Dear members,

Last week it was revealed that a Sydney cluster has grown significantly due to cases linked to an X39 bus. All passengers on the bus were required to self-isolate and considered close contacts. This has been a wake up call to what we have been saying this whole time - physical distancing needs to be enforced on public transport. It is currently not safe for passengers or drivers.

The NSW Government agreed to campaign on the importance of appropriate safety protocol on public transport, however, not enough is being done. If physical distancing cannot be maintained on buses, commuters should be wearing masks at the very least. There isn't much you can do if you're driving the bus or sitting on the bus and someone sneezes or coughs next to you. The damage has been done.

The danger posed by unregulated public transport is very real and we hate to say it but for the union and its members, this is an "I told you so" moment. If gyms can have Covid-19 marshals, why can't public transport? It seems best to invest in a proactive strategy rather than reacting when incidents happen and it's already too late.

Additionally, the fight against bus privatisation isn't over. In what is a despicable backflip, the government has denied promising extensive community consultation before they proceed. This is a disgusting display of priorities and a complete act of betrayal. Needless to say, we will be following up on this and ensuring that this doesn't remain an issue that is carefully swept under the rug during COVID-19.

As the world races to find a vaccine that will bring an end to this pandemic, we ask that you continue to keep safe and hopefully spend some extra time with loved ones. 

Things are looking up though with just 7 new cases yesterday in NSW and 43 new cases in Victoria today at the time of writing. We encourage you to continue coming to us with any more concerns and we will keep advocating for your safety at work.

STA Member Update

2020 has been a challenging year for RTBU Tram and Bus members. 

We have stared down a Government hell bent on privatising our jobs in midst of a global pandemic.

The Government thought they could continue with their plans, unchallenged, under the cover of Covid-19. Through a cross union and community campaign, and the threat of action, members forced the Government back to the table and did not let them get away with this.

Since October last year, RTBU Bus members have stood staunch and proud. We did not let the Government force through their privatisation agenda without a fight, and won very real protections for our work mates and the community. We need to make sure those commitments are honoured.

We also demonstrated to whatever private operator tries to buy us that they are dealing with a Unionised and active workforce, who will fight for positive outcomes for our members.

To discuss what we have achieved and to start to plan how we protect our conditions through the transition and award negotiations, David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers will be in Depots next week meeting with members and talking about what’s next.

To find out when we will be in your depot, please check your notice board. We will also text members with the details the day before.

Members are strongly encouraged to attend.

Media Release: Time for commuter mask wearing when physical distancing can't happen on buses and trams

The NSW Rail, Tram and Bus Union’s Tram and Bus Division is calling on the Berejiklian Government to make masks on buses and trams mandatory when there are more passengers than green dots on a service.

The push comes the day after two cases from the growing CBD coronavirus cluster travelled on a bus from the CBD to the eastern suburbs.

Passengers on the X39 bus to Randwick at 6:08pm on 20 August have been told by NSW Health to get tested immediately and isolate themselves until the test results are known.

Passengers on the same express service and regular 399 on seven other days have been asked to monitor for symptoms and get tested immediately if any develop.

RTBU Tram and Bus Division Secretary David Babineau said, “The NSW Government recently told bus drivers it would review health advice and guidelines if community infection levels increase, well now it should be clear that health measures are most effective when proactive, not reactive. 

“I’m calling for the NSW Government to implement a clear protocol for enforcing safe travel guidelines and more actively encourage mask wearing on public transport when the number of passengers outnumbers green dots on a bus or tram service.

“We have continually advocated for increased safety measures for bus drivers and passengers in particular during this crisis because of the risk to our drivers and their families, passengers and the broader community.

“We’re also concerned that at a time when you need to be more careful than ever about how our transport systems are being managed, the NSW Government is selling our bus operations off to the private sector which is there to make a profit, not work in the interest of public safety and interest.

“Privatisation inevitably results in stop closures and route cuts. That is only going to create bottlenecks in the system that will exacerbate the current crisis.

“This is about the NSW Government refusing to put the needs of workers and commuters first during a time of crisis,” he said.

Media Release": ‘Covid marshals’ needed to enforce public transport regulations, says union

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW is demanding a new safety position and all-of-network approach to public transport from the NSW Government during Covid, with looming staff cuts because of Bus privatisation and reduced safety roles on InterCity trains threatening to take safety backwards at a crucial time for public health.

After the emergence of new Covid cases using the public transport network, the union is calling on the government to hire Covid marshals to enforce physical distancing regulations on trains, buses, and trams, strengthen its messaging on the need for commuters to wear masks.

RTBU NSW Secretary Alex Claassens said the government must introduce Covid marshals whose responsibility it is to monitor and enforce regulations on public transport.

“The state government has introduced a raft of measures for public transport without the means to enforce them,” says Mr Claassens. “Passenger limits and green dots are good measures, but there are no additional staff to ensure people follow the rules.

“Cutting jobs and privatising the public transport network have long been this government’s game, but it’s continued under cover of Covid to the extreme detriment of the people of this state.

“Commuters simply must wear masks when physical distancing isn’t possible. Common sense should dictate that the message needs to be clear, We want people on Public Transport to wear masks and more resources need to be put towards advertising and promoting best practice among the public and if necessary enforcing that.

“The NSW Government must pick up its game and develop a long-term plan for protecting public health across all our public transport services – one that doesn’t involve cutting staff, giving advice and hoping for the best.”

In the media

As part of our call to make public transport safer, we've been commenting in the media and explaining why it's so important that face masks on public transport are better regulated and enforced.

See RTBU NSW Tram and Bus Division Secretary David Babineau's comments on SBS from last week here. He talks about how the NSW Government needs to act on what it has said as we see public transport being a key factor in the spread of the virus in NSW.

Here's another article with comments from the Division's Secretary David Babineau again, published in various online papers. 

We did not give television a miss either with 10 News First featuring David again as he appealed to the NSW Government to act more proactively on the issue.

Click here to see all our media features on Tram and Bus Express.

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