Member Update: 14 July 2023

Dear Members, 

While it has been a while since we updated members with a Tram and Bus Express, there has been substantial progress and noteworthy developments that we are excited to update you on.

For the past four and half years, the Union has been advocating for the return of a government employee Opal pass. While we succeeded at getting extensions for this - the fight to have these reinstated continues.

In other news, the Bus Taskforce is in the process of finalising its first report on the state of the industry. The report is yet to be heard by the public, however, the RTBU and TWU are ensuring that the concerns and voices of drivers are heard in this. We know that there are systemic issues that need fixing in the industry, and this report will make sure to reflect that. For more on this, see the article below.

Additionally, the union has made approaches to KDH in regards to the Light Rail EA. Like members, patience is wearing thin, and while we've negotiated some improvements without compromise to pay, we will be stepping up pressure. For more on this see below.

Out in Region 8, Keolis Downer Northern Beaches is rolling out the results of a pay audit the union demanded on behalf of members, and everyone is advised to carefully review the documents by the company for any errors in over and underpayments. We strongly encourage members consult their local delegate for assistance with any concerns or issues. For more on detail on this, you can see the article down below.

Out in Region 6, we've had some big developments. After years of struggle, today, we've had transit systems announce that the Union endorsed EA in Region 6 has been voted up by 90% of the workforce. This is a great result for members! You can read about this in full detail down below, but rest assured, the result would not have been possible without the support and solidarity of our members.

In Region 7, the loss of our Industrial Officer has impacted our capacity in the office, leading to a delay in the Protected Action application to the Fair Work Commission. However, with the latest development in Region 6 the Union will be focusing it's attention onto Region 7. Read more about this down below.

As always, don't hesitate to contact us or your delegate with any matters. We hope you've all been staying safe and well!

Special Thanks to Lizanne!

Sadly, after persevering through several operations and medical issues over the last 2 years, our Industrial Officer Lizanne Bennett is no longer able to continue working.

Lizanne has spent decades both in Australia and Internationally, working with Unions domestic and global in fighting tirelessly for workers at every turn.

She has been one of the pillars the Tram & Bus division was built on over the last 4 years and her loss will be keenly felt.

We gratefully thank Lizanne for her selfless efforts in fighting for not just our members, but all workers over the last 30+ years.

Employee Opal Cards

For the last four and a half years the RTBU has been advocating for the return of our government employee Opal passes. While we succeeded in getting extensions to the passes of a year and a half longer for transferring employees during the last round of privatisation, it was never a result we stopped at.

We continued to lobby and fight behind the scenes with TfNSW and previous government Ministers to secure an entitlement that should rightfully be for all transport workers.

We can report that we are getting closer to that goal. The Bus Taskforce as well as direct lobbying with new Labor Ministers have given our efforts greater volume.

We will not stop until we get our passes back at the least, or all transport workers get them at best!

Bus Taskforce Update

The Bus Taskforce is in the process of finalising its first report into the state of the industry. While the report has yet to be submitted to Parliament or made public, the RTBU and TWU have been pushing to make sure that driver concerns are heard. There’s no point in running a recruitment campaign unless the core issues are fixed.

On the list are an end to 2-tiered workplaces, realistic running and turnaround times, access to clean and safe amenities and of course better pay. Whether or not we get any traction remains to be seen but these issues and more will all be a part of our core message going forward.

Transdev EA Update

The loss of our Industrial Officer has also impacted the commencement of negotiations with Transdev; we had hoped to be sitting down with the company by now. Nonetheless, the Log of Claims has now been approved by members and we will present that to Transdev next week.

They also have a list of things they want changed and you can look forward to regular dedicated updates once negotiations begin as well as a stronger presence from RTBU officials at the depots.

Wickham Trams EA Update

The RTBU Tram and Bus division has been in communication with KDH multiple times regarding the negotiations over the Enterprise agreement. We'll be intensifying out efforts to see good progress on this. Both our members and our patience are running thin. We have successfully negotiated certain improvements in working conditions while maintaining pay increases. The union has recently made another request this morning for a draft of the enterprise agreement, and we hope to receive a response early next week.

