated for members, listened to drivers’ concerns and worked to resolve practical workplace problems.
After 33 years as a driver, I understand the pressures members face every day. Better rosters, work-life balance, fairness, safety and respect are not abstract issues. They affect our lives, our families and our wellbeing.
I am especially committed to supporting women in our industry. As more women enter the tramways, we must ensure they are properly supported, including expectant mothers seeking flexible working arrangements before and after maternity leave.
I will also continue to push for clean, accessible facilities for drivers across the network.
As President, I want to listen, bring people together and help build a stronger, fairer and more united Division for every member.
Stafford Burby
for Vice President
I began with Yarra Trams in 2002 as a Customer Service Employee before becoming a driver at Glenhuntly Depot the following year.
Since then, I have worked across a range of roles, giving me a strong understanding of our workplace and the issues members face. My priorities are clear: better working conditions, fair and practical rostering, and a healthier work-life balance.
For more than five years, I have served as the RTBU delegate at Tram Hub Depot. I have represented members in disciplinary matters, held management accountable on safety, security, fairness and rostering, and focused on achieving practical outcomes for members.
I am proud to be part of a committed union community. Through my work at Tram Hub and across other depots, I have listened to members, worked with Health and Safety Representatives, and supported the practical work that keeps depots functioning.
I am standing because members deserve representation that is visible, steady and focused on outcomes. That means listening to members, supporting delegates, improving rosters and defending the conditions we have fought for.
Our strength lies in unity. The RTBU is a strong and powerful union, and together we must remain united to protect and advance the rights and conditions of every member.