Tram and Bus Express: News and views from life in the bus & tram lanes
No images? Click here
Member Update: June 11 2021
Dear members,
The aftermath of the rally to save Region 9 buses is continuing.
The NSW Government announced last week that their community consultation period will be extended to June 30.
Minister Constance remains with his tail between his legs, reiterating that "nothing in these proposed changes is concrete." after first stepping back from his announcement of the changes last month.
To top it all off, the rally made so much noise that it ended up on the radar of an international publication.
But we've got quite a way to go, and we can get there faster if we do it together.
The light rail break down at Randwick this week showed just how inadequately the NSW Government handles change. It shouldn't be a struggle for a government to plan safe, reasonably backup transportation for commuters with what they already have. It sets a dangerous precedent to the service cuts in the area, and leaves us wondering how things will look if they can't even get their act together right now. Commuters don't deserve to be left standing, abandoned, on the side of the road because the transport system is in shambles.
Members may already be aware that some employee Opal cards are not functioning. Transport for NSW is aware of the issue and is working on amending this. Replacement cards are currently being processed and delivered. TSA Opal cards will be distributed from the depots, STA will be distributing their cards via mail. In the mean time, current Opal cards can be used as a flash card.
And a PSA to members who may unfortunately face complications following their COVID-19 vaccine. We encourage you to do what's right to keep yourself and the community safe as we continue to power through the pandemic. However, it has recently been brought to light that those who suffer adverse symptoms from the vaccine may be left to their own devices after an STA member who used their 2-hour base pay rate to get vaccinated was made to use their own Sick Leave - instead of Special Leave - upon spending one week in hospital following their jab. Private sector employees are using sick leave by default, although most employers are being flexible with rostering to allow people to safely get the jab if they want. If any STA members are in a situation where they have no sick leave available, please contact your union delegate and the RTBU will make representations on your behalf.
To more news now, where NSW Government has announced the development of short courses dedicated to ups-killing and retraining bus mechanics as it moves forward with transitioning its bus fleet from diesel to electric. The training is set to be implemented in preparation for the fleet's full transition bu 2030 and will be delivered in partnership with TAFE NSW and Volvo Australia.
And calling all Tempe Bus Depot staff! We'll be heading your way for the next depot BBQ! We're setting up shop on Tuesday 22 June from 11am to 2pm. Come down and say hi, and get your share of the goodies.
We are continuing to appeal to members to please give generously to the donation accounts we have set up for the following members:
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.
Roy Stanton, an STA bus driver from Randwick bus depot - Roy has been involved in an accident that has tragically resulted in the death of a delivery driver. All funds from the account will go towards Roy's legal defence. View the details on where to donate here.
We also encourage you to show your support for the most recent 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. As essential workers, we know that a way to ensure safe and secure employment in the face of adversity should be a right for all.
We hope that you continue to stay safe and well.
IWLR Enterprise Agreement Update
After several meetings with Transdev Sydney, it has become obvious that the company are using the Covid-19 pandemic and its effect on them globally as an excuse to try and leave workers worse off.
It is quite ironic that a group of 60 employees suddenly need to be fiscally responsible for a multi-national company when Transdev Sydney themselves are being supported by the NSW Government with fully-paid contracts.
This is what Transdev are using to justify their offer of 1.4% per year for the next 4 years. This is a massive slap in the face for these members who have been on the frontline delivering the vital transport needs that Sydney has required during this pandemic.
The union find this unacceptable and will continue to fight for a decent pay rise that members deserve.
VACCINATE AT YOUR OWN COST
While STA have offered 2 hours pay at base rate to encourage people to get vaccinated after a shift or on a day off, if you get sick from it or have complications then it’s all on you.
This was brought to light recently where an STA member had complications immediately after receiving the vaccine. His week in hospital was NOT covered by Special Leave. He had to use his own Sick Leave. This is despite all levels of government consistently encouraging people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. It remains the case that private sector employees are using sick leave by default, although most employers are being flexible with rostering to allow people to safely get the jab if they want.
If any STA members are in a situation where they have no sick leave available, please contact your union delegate and the RTBU will make representations on your behalf.
Employee Opal Cards
Members may already be aware that some employee Opal cards are not functioning.
Transport for NSW is aware of the issue and is working on amending this.
Replacement cards are currently being processed and delivered. TSA Opal cards will be distributed from the depots, STA will be distributing their cards via mail.
In the mean time, current Opal cards can be used as a flash card.
Media Release: Is commuter chaos as light rail breaks down at Randwick and lack of contingency buses a sign of things to come with bus privatisation?
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Tram and Bus Division has slammed the response to a light rail breakdown at Randwick yesterday and ensuing commuter chaos, questioning why additional buses were not deployed to help transport people towards the city and their destinations.
The light rail broke down on the corner of Anzac and Robertson Road, blocking the bus lane and causing chaos at Anzac Parade during the peak on Tuesday morning.
Buses travelling existing bus routes along Anzac Parade were inundated, including some routes set to be axed.
“Another transport management fail in Randwick yesterday morning and a shocking preview of what could happen more often with bus route cuts and privatisation,” said RTBU NSW Tram and Bus Division Secretary David Babineau.
“In the past, if we had the light rail stalled and buses blocked, we’d expect a call out for additional workers and extra buses deployed to get people to work and onward destinations.
“Instead, there was radio silence Tuesday morning, with frustrated commuters deciding that it would be quicker to walk to the city than get on the already overloaded buses.
“This is not good enough. You’d have to ask – is this what we can expect with the service cuts and privatisation of bus services in region 9?
“Will the NSW Government step away from offering additional bus services and funding the fixes to keep commuters moving when bus routes are in private operator hands?
“And why wasn’t the community told of this risk that they would be left on the side of the road when mishaps and accidents occur?
“The NSW Government’s community consultation on the fate of region 9 buses in the eastern suburbs, including Randwick, has been extended.
“I encourage everyone who was impacted by yesterday’s chaos and all who rely on buses in the local areas to send the government feedback and oppose changes to these services. The union and workers look forward to Minister Constance’s full and transparent response,” Mr Babineau said.
Government considers ‘solutions’ to eastern suburbs bus overhaul amid community outrage
More than 6200 submissions have been made to the government over its planned overhaul of eastern suburbs public transport, which includes cutting more than 20 bus routes, modifying another 23 and adding 11. Two separate petitions to save the routes have grown to 11,000 and 7000 respectively.
The government on Friday will extend the public consultation period for the changes to June 30 as it is inundated with responses, and indicated some changes could be made to the original plan as community opposition grows.
The overhaul will funnel more people onto the new CBD light rail and involve more interchanges for people living in the south-east.
Full details over the proposed changes can be found here.
Mechanics to be retrained for electric vehicles as diesel buses phased out by 2030
The state government is developing short courses to train mechanics to work on electric vehicles as it prepares to phase out diesel buses by 2030. Around 1600 bus drivers and operators will need to be up-skilled or retrained as the government plans to transition its 8000 diesel buses to electric.
The partnership between TAFE NSW and Volvo Bus Australia, to be announced on Thursday, would deliver specialised training to help mechanics upskill and work safely with new electric bus technology. The training will include how to work with high voltage systems and emergency responses.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the training would help businesses with bus assembly, servicing, driving, and managing emergency service responses.
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.
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.
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.
Donations for STA Driver Roy Stanton
Donations are being collected to assist an STA bus driver from Randwick bus depot. Roy has been involved in an accident that has tragically resulted in the death of a delivery driver.
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 Roy’s legal defence. Add your name or depot location to the deposit reference field so Roy knows who has contributed.
View the details on where to donate on the Tram & Bus website.
Thanks for your essential work during a time of crisis.
In solidarity,
David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers
