Dear members,

We are still celebrating our achievement from last week. We are proud of the fact that essential workers who have been disregarded and ignored by the authorities for far too long managed to bring the NSW Government to the table by threatening a 48-hour work stoppage. It was only through this threat that we could achieve an outcome that will benefit our operators against the threat of bus privatisation.

We were no longer willing to sit back on the sidelines while the NSW Government paraded around releasing tenders without consequence. It was time to threaten drastic action to finally get somewhere with them and we did. We would have affected over half of all bus trips taken in Sydney, not a small feat.

They were forced to give us a two-hour stop work meeting earlier this week which is a really big deal considering how interruptive they can be as well as a few other concessions. We secured a better deal for any members who would be transferred to private operators. There will not be a repeat of Region 6. Community consultation is also back in the cards and hopefully this will be an eye-opener on how no one wants bus privatisation.

Our stop work meeting was such a sight to see! Buses were at a standstill as we watched from above. The rows of empty buses lined up at depots during the day were a display of our power. No one could say that our opinions, working rights and conditions did not matter and we could be handed over to private companies without regulation. Don't believe us? See the photos for yourself here directly.

Sometimes it takes a very real threat to put our power into perspective for authorities. The strength shown by members was unmatched and it sent exactly the right message. By taking the stance, we've drawn a line in the sand and shown that we can't be trampled in the future by other private operators either.

We also hope that you are staying safe as we are still seeing new coronavirus cases in the state daily. Even if they are small numbers, they are not a small threat, especially to members as we work in public environments and come into contact with people constantly. Part of our win was a public education campaign for commuters encouraging them to wear masks and social distance. We hope this goes some way to alleviating your concerns.

We hope you enjoy this edition of Tram and Bus Express.

Bus drivers unite and win against the NSW Government

Last week our bus drivers won an important victory over the NSW Government. When the union issued a strike notice over the shocking mismanagement of public transport, the prospect of a 48-hour work stoppage finally managed to bring this government to the table.

After our show of strength, the government agreed to pay for a 2 hour stop work meeting on Monday – a huge concession from the current government. At the meeting, drivers were able to hear from management and their union on the details of the offer and answer any questions.

With the potent threat of industrial action, that would have affected over 50% of the bus trips taken in Sydney, the government has agreed to properly monitor and enforce the contracts of operators in regions 7, 8 and 9. We also secured employee entitlements under any new operator, ensuring there will be no two-tier workforce as we saw in region 6 when private operators took over.

The agreement also had some important wins for commuters, with the government committing to review the health regulations on public transport when Covid-19 begin to rise to ensure a safer network for everyone, and a period of robust community consultation on bus privatisation.

Community support for protecting public transport has been strong and unwavering. Commuters who rely on their buses do not want to see private operators cutting corners and diminishing the quality of their services. Securing them this consultation period gives them the chance to have their concerns heard and questions answered, as well as force the government to explain probable changes to routes and services.

This simply would not have been possible without the strength shown by our members. We have demonstrated to any future operators that we are willing to take the ultimate stand to protect our conditions and our bus network. We have proven, both to ourselves and to the union movement, that if we stand together, we can force change from this Government!

Click here to read more on Tram and Bus Express.

Coffee carts to tour depots next month

Members are advised that Wagecover have offered to sponsor coffee carts for our members at various depots to thank them for their tremendous efforts throughout the Covid-19 crisis. 

Thankyou to Wagecover for kicking off this initiative.

This is an opportunity for members to come and have a coffee with Wagecover and RTBU Officials.

The first coffee cart will be at Port Botany depot at on 8th September, from 9:30am to 12:00pm.

More depots to be announced soon in the Tram and Bus Express.

Click here to read more 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