Tram and Bus Express: News and views from life in the bus & tram lanes
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Member Update: 19 February 2021
Dear members,
As NSW hits almost one month without locally transmitted cases of the virus, restrictions have started to ease. Despite this, it's important to remember that masks are still mandatory on public transport, with some exemptions for transport workers. We've made it this far, and we can help to take if further by staying safe while on duty.
We kicked off the week with another BBQ, this time at Leichhardt Depot. As always, it was a pleasure catch up with you all over good food. The goodwill went both ways that day, as we raised over $500 to assist Michael Yammouni with his upcoming legal defence. We're loving these BBQs so keep your eyes peeled for news on the next one. In the meantime, view some snaps from the day on the website. See if you can spot yourself!
To STA now. The union has recommenced negotiations with STA following the Christmas break. STA has put forward a formal offer that addresses the RTBU claims listed in the full bulletin, together with their own claims to alter your Excess Travel Time and the Uniform Allowance Clauses. There's still a while to go and further discussions will be taking place with STA to ensure the best possible outcomes for our members.
And the Inner West Light Rail Depot Enterprise Agreement is due to expire on May 3rd. First negotiations are taking place on March 10th. In the mean time, we've put out a survey with a log of claims for members to endorse. We highly encourage members to complete this survey to make sure we're all set for negotiations.
In the news, an assault on a bus driver and passenger at Rockdale last month is being revisited as police release images of the suspect. They are appealing to anyone who may have information on the man who fought the driver and head-butted a passenger on the N11 bus at Rockdale on January 7 just before 5am. The man also wasn't wearing a mask nor did he pay the fare. The safety of drivers and passengers must always be upheld, and situations like this make it clearer that we must continue to fight for a safer work environment and the respect that drivers deserve for their essential work.
Looking at the bigger picture, NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has revealed that the replacement for sacked Transport for NSW Secretary Rodd Staples could receive a salary of $500k - give or take. This comes after Mr Staples was offered a severance pay of $800k after claiming he had been sacked for "no reason".
Once again, we 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 are continuing to 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.
We hope that you continue to stay safe and well.
Members’ Bulletin: STA Award Negotiation Update
The union has recommenced negotiations with STA following the Christmas break. STA has put forward a formal offer that addresses the RTBU claims listed in the full bulletin, together with their own claims to alter your Excess Travel Time and the Uniform Allowance Clauses.
STA has indicated that these changes are simply corrections/revisions or updates and are not intended to change the substance of these conditions, however, it seems that the substance of these clauses is open to interpretation as the changes do not reflect current practice. Your Negotiating Committee believes that these proposals are actually cost saving measures for STA.
Further discussions will take place to discuss these claims and your representatives will continue to negotiate with STA in good faith to achieve the best possible outcomes for you, our RTBU members.
Inner West Light Rail Enterprise Agreement
To members from the Inner West Light Rail Depot,
Please be advised that the upcoming Enterprise Agreement expires on Monday 3rd May, 2021.
We've put out a survey with a log of claims for members to endorse. We highly encourage members to complete this survey to make sure we're all set for negotiations.
Our first negotiation meeting with Transdev is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 10th March.
More details to come.
Leichhardt Depot BBQ
Our second Depot BBQ of the year was held at Leichhardt on Monday 15th February. As always, it was a pleasure to engage with you all and offer some delicious treats to help you start off the week on a good foot.
The good will went both ways that day, as we raised over $500 to assist Michael Yammouni with his upcoming legal defence.
We love holding these BBQs as a way to see you all in person and in action. This definitely won't be the last time we do this. So if reading this made you hungry, keep your eyes open and stomachs ready for details about the next BBQ.
Mask Update and Q&A
We've recently updated the Mask Q&A to keep up to speed with state health direction. The NSW Government has fine tuned the direction for mandatory masks. After representations by unions including the RTBU, the government has introduced a degree of common sense to the Public Health Order.
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:
- Are at premises, at a public transport waiting area, or in a vehicle for the purposes [of] their employment or engagement; AND
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
Rockdale bus assault: Images released as police search for suspect
Police hope new security images will help them find a man accused of fighting with a Sydney bus driver and head-butting a fellow passenger.
Police are appealing for public help to find a man who allegedly fought with a bus driver and assaulted passenger aboard the N11 bus at Rockdale Bus Interchange just before 5am on January 7, allegedly without a mask or paying a fare.
Detectives have since released CCTV images of a man they believe can help with their investigation. Anyone with information have been urged to contact police.
New Transport for NSW Secretary could receive $500k salary
The yet-to-be-decided replacement for outgoing NSW Transport Secretary Rodd Staples could receive an annual salary worth more than half a million dollars when they step into the role.
Mr Staples is due to step down from the position on February 19, after being sacked by the Department of Premier and Cabinet through instruction of Transport Minister Andrew Constance.
A spokeswoman for Transport Minister Andrew Constance said Transport for NSW deputy secretary Peter Regan was named Acting Secretary in December, “and will take on the role from the end of next week”
Read the full article on The Daily Telegraph. Please note, this article is behind a paywall.
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
