Dear members,

It's been a week of backflips as we see the NSW Government backflip on its promise to extensively consult the community in its plans for bus privatisation, as they should have done at the very beginning.

This is almost unbelievable as this promise was made after members threatened action which the NSW Government was keen to avoid. Making false promises has become the norm for this Government and we're going to make sure they don't get away with it.

Extensive community consultation is so important because the public  is not happy about this move. No one wants to see routes axed and services cut. There are just so many people who will be affected by these changes. Buses in regions 7, 8 and 9 account for 50% of all the bus trips taken in Sydney, and their privatisation will have a huge impact on Sydneysiders.

We won't allow them to pretend like they never agreed to this and try to hide this under the cover of COVID-19. Members deserve better. That's why we're getting the community involved with a community forum scheduled for Tuesday next week where we will talk through all the issues and make our best plan of action.

On the COVID-19 front, this week stadiums were allowed to have crowds at 50 per cent capacity for major events, up from 25 per cent. That means Parramatta Stadium will be able to have 15,000 people at events, the SCG will be able to welcome 23,000 people and Stadium Australia will have a maximum capacity of 40,000. 

Things are looking up more with just 5 new cases in NSW and 28 new cases in Victoria yesterday. We encourage you to continue coming to us with any more concerns and we will keep advocating for your safety at work.

Coffee Cart for Randwick tram depot

We are really excited to be coming back with another coffee cart on Tuesday, 22nd September from 8:30-11am at the Randwick tram depot.

Come along to get some piping hot coffee and have a chat with us. We want to catch up and see how you’re doing. Let us thank you for your tremendous efforts during these challenging times.

We’d like to thank Wagecover and Endeavour Mutual for their continuing support in providing these coffee carts for members.

Driver’s authority card documentation

It’s been brought to the union’s attention that some members are handing in their completed medical documentation regarding their Driver’s Authority Card to Service NSW where it is being misplaced or lost.

If any member has had that experience and been unable to drive due to the expiry of their Driver’s Authority Card, please make contact with your delegate as soon as possible so that we can get your contact details for further investigation.

Community forum

As part of the action from the NSW Government on bus privatisation after members threatened action, there was to be extensive community consultation about potential changes to their bus routes and services as a result of privatisation.

This was a hard-fought win over months of campaigning, with two Parliamentary debates, petitions for the public, rallies across MP offices and ongoing calls and emails to MPs.

However, now the NSW Government is going back on its word and saying that they will not keep this promise. It's a key part of our action on privatisation and we need them to hear from the community. They need to understand the perspective of everyone impacted by their decision and the community is definitely not happy.

That's why we're running an online forum on Tuesday next week from 6-7pm. It's a mass online meet up where advocates and transport workers can discuss where we go from here and how we can ensure local communities get their say. You can watch the invitation video here.

Click here to register and make sure that the NSW Government is held to its word.

COVID-19: FAQs

We are constantly updating the COVID-19 frequently asked questions section of the website, so please make sure you head there and have a look. If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to contact your local delegate or the Division office at nswbus@rtbu-nsw.asn.au. 

Thanks for your essential work during a time of crisis.

Once again, stay safe.

In solidarity, 

David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers