Member Bulletin: IRC outcome

Dear members,

After months of being at with loggerheads with the NSW Government over privatisation and COVID-19 safety measures, it took a looming strike to finally bring Minister Constance to the table.

Yesterday our membership voted to accept an offer from the NSW Government to forego industrial action next in exchange for written guarantees around ensuring a single employer was responsible for both ex-STA staff and new employees after privatisation, a review of the health regulations on public transport, a public awareness campaign on the importance of wearing masks to prevent transmission of COVID-19 and a commitment of community consultation related to the privatisation of bus operations in regions 7, 8 and 9, including discussion of future route and service changes.

All members are aware of how steadfastly this government has ignored all attempts to open a dialogue about the privatisation of Sydney’s bus regions. In light of this, yesterday’s result is an extraordinary one, and would not have been possible without the strength of our united membership and the vocal support of the community at large.

On the issue of masks, already the Premier noted a substantial increase in mask wearing by commuters since the announcement of the intended strike, with some areas seeing an increase of up to 60%. We are confident that greater publicity on this issue will encourage this trend and help create a safer working environment for our members. While members effectively maintain physical distancing with seats taped off and the red exclusion zone, members of the public are not so fortunate.

The consultations around privatisation will no doubt show the depth of community anger and frustration at these plans, which will have no public benefit. The community know privatisation will inevitably mean cuts to services and short-cuts on the cleaning, fleet maintenance, and safety.

However, these consultations are an opportunity to continue to air our concerns and demand a constructive response. It’s up to everyone, workers and the community, to stand up for their local services.

Members can also take heart that we have shown any incoming operator that we are organised and angry and will tolerate no erosion of our conditions. This will help us keep all parties honest during a transfer to private operation.

We thank all our members for their patience, dedication and fortitude during an extremely stressful time. Your union will remain vigilant to ensure the safety of your workplace and the security of your livelihoods.

In unity,

David Babineau

Secretary, Tram and Bus Division

Daniel Jaggers

President, Tram and Bus Division