Tram & Bus Express - December 3 2021

Dear members,

It’s certainly a busy time for the Tram and Bus Division.

The union is currently in the Fair Work Commission discussing mandatory vaccinations. Members who are not vaccinated or are singly vaccinated and do not plan to get a second jab are strongly encouraged to lodge an application for exemption here. This is the only way to receive your pay up to this coming Wednesday, so it's important that you do this as soon as possible.

Employees who apply for an exemption will be paid until a decision on their application is delivered so everyone should lodge one by THIS SUNDAY. A report back on the matter is scheduled for Wednesday next week and an update will follow.

Where relevant, please make sure to note down that STA is your employer on the form.

The union is currently in the Fair Work Commission discussing mandatory vaccinations. There’s also protected industrial action taking place across the inner-west as a result of the two-tiered employment system there.

Workers doing the same job deserve the same pay and conditions. That’s why, together with the TWU, we took action on Thursday morning and we’re taking action again this afternoon and – unless the company comes back to the table with a fair offer beforehand – workers will be taking action again on Monday (all day).

It would be great to see you join other members on the picket line at the Region 6 depot closest to you on Monday, 6-9am. We have a press conference for 8am Monday at Burwood Depot and can use all the bus drivers we can get to stand up for our colleagues. It would be great to get a large turnout on Monday to show the NSW Government and the company that we’re serious about fair wages and conditions for all workers. Let’s send a strong message that we’re not going to tolerate a two-tiered workforce in Region 6 or anywhere else!

With so many moving parts today, instead of your usual Friday Tram and Bus Express newsletter, we will send members through a special edition on Tuesday covering these and many other issues.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact your local delegate or the union office.

Your solidarity – no matter where you work - is the reason we’re stronger than ever. Together, we’ll get the wages and conditions that you all deserve.

In Solidarity,

David Babineau, Divisional Secretary

Daniel Jaggers, Divisional President