Tram and Bus Express: News and views from life in the bus & tram lanes
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Member Update: May 28 2021
Dear members,
While it remains a sad day when the end of government run transport on the Northern Beaches is in sight, one thing that went our way was that Keolis Downer (KD) were the company to get it. The RTBU has a road map to get us across the line into the private sector with our conditions intact. The company has agreed to this and both parties ultimately want the same thing- certainty. Our road map means that members should NOT SIGN ACROSS TO THE NEW EMPLOYER until the union gives the instruction to do so.
Today KD sent us a letter reaffirming their intention to work together and get everyone across the line without being worse off. There can never again be a two-tiered workplace like Region 6 has suffered for the last two and a half years. Regardless of the consequences, the union and its members must stand strong to ensure all workers in the Northern Beaches have good conditions and a strong voice into the future.
The date of the rally to save Region 9 buses is fast approaching. We're calling on you to come and join us at the rally in droves. The NSW government has been covering their ears for far too long. It's time we pried their hands away from the side of their heads and make them listen.
The brutal slashing of multiple Eastern suburbs routes is absolutely damaging to the community's right to access a reliable transport network that doesn't prioritise profit, and our lines of work. We're working hard to continue fighting against the NSW Government's unjust demolition of Region 9 buses and exploring ways to lessen the impact this will have on the number of lines of work in the rosters.
So join us at High Cross Park, Randwick, on 30 May at 11am as we make noise, make change, and make sure that the NSW government owns up to its shortcomings and listens to the people they were elected to represent!
RSVP for the rally here. We'll see you there.
To brighter news now. As usual, the latest leg of our BBQ depot tours was a success! Randwick depot, it was a pleasure to come down and see you all, catch up on all the happenings, and serve you some delicious food that has been generously provided by Wagecover. For members at other depots we haven't yet visited, keep an eye out for news on our next location! Yours might just be next...
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 her.
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.
Keolis Downer gets Region 9 Contract
While it remains a sad day when the end of government run transport on the Northern Beaches is in sight, one thing that went our way was that Keolis Downer (KD) were the company to get it. KD runs Newcastle, where the RTBU local delegates have built a solid working relationship and most issues are sorted out at a local level. Delegates are straight up about pushing the interests of their members and the members, in turn, back their Delegates; solidarity and the fear of that unity helps keep things on an even keel.
The RTBU has a road map to get us across the line into the private sector with our conditions intact. The company has agreed to this and both parties ultimately want the same thing- certainty. Drivers want to know that nothing will change going across and the company wants to know that their business isn’t going to explode when they take over.
Our road map means that members should NOT SIGN ACROSS TO THE NEW EMPLOYER until the union gives the instruction to do so.
At every step there is also a stick we can use, and this is one of the biggest. With solidarity from the members, we can make sure that the company sees it to be in its own best interest to work with us, and they’ve already committed to doing so.
Today KD sent us a letter reaffirming their intention to work together and get everyone across the line without being worse off. There can never again be a two-tiered workplace like Region 6 has suffered for the last two and a half years. Regardless of the consequences, the union and its members must stand strong to ensure all workers in the Northern Beaches have good conditions and a strong voice into the future.
Eastern Suburbs, Make Them Listen – Bus Rally to Save Region 9 Buses
We’re continuing the fight against the NSW Government’s unjust demolition of 25 bus routes in the Eastern suburbs. This translates to over 50 lines of work being taken away from drivers. That means less jobs, as well as less penalty work going around. With a quarter of our wages as bus drivers coming from penalty rates, that’s a hit many of us can’t afford to take. This is the government’s reward to you, as a driver, for working through a pandemic in uncertain conditions with the health rules changing every other week; it’s not enough that we’re getting privatised, they want to kick us on the way out!
These cuts will make it harder than ever for drivers to earn a living and for people to access a secure, convenient, and reliable public transport network.
The NSW Transport Minister and the NSW Government have refused to hear us, continually ignoring our demands for a just consultation process where we and the public can share why slashing these essential routes will have detrimental effects on the community and our lines of work.
There has been no meaningful response or engagement, and the government’s idea of consultation is to throw a mass of information out there which no one can make easy sense of. So, we’re taking matters into our own hands.
We’re calling on you to join us on at High Cross Park, Randwick, on 30 May at 11AM for a community rally. Join with commuters angry about losing their routes because their anger is something the government will listen to, and you’ll be standing up for your own job at the same time.
The greater the noise we make, the greater the chance we have at cutting through the NSW Government’s bubble to make them listen to the people they’re supposed to represent. The more routes we save, the more work we hold on to.
Speakers at the rally will include:
- David Babineau, Tram and Bus Secretary, Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW
- Dr Marjorie O’Neill, Member for Coogee
- Hon Matt Thistlethwaite MP, Member for Kingsford Smith
- Michael Daley MP, Member for Maroubra
- Local residents in the Eastern Suburbs
We hope to see you there!
Randwick Depot BBQ
Picnic Fund Gift Cards
The executive moved a resolution on May 7th that all members are to receive a $50.00 gift card (eftpos).
This is a benefit provided for members of our division through the picnic fund. These cards have been ordered and will arrive at the depots within 2-4 weeks for the Delegates to distribute.
We thank you for your patience as we wait for the gift cards to arrive for distribution.
Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union (NSW Branch) Officer and Related Party Disclosure Statement for Year ending 2020
NSW Branch General Purpose Financial Report for 2020
Click here to download the NSW Branch General Purpose Financial Report for 2020.
State Financial Statements for 2020
Click here to download the Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW State Financial Statement for 2020.
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.
Police still on the hunt for man accused of string of sex acts on Sydney buses
Police are still on the hunt for a man accused of performing a string of sexual acts on buses in Sydney’s CBD and inner west earlier this year.
New images of a man police want to question over the alleged sex acts have been released as investigations into at least four incidents continue. The man depicted in images released by police is described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his 60s, of medium build, with greying black hair and a grey beard.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Thanks for your essential work during a time of crisis.
In solidarity,
David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers
