Tram and Bus Express: News and views from life in the bus & tram lanes
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Member Update: June 25 2021
Dear members,
As the number of cases increased over the last few days, so too has the number of bus routes that have been listed as case locations on the NSW Health website. We're keeping a close eye on this and will update you all as needed - the safety of our members and the public takes priority as the outbreak continues. You can view the most up-to-date list of case locations on the NSW Health website.
The NSW Government recently announced masks will continue to be compulsory on public transport - as well as indoors - until at least next Wednesday 30th June. We encourage everyone to wear a mask not just because for the new rule, but for their own protection and that of their families. The current COVID-19 strain found in Sydney is the Delta variant, which is known to spread faster and easier than the strains NSW has had before. We encourage members to remain safe and vigilant as we navigate yet another cluster of cases in the state. Current face mask rules in NSW can be found here.
Further information on current COVID measures from Transport for NSW can be found on the Tram & Bus website here and in this edition of the Express.
On a lighter note, we'd like to extend a big thank you to Tempe Bus Depot for receiving us warmly at their Depot BBQ! We're always roaring to get behind the BBQ and cook up some delicious food for you all and check in with how you're faring. We're planning the destination for the next Depot BBQ soon, so keep your eyes peeled for an announcement on where you'll catch us next! As usual, thank you to Wagecover for supplying the goods!
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.
New COVID Measures
After the Government decided to reimpose certain measures during this week, we’ve now had clarification from TfNSW about a few things and can update you on others.
- Green dot seating only is back in place. No standing passengers on buses but remember it’s not up to you to police it. LRV’s will have green dots on the floors.
- Additional COVID tram & bus services that have been operating will stay.
- Extra cleaning and sanitising will also stay.
- Masks are now mandatory in ALL WORKPLACES IN THE GREATER SYDNEY AREA, INDOORS AND OUT, as well as on public transport. This means wearing masks in depots.
- Police will not be issuing warnings, they will be issuing fines to people not complying. Members should follow any directions they may be given by police at any time.
- Special Leave will be coming back for government employees only in a limited way. Private sector employees will be expected to use Annual Leave in the first instance.
- Workers who are at risk or are caring for at risk people, will be expected to get vaccinated as a matter of urgency. You will have priority of others when you make an appointment.
- Exemptions for mask wearing are the same as they were during the last outbreak and include eating and drinking. Members who have exemptions for medical reasons should have a copy of that paperwork on their persons in case they are challenged by police.
- The Union is seeking to have smoking/vaping listed as an exemption in the Public Health Order. A full list of exemptions can be found here.
- You are all essential workers (Passenger transport) and exempt from travel restrictions for the purpose of work, even if you live or work in one of the Local Government Areas that are listed as hotspots. You are however expected to remain at home if you work in one of these areas.
- The RTBU continues to push for Transport Workers to be included on the priority list for vaccinations as we have been for months. Hopefully this outbreak gives that argument some mileage.
- At this stage all services will continue and no reduction to timetables has been flagged. As we did when the previous outbreak started and TfNSW flagged a Sunday timetable for all buses, we will continue to fight to ensure that there is no reduction in available work for members.
Members who for health reasons are eligible for priority vaccination are encouraged to make an appointment. Vaccinated employees with health risks are considered safe to attend work. Employees not yet vaccinated who have health issues should approach their staff supervisors or line managers to discuss what options are available.
Unlike the first outbreak where the RTBU distributed masks to members while the government was busy trying to convince everyone that masks were of no use, common sense has since prevailed. The government has been stockpiling PPE and masks and hand sanitiser is in good supply for all operators.
Given the differences between the original COVID-19 and Delta strains, we need to be extra careful about how we protect ourselves. Washing your hands properly and often remains one of the best defences. Getting vaccinated ASAP will also help protect yourself and family. New appointments are being made available daily. Remember if you’re an STA employee, you can claim 2 hours pay for getting vaccinated on your day off or after a shift.
