Forty years ago, Martin Tighe started his new job at the Department of Main Roads (DMR). He also joined the PSA.

The DMR brand no longer exists, but Mr Tighe is still part of the PSA.

“I joined the PSA when I started with the DMR,” he said. “Shortly after joining, the union assisted me with a GREAT [Government and Related Employees Appeals Tribunal] appeal, after a colleague appealed against my merit-based promotion. In those days, a person was able to appeal a promotion won by someone else, in a tribunal-type setting.

“The PSA were a great support to me at the time; and have been since.”

Mr Tighe, who is currently on extended leave, is a Work Health and Safety Partner at Transport for NSW (TfNSW), delivering vital Health and Safety services to at-risk workers, with a focus on preventing workplace injuries and reducing hazards on worksites.

“My job has involved extensive road travel and overnight stays in western NSW for the past 27 years, endeavouring to make road and bridge worksites safer for TfNSW and contractors working in high-risk work environments,” he said.

He has also worked in the state’s prison system.

“I worked for Corrective Services for three years at Muswellbrook, in the Northern Regional Office in payroll and in Occupational Health and Safety roles in the mid-nineties,” he said. “I had left the Roads and Traffic Authority [RTA] just after a major restructure. I then rejoined the RTA with unbroken service in 1997 at Parkes, where I remain.”

Mr Tighe has been an active union member for the past four decades.

“Over many years, I was a Delegate in several RTA PSA Departmental Committees, with the meetings held at PSA House in Clarence Street in Sydney,” he said. “Attending the Departmental Committee meetings was a terrific insight into the Industrial work of the PSA, and how important it was to being a member, as some of the workplace Industrial issues raised at those meetings were difficult to listen to”.

“It also gave me an insight into the Central Council and structure of PSA”.

“As a young 21-year-old ambitious lad entering the DMR world at Lithgow, it was made clear to me very early on, that the PSA will protect and look after your interests as far as practical in any dispute.

“This certainly proved to be true when I needed the assistance of the PSA in my GREAT appeal and with other assistance over the years, I remember Joe Pithers as someone in the PSA who always had the interests of DMR and RTA staff front of mind at all times.”

Mr Tighe said joining the PSA is a matter of fairness.

“I often think of the thousands of staff who silently and gleefully enjoy the rewards and benefits, without contributing in anyway, that come with working for TfNSW,” he said.

These working conditions and benefits are enjoyed only thanks to the hard work of the PSA and my fellow members.

“I am proud to be in solidarity with our brother and sister members seeking better working conditions for all TfNSW staff. One day I hope that those who are not members will realise that they should join the union that has facilitated the working conditions that they enjoy.”

His advice for anyone entering the workforce today: “Stop and think how, when and who set up the working conditions for you today. Join the PSA!”