Region 8 Update

As Region 8 operators would be aware, Keolis Downer Northern Beaches are rolling out results of the pay audit. We strongly advise all members to thoroughly review the provided document, as you are entitled to complete information regarding over and underpayments. If you do not have access to certain documents like days of the week journals and payslips, please remember to request them.

The Union has sought legal advice on this matter, and it is important to note that any costs associated with KDNB's payroll errors should and can be recovered. This includes potential reassessment of income tax if the company intends to recoup the full gross amount. However, according to the information received by our office today, KDNB only needs to recover the net amount, which has been forwarded to them this afternoon.

If you have any concerns or issues related to this, we urge you to speak to your local delegate for further assistance and guidance.

Region 6 Update

The results are in and after years of struggle, today Transit Systems announced that the Union endorsed EA in Region 6 has been voted up by 90% of the workforce!

This is a great result for members who have minimal changes in conditions from the Copied State Award after years of successfully fighting to defend their government entitlements. It also lifts up the newer employees in pay and conditions, and gives the TWU new benefits to fight for, for drivers in other regions.

Crucially, this also means that the rosters will be put back together, something both Unions will be directly involved with. For years transferred employees have been watching their work and job security slowly disappear and the main goal of the RTBU was to put the work back together while protected what we had. This had to be done without being at the expense of other workers- the RTBU is not in the business of selling out parts of the workforce no matter if they are members or not.

Region 7 Update

Unfortunately, the loss of our Industrial Officer has impacted on our capacity at the office and delayed the Protected Action application to the Fair Work Commission. With Region 6 now sorted out, we will be focussing our attention on Region 7 and the upcoming Transdev Light Rail EA.

It remains the government’s job to direct TfNSW to fix Region 7. Unlike in 6 where we had been working on a solution for several years, Region 7 has had no progress made other than that the company wants to continue with a 2-tiered workplace and pay new drivers less with less conditions. The only way forward from the Busways perspective is for the RTBU to sell out new employees. This is not how we do things.

If approved by members, the Protected Action ballot will allow us to be ready to take Protected Industrial action as soon as it becomes needful no matter if we aim at Busways or TfNSW. That application will be submitted next week.

Calls for rapid bus service along Newcastle's future light rail route

Calls are growing for the government should run rapid bus services along the future light rail corridor to John Hunter Hospital, with the lower Hunter city commissioner Matt Endacott coming out in support of this. 

While the development of the tram extension may still be a few years away, the proposal is to have Transport for NSW seize the opportunity to enhance bus services in the interim. By investing in upgraded bus services and aligning them with the future tram stop locations, we embed this into the travel patterns of commuters. The proposed approach is pragmatic and will strengthen the connection between the hospital and the city but also pave the way for feasible construction in the future.

The union knows just how integral role of a role members play in shaping the future of public transportation in the Lower Hunter region - and we are monitoring how the plans for this unrolls.

RTBU For Yes

Recently, the RTBU National Executive and NSW Branch Council unanimously passed resolutions in support of the Yes campaign for a Voice to Parliament. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people have asked for simple recognition in the constitution through a Voice to Parliament, which means having a say (but not a vote or veto as is the scare campaign being pushed by the No campaign) in matters that affect their lives and communities.

Why is this union business? Throughout history, the union movement has always been at the forefront of progressive change, fighting for workers' rights, social justice, and equality. Union values of fairness, respect, dignity and safety for all are at the heart of everything we do.

The Wave Hill Walk Off in 1966 is a classic example of why a Voice to Parliament is an important step in recognition of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander and why social justice, workers’ rights, equality, and recognition are important trade union values we must never walk away from or be silent on.

We will provide everyone wishing to be part of the campaign with a range of ways to get involved soon, but in the meantime, we’re looking for who are interested in stepping up and playing a larger part in the campaign to put their hands up. If that sounds like you, click here to be a campaigner.

Someone from the RTBU will then be in touch to discuss how you can get involved. For the sign-up form, click here.

In solidarity, 

David Babineau and Peter Grech