Government flags return to 2.5% Wages Policy
In a move that will affect public sector/service wages for any Award negotiated in the next financial year, the government has backflipped on the 1.5% pay rise cap currently in the policy.
This will affect the STA Bus Operations Award for the 2nd year pay increase only.
Like all Awards captured by the 12-month period flagged by the IRC decision of 0.3%, the new policy will not affect the first year pay rise.
The RTBU is obviously pushing for the new rate for the second year pay rise to be recognised immediately, and we fully expect that to be passed on to anyone covered by the Bus Op Award at that time.
STA have confirmed that backpay of the 0.3% is expected to be completed by the end of this financial year.
TAHE SCANDAL EXPOSED: What you need to know
The NSW Government has been caught out running an Enron-style financial scheme to put its transport infrastructure assets into a government-owned for-profit company in order to artificially inflate its budget bottom line.
This scandal is important for three key reasons:
- It shows that the NSW Government has not been misleading in its claims about the budget;
- Taxpayers could end up forking more transport services; and
- Transport safety could be put at risk in order to boost the profits of the new company by creating a for-profit cooperation in charge of all tracks, trains, stations and other transport assets across NSW.
Furthermore, the NSW Government has been trying to cover up the true financial status of the new corporation, which could end up costing taxpayers billions.
Read the full background and details of the scandal on the Branch website.
Region 6 Negotiations
Members voted earlier this week and approved the Log of Claims for the RTBU to take forward in negotiations.
Discussions are now happening between the RTBU and the TWU. We’ll be contacting TSA to begin negotiations as soon as possible.
Members will be kept up to date with regular bulletins.
Region 8 Negotiations
The RTBU met with Keolis Downer to discuss the EA negotiations. KD have again confirmed their intention to have employees working under the same conditions they have now.
While the original plan was to have a Log of Claims for members to vote on, the timeframe we are operating in makes that difficult. Instead, members will be able to vote twice; once before transition, and once more after. Any changes will be minimal and thoroughly explained before any vote happens.
We have sent KD a list of items that we feel need to be included and will regularly report back to members on progress.
Issues with Employee Opal Cards
Some employee issued OPAL cards might not have been working, with Transport for NSW prematurely deactivating them before members have received their new and active OPAL cards.
If your OPAL card does not work, you should show the card to the Station Staff, Bus Driver, or other staff member and politely explain the situation. Rail workers are in the same boat so they’ll understand.
Passes are being sent to individual operators to distribute to their staff.
If there are any operational issues, such as delays in sign-on or sign-off times caused by not being able to travel because of the pass not working, members will be fully supported by their Union. Please be aware that CCTV cameras cover all gates at stations and all buses.
If you require further information, please contact your Delegate, Organiser or the RTBU Head Office.
Finally, if you have changed your address, personal email address, phone number and or work location please contact the RTBU Head Office now.
Potentially corrupt NSW government land purchase prompts inquiry into 20 similar deals
A NSW parliamentary inquiry is currently probing the state government’s purchase of a contaminated block of land to be used for a depot for the Parramatta light rail project in the Sydney suburb of Camellia for $53.5m, just months after it was purchased at a fraction of the cost by property developer Billbergia.
The inquiry heard that, following concerns about the Camellia site, the agency launched a separate audit into other residential and commercial property acquisitions between 1 November 2019 and 30 October 2020.
The audit examined 20 acquisitions involving Transport for NSW. A draft report was being finalised late last month and will be handed to transport minister Andrew Constance.
Sydney bus passengers exposed to ‘lewd act’ as police release CCTV of person of interest
Stills from CCTV footage of a Sydney bus have been released as part of continued investigations into a lewd act in the CBD earlier this year.
Shortly after 10.30pm on Wednesday, January 6, a man boarded the 426 bus at Martin Place.
He sat at the back of the bus before allegedly exposing himself and performing a “sexual act” in view of other passengers.
On Tuesday, CCTV images were released of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
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
