Dear members,

We're another week into the battle against bus privatisation and there's still a lot of fight left in us. We're getting ready a tool which will let members and the public contact their MPs with one click to tell them exactly what bus privatisation will do and why it shouldn't be going ahead.

Our rallies and signage have had a big impact. We've gotten commuters on our side and many politicians too. Now all we have to do is get the Berejiklian Government on board and we can call it a day. We won't go down without a fight, especially against a Government hell-bent on pushing an agenda under the cover of COVID and claiming it's in everyone's best interest. We don't believe that's the case. It's just a money-hungry move with the government shoving its responsibilities onto someone else and hoping to blame them for its eventual failure.

We want to make sure jobs are protected and that the transition is smooth. There's no universe where we'll sit back and let private companies treat members however they want. 

In Newcastle, we're still continuing to campaign against driverless buses which are being trialled. This is just the tip of the iceberg and we want to make sure they know how useless this venture is before it starts. They're not taking into account the opinion of workers, commuters or the community. How is this a public, taxpayer-funded project when those same taxpayers are against it?

The NSW Government's priorities are on full view. If only they would direct their focus to the more important issue of the pandemic and the health of workers during the pandemic. Instead they are coming after the wages and working conditions of every day essential workers who have done nothing but put themselves in danger for the public throughout this crisis. They're willing to slash costs by selling public transport and putting jobs on the line but then they're pouring taxpayer funds into ridiculous projects like the Metro which has reportedly been shaking so violently during some journeys that it is a safety concern. Ridiculous.

We urge you all to stay safe during this time as always. We are hoping to see a change in the NSW health advice regarding face masks following the Victorian health advice last week urging people to wear face masks when social distancing is difficult. In the meantime, members can use our donated face masks and see a guide to using face masks here.

Journey Cover and Union Plus

Did you know that your union covers you in travel to and from work as well as any at-fault motor vehicle accidents?

That's right. The RTBU has a loyalty rewards program for all of our members through Wage Cover. Union Plus and Journey Cover are accessible to all members provided they meet the conditions for both.

Journey Cover covers you for loss of income whilst travelling directly between your home and your workplace for the purposes of work. Cover is provided for 85% of your income up to a maximum of $1,500 per week.

Union Plus covers your excess up to $500 if you have an at-fault motor vehicle accident in your own vehicle. You must have comprehensive motor vehicle insurance and be over the age of 21 with a non-restricted motor vehicle license.

That means if you encounter any of the above, you may be entitled to a lot more than you think. 

Find out more on Tram and Bus Express.

Bus privatisation radio ads

The battle to stop bus privatisation has meant that the Tram and Bus Division has been reaching out to the public through radio ads. We have created this video outlining all of our efforts and the very real danger bus privatisation brings.

Call an MP about bus privatisation

We can't give up on our fight against bus privatisation just yet. Our efforts during the second parliamentary debate did make a difference. We have a lot more people on our side ready to act and listen to what we have to say. Clearly this government doesn't have the best interests of the public at heart.

The Premier has a duty to workers that she has directly affected with her government's decision to monetise an essential public service. She must guarantee that workers will be taken care of and not just left to the mercy of private companies without any consequences. 

If you live in one of the affected regions and your MP is a member of the Government, there's still something you can do. You can call their office and ask them to oppose this decision:

• Vaucluse (Gabrielle Upton MP): (02) 9326 1856
• Ryde (Victor Dominello MP): (02) 9808 3288
• Wakehurst (Brad Hazzard MP): (02)9981 1111
• North Shore (Felicity Wilson MP): (02) 9909 2594
• Lane Cove (Anthony Roberts MP): (02) 9817 4757
• Willoughby (Gladys Berejiklian MP): (02) 9439 4199
• Manly (James Griffin MP): (02) 9976 2773
• Parramatta (Geoff Lee MP): (02) 9891 4722
• Pittwater (Rob Stokes MP): (02) 9999 3599
• Epping (Dominic Perrottet MP): (02) 9877 0266

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 again for your essential work during a time of crisis.

Once again, stay safe.

In solidarity, 

David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers