Dear members,

Reports that NSW has zero locally acquired cases in the last week has been a spot of sunshine following the spike over the holidays. Hopefully we can catch up to our fellow Victorians, who have had no locally acquired cases for 21 days. 

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is in talks to ease restrictions by the end of the week. She indicated that masks would remain mandatory on public transport as the government encourages workers to return to the office. 

Meanwhile, the cogs have been turning as we continue to increase the momentum of our activities since the last Express. Remember, we have some great new initiatives and resources this month, including:
 

• The RTBU campaign calling for the government to protect COVID-vulnerable workers: The petition targets workers with pre-existing conditions who are more susceptible to adverse effects from the virus. Implementing a financial support system similar to JobKeeper will allow them to remain safe at home and securely employed to ensure they can stay out of harm's way. 
   
• The RTBU Q&A which you can refer to for information about face masks becoming compulsory in public spaces: Find the answers you need on the RTBU Express website here.

And an appeal to members to please give generously to the donation account we have set up for Michael Yammouni, a TSA bus driver from Leichhardt bus depot.  Michael has been involved in an accident that has tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian. All funds from the account will go towards Michael's legal defence. View the details on where to donate here.

As we approach the end of January, remember that a new year opens the door to new things. So we encourage you to talk to your colleagues and encourage them to join the union if they are not a member. It takes many to stand up for the few and we all deserve the best working conditions possible.

Also, a friendly reminder that RTBU gift cards must be ACTIVATED by the 31ST OF MARCH, and USED by the 30TH SEPTEMBER.

We hope that you continue to stay safe and well.

Mask Update and Q&A

On January 2nd, the NSW Government announced that people using public transport in the Greater Sydney Area, including staff, must wear masks. Because this measure is being put in place without adequate preparation, many of the questions members will have are still being worked through.

Here are some of the things we do know.

Public Health Order Exemption: Mandatory Face Coverings

Members are advised of a recent exemption to the mandatory wearing of face masks on public transport issued by NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard MP.

The order states a person is exempt from wearing a mask if they:

1. Are at premises, at a public transport waiting area, or in a vehicle for the purposes [of] their employment or engagement; AND
2. Are not interacting directly with members of the public.

This is limited to staff, contractors, volunteers, or workers at the premises.

This means that LRV operators do not have to wear a mask whilst inside the driver’s cabin, and that bus drivers running special do not have to wear a mask.

It is important to make note that members will still need to wear a mask at any time they are interacting with members of the public. This would include when operating a bus in service or changing ends when operating a tram.

Members will still be required to comply with other elements of the health order by wearing a mask or face covering in paid transport areas including stations, platforms or whilst using public transport.

The RTBU will continue to support health advice for the safety of our members and the traveling public.

Full health orders and exemptions can be found on the NSW Government Health website. 

If you have any questions, please contact your local delegate or organiser.

Read the full bulletin here.

Let’s look after COVID-Vulnerable workers, and keep Australians safe.

Australia is doing an incredible job of containing the COVID-19 virus. But when outbreaks occur, not everyone can work from home during a lockdown - and this loss of income is disastrous for workers and their families.

The RTBU is launching its campaign for a COVID-Vulnerable worker payment, allowing workers to continue receiving their full pay, while staying at home and out of harm’s way during a lockdown period. Help us keep Australia and its workers safe.

Sign the petition, spread the word.

Watch an explainer video here.

Donations for TSA Driver Michael Yammouni

Donations are being collected to assist a TSA bus driver from Leichhardt bus depot. Michael has been involved in an accident that has tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian.

We’ve all had and seen near misses and know how easily this could happen to any one of us. The RTBU has set up an account for drivers to donate to and help with Michael’s legal defence. Add your name or depot location to the deposit reference field so Michael knows who has contributed.

Thank you for supporting our colleague as he traverses this most difficult of times.

View the details on where to donate on the Tram & Bus website.

RTBU Gift Cards - Activate before the deadline

In order to use your RTBU Gift Cards, please activate your card by March 31st. The card is valid until September 30th.

Transport workers are an at-risk group as heatwaves become more extreme

There's no doubt the heatwave this past week has been a punish for many. Multiple studies since 2001 have shown that certain worker groups are at a higher risk of experiencing adverse effects from working on hotter days.  Concerns have continually been raised about how the projected increase in the number of hot days will exacerbate their vulnerability.

One study conducted from 2001-2010 found that the link between temperature and daily injury claims was strong for labourers, tradespeople and intermediate production and transport workers (who do jobs such as operating plant, machinery, vehicles and other equipment to transport passengers and goods).

Read the full article on The Conversation.

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.

In solidarity, 

David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers