News and views from the bus and tram lanes
No images? Click here
Member Update: March 18, 2022
Dear Members,
As the efforts to recover and rebuild from the devastating floods continue along the east coast, we'd like to remind you that the RTBU, has set up a GoFund Me fundraiser for members who have been impacted by this extreme weather event.
An application must be submitted no later than 30 April 2022 to a Panel for consideration for a gift of up to $1,000 from the monies raised by the fund. View and download the application form here.
You can also make a contribution to the GoFundMe by clicking here.
As usual, we're juggling lots of EAs and doing the good work.
In Region 6, the RTBU and TWU are working together on our next industrial actions. The company is determined to go nowhere and we need to kick things up a gear.
In Region 7, the Log of Claims survey was completed in time for the first bargaining session. Originally scheduled for 25th March, late this afternoon it had to be rescheduled for 6th April.
And in Newcastle, Keolis Downer has put forward a second proposal following feedback from members on the first proposal given last Friday. Members feel that such proposals would have been useful much earlier in negotiations. The full details are in this Express.
In case you missed it, members are invited to our Farewell BBQ following the resignation of Belmont Delegate Robin O'Donoghue. All are invited as we celebrate Robin's time at the RTBU and her brilliant achievements! You'll find a flyer with the details at the end of this Express.
In the news, the RTBU seems to be playing "clean-up" for the NSW government after a promise to make travel free to compensate for the rail shutdown remains unfulfilled. NSW Branch Secretary Alex Claassens fronted the media on Tuesday calling for the NSW government to back up their words with action and implement the free travel, otherwise the RTBU will roll up our sleeves and take steps ourselves to ensure the public is given their due for being left stranded when the debacle first began on February 21st.
We hope that you continue to stay safe and well.
Region 7 Log of Claims survey
The Log of Claims survey was completed in time for the first bargaining session. Originally scheduled for 25th March, late this afternoon it had to be rescheduled for 6th April.
The company has made it clear that they are seeking one set of conditions covering all employees going forward, with the aim of finishing up the process by the end of 2022.
As long as bargaining takes place smoothly and in good faith, this is likely achievable. The company has agreed to some work practices like paying the 3 door bendy allowance while we negotiate, as a way of demonstrating they are genuine about reaching a settlement with workers that gets rid of the two-tiered workforce. We’ll see how we go.
A member update will follow after the Log of Claims has been finalised next week.
Region 6 Bargaining update
Unions in Region 6 are working together to come up with a plan for further industrial action as we continue to try and fix this historical mess.
It’s clear that the company is under pressure, but they remain unwilling to move on the idea of a single set of conditions.
Many of the bus contracts in Sydney are up for tender this year and there will be pressure on TSA to show they can manage the business successfully and look after workers. Our job is to draw attention to the fact that they CANNOT.
The next bargaining meeting is Tuesday 22 March 2022. A report back from that meeting will follow.
Newcastle EA Update
We met with Keolis Downer on Wednesday 16 March to report back on the members' feelings of what they had proposed last Friday 11 March, which was an offer of rolling over the current agreement with a 2% pay rise in the first year, and 2% or WPI (whichever is the greater) in years 2 & 3.
Based on that feedback, Keolis Downer put forward another proposal that would have the agreement roll over for 18 months from November 2021 (expiring May 2023), with a 2% pay increase from November 2021 and 2% or WPI (whichever is the greater) pay increase from November 2022.
Members' feedback to this INFERIOR offer was that this proposal could have been put forward at the start of negotiations, and not 4 months into them.
Members have clearly stated that if these negotiations are now about pay increases then the financial offer needs to meet the needs of the cost of living. Members also want the union to instigate a protected action ballot to have Keolis Downer take them more seriously in their negotiations.
Free Flu Vaccinations
The RTBU has put out a call to all employers to provide members with the opportunity to receive the flu vaccination at no cost in the workplace.
Most employers have flagged they intend to make the option available for their workers on a voluntary basis, so keep an eye out for times and locations around your depot.
We’re still waiting for a couple to get back to us and will advise in the next bulletin where that process is at.
Gift Cards
As mentioned in the Express on February 25th, members will be receiving a gift card to the value of $50.00.
These have now been ordered and your local delegates will be distributing them around late April or early May.
Please note that you may be asked by your delegate to provide evidence showing you're a current financial member.
Save the date: THANK YOU ROBIN!
The RTBU thanks Belmont depot delegate Robin O’Donoghue for her service to the union and her members at Belmont bus depot.
All RTBU members are invited to attend a Thank You BBQ being held for Robin:
When: Sunday 3rd April, 10am-2pm
Where: Speers Point Park
RTBU Flood Relief
Recent flood across Australia have ripped through many communities leaving many RTBU members impacted and even losing their houses and deeply impacting their lives.
The RTBU has organised a GoFundMe to support specifically RTBU members affected by these floods.
You can make a contribution here: https://gofund.me/f2c36586
News: Rail, Tram and Bus Union calls for free travel on Fridays
NSW's transport union is calling for free travel once a week for commuters as compensation for the sudden shutdown of the rail network last month.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW has asked state Premier Dominic Perrottet to let commuters ride free every Friday until June, after they were left stranded on February 21.
In a statement released on Monday ahead of a planned press conference on Tuesday, the union claimed the government had not made any new offers to resolve workers' claims.
Thanks for your essential work during a time of crisis.
In solidarity,
David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers
