Member Update: 17 November

Dear Members, 

We trust that you are in good health and high spirits! 

In the latest Region 6 update, we're currently moving towards a single roster system scheduled to begin on December 10, 2023. For any questions, our local delegates are ready to assist. Additional details can be found below.

Meanwhile, there have been ongoing discussions between the Union and KDH over the Newcastle Light Rail enterprise agreement. Members can read the latest on where discussions have gotten to down below. 

In other news, Region 8 payroll issue with KDH continues. At the Fair Work Commission, they committed to addressing concerns with all affected members by March 2024. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact our Union office for assistance.

Also on the note of Region 8, the Union is disputing shifts in excess of 9 hours, and will be addressing the matter at the Fair Work Commission hearing this Monday. Members will receive a direct update on what emerges from this.

Moving on, negotiations for enterprise agreements for Transdev's operations are progressing positively. For the latest on this, see the article below.

Out in Region 7, negotiations are ongoing and the RTBU has had a meeting with the NSW treasurer to discuss options for the government to pay to bring everyone up to the ex-STA conditions. For the latest on this, see the article below. 

As always, we hope you are staying safe and well - and if you have any issues or concerns, don't hesitate to reach out.

Region 6 Update

The transition to a single roster system is ongoing and is set to commence on 10th December 2023. As such, the rosters are currently being presented to the roster committees. 

The procedures for the merging of the two rosters will use the roster clerk manual. For any issues or questions regarding this, please contact your local delegate.

Newcastle Light Rail Update

As members would be aware from the email sent to them last week, the Union and KDH have been in continued negotiations over the enterprise agreement. 

Management has refused to accept any further proposals put forward by the union. KDH are preparing to present a draft agreement to members and to hold a vote on the proposed agreement on the following week.

Today, the company has sent the Union a document that does not provide any of the conditions that we had put forth in previous discussion. As such, we have rejected some of the alterations that were proposed by management.

Region 8 Payroll Dispute Update

The payroll dispute in Region 8 continues.

KDH were required to report back to the Fair Work Commission with a date outlining when they would be able to speak to all members that were affected by over and underpayments by the company. 

KDH have flagged that they will be able to speak to everyone by March 2024. 

As previously advised, we recommend members do not pay back any money until there is definite confirmation that they were overpaid. It is also important to note that the company should be giving advice on how tax adjustments will work.

Members should be mindful that repayments should not put financial strain on you or your family, and you should only pay back any proven debt at a rate you can afford. If that’s $1.00 a week, then that’s what it is.

If any member who has been affected feels there have been any discrepancies throughout this process, please reach out to the union office or your local delegate for assistance.

Region 8 Dispute Sunday shifts over 9 hours

Members may be aware that the Union is currently disputing Sunday shifts in excess of 9 hours in the Fair Work Commission. We will be attending a hearing on this issue this Monday and will report back to members with updates from that meeting. 

Transdev Lightrail Update 

Negotiations for an enterprise agreement for all Sydney operations of the light rail operated by Transdev are ongoing. The ongoing discussions have been productive, and your bargaining team is nearing the tail end of this process.

Yesterday's meeting involved discussions of increase to wages. The key part of this process is that we have been able to maintain all previous conditions, with improvements for the future. 

A draft will be provided to the union next week and we’ll be able to share more specific detail.

Region 7 Update

In what was already one of the most complex bargaining rounds we’ve ever seen, yet more complexity has been introduced.

We are now liaising directly with the Transport Minister and RTBU officials had a meeting with the NSW Treasurer today to discuss options for the government to pay to bring everyone up to the ex-STA conditions. Someone has to foot that bill at the end of the day, and it shouldn’t be the workers!

These discussions are ongoing, but we hope that in the next two weeks we’ll be in a position to know exactly how things will play out and what members need to do to ensure the best outcome for all workers.

White Paper for Better Bus Services Released

Last month, the NSW Bus Industry Taskforce released its white paper on alleviating traffic congestion issues as a way to enable better bus services in Sydney. This plan is designed to make bus travel more appealing to commuters by allowing buses to move efficiently through Sydney.

Traffic congestion in Sydney has resulted in significant economic losses, costing the state tens of millions of dollars each year in lost productivity. The plan includes implementing 'bus priority' policies such as dedicated lanes and adjusting traffic lights to encourage commuters to choose buses over cars. 

However, the Taskforce noted the very significant concerns about a bus driver shortage - which as we all know has been prevalent for a long time. 

For the latest on this, you can read this article from the Guardian by clicking here.

In solidarity, 

David Babineau and Peter Grech