The Rail, Tram and Bus Union was created on 28 February 1993 through the amalgamation of four of Australia’s oldest unions:

• the Australian Railways Union (ARU);
• the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen (AFULE);
• the National Union of Railway Workers (NURWA);and
• the Australian Tramway and Motor Omnibus Employees Association (ATMOEA).

Initially called the Public Transport Union (PTU), the Union changed its name to the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus  Industry Union (RTBU) on 1 March 1998.

The RTBU can confer Life Membership on individuals who have made a significant and meritorious contribution to the Union over an extended period of time.

 According to the RTBU Union rules:

The National Council, the National Executive, a Branch Council or a Branch Executive may confer Honorary Life Membership on any member who has given meritorious service to the Union and its members. Such Life Membership shall commence on and from that member's retirement, resignation or cessation of eligibility to remain a member.

We pay tribute to the following Life Members of the modern RTBU (who have received Life Membership since the formation of the amalgamated Union.)

LIFE MEMBER HONOUR BOARD