Member Update: December 7, 2021

Dear Members,

Welcome to this special edition of the Tram and Bus Express.

It's been a huge week. Yesterday RTBU members in Region 6 followed up last week's protected industrial action with a full day of strike action.

Our mates in the railways, as well as the state's teachers, have also taken action today, causing an almighty headache for the NSW Government.

The NSW Government brought this on itself. And it's the Premier and his government who could put a stop to all the action straight away if they simply came to the table and delivered what essential workers need and deserve.

Protected industrial action carried out by Region 6 members was met with threats from TSA to dock 31% of drivers' pay for the day we switched off the Opal machines. We are fighting this in the FWC.

Having workers doing the same job on different rates of pay and conditions has never been, and will never be, acceptable to your union and we'll do everything we can to make sure members get what they deserve.

Take a look a what went down on RTBU social media here, here, and here.

EA discussions with Keolis Downer Newcastle are also in the early stages, but many discussion points have already come to light since our meeting with them on Tuesday. You can find a link to the full bulletin sent to members in this edition of the Express.

On the flip side, following the endorsement of the EA by Pyrmont members, voting took place Friday 26 November. By the end, 45 members made their vote, and to our delight 91% voted it up! Congratulations to all members who stood up and fought for the working conditions they deserve!

With news of a new variant of COVID-19, we implore members to stay calm, listen to the health advice as updates come, and take any measures you can to keep yourselves, your families, and your colleagues safe. Please also continue paying attention to any exposure sites you may have attended in a personal capacity.

The holiday period is always a busy time, and unless the Government implements health orders to the contrary, we can expect the usual hustle and bustle of people using public transport to move about, shop, and see their loved ones.

For those who may need a bit of extra support, or if you think your wellbeing has taken a hit over the last few months, we encourage you to reach out to a loved one, a mate, or to one of the services available to you.

The festive season is almost upon us! We have no doubt that, like us, you're looking forward to celebrating with your loved ones.

We hope that you continue to stay safe and well.

Future Region 6 Industrial Action

Following two stoppages of two hours each last Thursday morning and Friday afternoon, RTBU & TWU members followed up with a 24-hour stoppage yesterday. Unlike previous strike action in region 6, this wasn’t a day to go fishing and picket lines were manned at all four depots stopping buses from going in and out. Some depots had picket lines manned all day from 6am – 6pm which is a huge effort from members of both unions and a moment of genuine solidarity. While we know these actions inconvenience the public, it’s time to start looking out for ourselves. The media was supportive and once people understood that we’re not looking for a pay grab but trying to fix genuine inequality, there were very few complaints. We even had local businesses offer cartons of drinks to drivers on the picket line at Tempe as well as somewhere to go to the toilet after the Tempe Area Manager refused to let anyone into the depot to go the toilet. Typical of a company that sees it’s workers as the enemy.

While we apologise to any other workers who were impacted, they can ultimately thank the company for putting them in that position. The union and it’s members will not be stepping back from the fight to fix the government approved debacle in region 6.

More actions will be coming NEXT WEEK (so don’t so these yet) including Work to Rule, not using mobile phones or any device to communication with work outside of your shift hours, no uniforms, and the right to distribute union campaign material in the workplace. Work to rule is the winner there and actions you can take include:

Delete ‘Blink’ from your devices. It is not part of your employment contract, so all employee contact must be via your journals and the DO’s office window.
No taking calls from work outside of your shift times. You turn up when you’re rostered to!
During your pre-departure check, give your bus a good going over and your find any item that may constitute a safety issue, BOOK YOUR BUS UP!
If anyone is at a bus stop and don’t signal you, stop anyway. Open your doors, lower your bus, then raise your bus, close your doors then leave the stop.
If there is a bus in front of you on the road, don’t pass it. Pull in behind it, open doors etc. Then leave the stop when the other bus leaves the stop.
When you reach your terminus at the end of your trip, take your 6 and 8 minute breaks, even if you’re running late. Take your break, move away from your bus, go to the toilet, etc. Don’t forget to note when you had a toilet break on your journal!
Adhere to your timing points. If you are early to a timing point, stop until the time is up and then leave the stop.
If you are on the road and have an operational issue, place your call and query to OCC and ask for advice. Once the issue is sorted and if you’re running late, ask for an adjustment!
Don’t ‘self-adjust’ your running times. If you are running late, don’t push to make up time. Always call OCC and ask for a time adjustment. Stop in a safe position, secure your bus and then make the call. WAIT UNTIL THEY ANSWER!
If you are going to be late on your final trip of the day, call OCC and ask for an adjustment to the trip so you can finish on time.
With mechanical failures of a bus on the road, don’t be conned by OCC to finish trips with faulty air conditioning etc. Insist on a changeover bus and wait till they bring you a replacement bus.
No lunches on the road, insist on returning to the Depot for your meals.

The union will be printing stickers, flyers and posters to distribute to passengers and put up at bus stops so people know exactly why they’re bus is doing some things a bit differently. Don’t be pressured by management, this is PROTECTED ACTION. Any threats either verbal or written should be reported to your local delegate immediately.

Media Release: Bus drivers take industrial action to fix privatisation pay and condition bungle

1 December 2021 - Bus drivers in Sydney’s Inner West will take protected industrial actions this week in a bid to fix an unfair two-tiered pay system created by the NSW Government’s privatisation of public bus operations, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW says.

Drivers in bus Region 6, which covers the inner west and southern suburbs, will stop work from 4-6am on Thursday and 5-7pm on Friday, with a full 24-hour stoppage on Monday 6 December.

“Right now in Region 6, there are bus drivers working side by side doing exactly the same job, but some get a lower salary, less holiday leave and work longer hours than their colleagues,” says David Babineau, Tram and Bus Division Secretary.

“It’s outrageously unfair, and despite all our attempts to negotiate with Transit Systems and rectify this, the private operator has point-blank refused to give its staff the same pay for the same work.

“Drivers have exhausted all other options. We can’t let Transit Systems get away with this rank and unfair system that allows them to pay some workers less than others.”

Compared to former government employees, Region 6 bus drivers on private contracts:

Get a lower salary
Received a 0% pay rise compared to 2.5%
Have 1 week less annual leave
Work 13-hour days compared to 12-hours

“Bus drivers are aware of our duty to the students undergoing the HSC this month, which is why we’ve timed this week’s work stoppages to make sure we can take them safely to and from school,” says Mr Babineau.

“The NSW Government allowed this to happen when it privatised Region 6 buses. The publicly employed bus drivers stayed on their existing contract, while the private operator Transit Systems of course slashed the pay and conditions of all new drivers it hired.

“This is exactly what we all knew would happen when the NSW Government handed our public buses to private operator to profit from. The public lost bus services and the workers lost their pay and conditions. Private companies are the only winners.

“We really don’t want to be taking this action, but we’ve been left with no choice. We are confident commuters will understand why their local bus driver cannot stand back and allow this outrageous mistreatment of themselves and their colleagues to continue.”

Media Release: Hundreds of Inner West bus drivers strike, demanding same-job-same-pay

6 December 2021 -

Hundreds of bus drivers in Sydney’s Inner West have taken a 24-hour strike today, demanding the NSW Government and Transit Systems heed their calls for same-job same-pay.

In a joint industrial action, members of the Transport Workers’ Union and Rail, Tram & Bus Union at Burwood, Leichhardt, Kingsgrove and Tempe depots walked off the job to protest the different pay and conditions applying to drivers doing the same job.

As a result of the NSW Liberal Government’s botched privatisation of Sydney’s buses, drivers in Region 6 can work at the same depot, driving the same buses along the same routes, but be on different rates of pay and conditions.

TWU NSW State Secretary Richard Olsen said “the action taken by drivers today has sent a message to the State Government loud and clear – it’s time to end the unequal pay for bus drivers.”

“This is ultimately a problem of the State Government’s making – their privatisation of Sydney’s buses has led to this mess where drivers are on all kinds of different pay and conditions, despite doing the exact same job.”

“Drivers have been left with no option but to take this strike action in order to have their voices heard – now it’s time for the State Government and the operator Transit Systems to listen to their drivers, and end the unfair two-tiered pay system that currently exists.”

RTBU Bus & Tram Division Secretary David Babineau said it’s disappointing the NSW Government has let things get to this point.

“The State Government could put a stop to this by simply coming to the table and committing to fixing this mess that they’ve created.

“We’re confident that commuters will understand that the bus drivers who have worked so hard throughout the pandemic to keep our community moving, despite the personal risks, don’t take action like this lightly. The State Government has left us with no other options.

“We can’t sit back and let the NSW Government create situations like this where you have workers doing exactly the same job on different rates of pay and conditions.”

Today’s industrial action by drivers in Region 6 will be followed by another 24-hour strike on Tuesday by Transit Systems drivers in Region 3.

Keolis Downer Newcastle EA Update

The RTBU met with KD management representatives on Tuesday 30 November 2021 to continue negotiations for the Keolis Downer Newcastle EA.

At this meeting your union representatives presented KD with a Log of Claims created from YOUR feedback to your local delegates and YOUR responses to the member survey. This Log of Claims along with a brief explanation can be found in the Union Case in each depot.

Keolis Downer is looking to implement flexible changes, and we all know that in "union world" such changes are taken with a sizeable grain of salt. Discussions is in it's early days, but members are up for a fight if it gets to that point.

Read the full bulletin sent to members here.

Pyrmont EA Update

Following an intense period of bargaining and protected industrial action, members at Pyrmont recently voted in favour of the proposed enterprise agreement.

The enterprise agreement was the result of dedication and solidarity from workers at Pyrmont,

45 members had their vote with the result that 91% of you voted the EA up.

Here's some more information on what was achieved.

It was a steep hill, but we made it together. Congratulations to all members who took part, stood up, and fought for a fairer EA!

No repair timetable in sight for broken Inner West light rail

Passengers can now catch ferries from the inner west to the CBD while they wait for the troubled inner west light rail to be repaired. Transport Minister Rob Stokes said the ferries would not be available at a discounted rate unlike the replacement buses.

But Mr Stokes still had no concrete answers on when the repairs will start and end on the trams.

Transport for NSW operations chief Howard Collins said work on the light rail will continue through out the holiday period. The government is looking to repair the trams locally.

Read the full story on The Daily Telegraph.

Govt confident of quicker Sydney trams fix

Engineers from the trams' Spanish manufacturer are providing advice and "two very expert and experienced engineers" will fly to the UK to meet colleagues in Birmingham at the weekend, where similarly cracked trams are being fixed.

They hope to gain some insight into how the repairs could take place in Australia and how they can set up "the sort of operating theatre that we want to create", Transport for NSW chief operations officer Howard Collins said.

Read the full story on The Leader.

In case you missed it: Mandatory Vaccination: TfNSW Mandatory Vaccination Policy

Please note the following article deals with mandatory vaccination for public sector workers. At this stage this does NOT include Keolis Downer or Busways workers.

Yesterday afternoon Transit Systems made it known that they would be following the TfNSW position but in a slightly different way. The union is reviewing their position and will issue advice to members early next week.

As part of the dispute lodged with STA and TfNSW, the Tram & Bus division has received a letter from TfNSW outlining the next steps for employees who are not vaccinated. That letter says-

“In respect to vaccination, the Policy requires that by 6 December 2021, employees are to:
1. provide evidence of being fully vaccinated; or
2. provide evidence of having at least one (1) dose of vaccination against COVID-19 and then be fully vaccinated in accordance with the recommended timeframe between vaccinations; or
3. have submitted an exemption request from the requirement to be vaccinated.”

Exemption requests can be more than medically related, for example if you’re waiting on Novavax to become available. The Union has NO INPUT AT ALL into the exemption process. The letter says this about how to lodge a request-

“To submit a request for exemption, an employee is to complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Declaration Form and submit an exemption request. Once submitted it goes to the review panel to consider and remains confidential. This panel is led by the People & Culture Division, consisting of representatives from the business, legal, People & Culture and Safety teams, who will consider the role and the exemption that is being applied for.
The review panel will objectivity evaluate the exemption sought in partnership with any other relevant subject matter experts. A decision is then made which will be communicated to the employee and their manager for further discussion and action.
Where an exemption request is approved, consultation will occur with the employee to determine whether suitable alternative work with additional controls can be provided.
The situation will then be reviewed up to six months in the case of medical contraindication and up to three months in the case of other exemptions. During this period, whether or not suitable alternative work with additional controls can be provided, the employee will continue to receive their salary or master roster.
Where an exemption request is declined, engagement will occur with the employee on the outcome and a direction to comply with the Policy will be given. If the employee meets the requirements of the Policy, they will be able to resume work. If not, the employee has the option of taking accrued annual or long service leave or unpaid leave. Alternatively, the employee will not be paid. On 7 February 2022, their situation will be reviewed. This may lead to a situation that results in the termination of their employment for failing to comply with a reasonable and lawful direction.”

Members seeking exemptions should contact their employer ASAP about getting the relevant paperwork and should submit that paperwork as directed as soon as possible. If by December 6th you don’t fall into one of the 3 categories (mentioned earlier in this article), you will be on leave or leave without pay if you have no leave available.

Because of the bus privatisation, Region 9 (the East) will be the only region captured by this policy on February 7th 2022 (out of all current STA employees). If by then you have not complied, then TfNSW makes it clear that termination is on the cards.

Understand, this is not a fight about what people are paid, it’s a fight for people to keep their jobs.

The Union remains pro-vaccination and pro-choice. The union also understands that from a WHS perspective, vaccination is not the be all and end all of safety control measures that can be used to protect drivers from COVID in the current environment. There is no reason for example, why unvaccinated employees cannot wear masks, be regularly tested, and physical distance in the workplace to keep everyone safe.

Paperwork is being prepared to dispute the policy via the IRC.

Vaccination Reminder

Bus drivers, due to their working environment, are at particular risk. 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.

Please stay safe and stay vigilant. Bring any issues or concerns to the attention of your local delegate, including any hot spots where you see consistent non-compliance of mask wearing by passengers on buses or at bus stops.

RTBU 2021-2022 Festive Season Office Hours

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union, Pitt Street Office will be attended as follows:

Tuesday, 21st December 2021 - 08.00 – 16.30
Wednesday, 22nd December 2021 - 08.00 – 16.30
Thursday, 23rd December 2021 - 08.00 – 16.30
Friday, 24th December 2021 - 08.00 – 13.00
Saturday, 25th December 2021 - CLOSED
Sunday, 26th December 2021 - CLOSED
Monday, 27th December 2021 - CLOSED
Tuesday, 28th December 2021 - CLOSED
Wednesday, 29th December 2021 - 08.00 – 16.30
Thursday, 30th December 2021 - 08.00 – 16.30
Friday, 31st December 2021 - 08.00 – 13.00
Saturday, 1st January 2022 - CLOSED
Sunday, 2nd January 2022 - CLOSED
Monday, 3rd January 2022 - CLOSED

Normal Office Hours of 08.00 – 16.30 will resume on Tuesday, 4th January 2022.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Thanks for your essential work during a time of crisis.

In solidarity,

David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers