Tram and Bus Express: News and views from life in the bus & tram lanes
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Member Update: July 2 2021
Dear members,
We're one week into a lockdown in Greater Sydney. Hopefully, just one more to go.
To all of you who are continuing to work through the stay-at-home order, we thank you for your essential service during this time and wish you nothing but health and safety as you carry out your duties on the front line.
As case numbers have risen over the last few days, we've been keeping a close eye on further affected transport routes as they are updated on the NSW Health Case Location and Alert list. In addition to the information on current COVID measures from Transport for NSW on the Tram & Bus website, you can also view a comprehensive list of Public Health Orders and restrictions on the NSW Health website.
We implore you all to mask up, social distance where possible, and where you can, pay attention to exposure sites in case you may have attended any of them in a personal capacity. For drivers, wearing your mask is especially crucial now and especially for drivers in the Eastern Suburbs. Police and STA authorised officers will begin fining drivers if they are caught without a mask from next week. Your compliance will be greatly appreciated during this time.
Understandably, this means that we'll be putting future Depot BBQs on hold for the foreseeable future. For members whose Depots we haven't yet visited, know that your time will come once it is safe to do so. We can't wait to start these up again and check in to see how you're all faring.
We'd like to extend a huge THANK YOU! to all who made a generous donation towards the legal defence of STA driver from Randwick depot, Roy Stanton! All donations were greatly received by Roy. We thank you again for coming together for a fellow member. Your generosity will not be forgotten.
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.
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.
Update on new COVID-19 restrictions
With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in NSW, today the RTBU is having ongoing meetings with Transport for NSW to discuss restrictions and to raise issues as they develop.
The new restrictions are as follows:
- Employees are required to wear masks in all workplaces including depots, mealrooms, and offices, unless eating or drinking. This includes when running special in a bus. POLICE WILL FINE DRIVERS IF THEY SEE YOU NOT WEARING A MASK.
- At time of writing masks are required to be worn in drivers cab of trams.
- Public transport capacity on trams and buses has been reduced to 25%. The green dot process for seating is back.
Members are also advised that the NSW Branch Office will be operating with reduced staffing levels from this afternoon until the lockdown is officially ended by the NSW Govt, with all other staff working remotely but still available if required. The Tram and Bus divisional office remains open at Redfern with officials and organisers on site, and admin and legal staff working from home.
As during the last Covid lockdown, our staff and officers will do everything they can to reduce the impact of remote working arrangements on membership consultation and contact. However, we still ask all members to be understanding during this time.
The RTBU continues to push for Transport Workers to be given priority for vaccinations, bus drivers in particular due to their working environment. As it stands, members are encouraged to sign up for the appropriate vaccination for your circumstances ASAP. The sooner you’re protected, the sooner your family is. 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.
Government advice is for anyone over 60 years of age to make an appointment for the Astra Zeneca vaccine, and anyone under that age to either talk to their GP about if that vaccine is appropriate for them, or to get the Pfizer vaccination. Supply remains an issue with the State government chasing the Federal government for doses.
Remember if you’re an STA employee, you can claim 2 hours pay for getting vaccinated on your day off or after a shift, and you should see your staff supervisor for more information about how to claim that.
Please stay safe and stay vigilant. Bring any issues to the attention of your local delegate.
Government flags return to 2.5% Wages Policy
As reported last issue, the government has backflipped on the 1.5% pay rise cap currently in the Wages 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 fighting hard 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 or Salaried Awards at that time. The Government has so for been slow to respond but we are hopeful of a result soon.
STA have confirmed that backpay of the 0.3% has been completed, anyone who has missed out should bring it to the attention of their local delegate along with pay slips.
‘Point of high risk’: Minister urges essential workers to avoid public transport if they can
NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has urged essential workers to avoid Sydney’s bus and train network during the lockdown if they can, given the virulence of the COVID-19 Delta variant.
Mr Constance said commuters who had to leave the house for essential work should drive, cycle or walk if they had the option as the state works to contain the latest outbreak. Positive cases have been identified on several bus, train and light rail services in the past week.
“The buses are one of the big worries. It’s not surprising that there are a lot of buses because we’re dealing with hot spot areas where there’s a lot of commuting.” Mr Constance said.
Capacity restrictions of roughly 25 per cent have been reapplied to the network, the most severe since last year.
It seems ridiculous that in light of the Minister’s comments, bus drivers are STILL not being given priority for vaccinations.
NSW Budget: Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer has welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to invest $50 million in Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 planning in its upcoming 2021-22 NSW Budget.
Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail will connect the Parramatta CBD to Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park. It will also connect to Sydney Metro West, the heavy rail in Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park, and ferry services at Rydalmere and Sydney Olympic Park.
Read the full statement from Lord Mayor Dwyer on the City of Parramatta's website.
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.
Thanks for your essential work during a time of crisis.
In solidarity,
David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers
