Tram and Bus Express: News and views from life in the bus & tram lanes
No images? Click here
Member Update: August 27, 2021
Dear Members,
New South Wales hit the 6 million vaccination mark this week, but also tipped over 1000 cases on Thursday. The state government has begun to shift the narrative away from daily case numbers and towards what increased vaccination rates mean for all of us going forward.
In a win for unions, the NSW Government granted a temporary exemption for Transport to the restrictions that are set to come into effect on Monday, 30 August 2021. After extensive discussions with TfNSW across the week, there will be three ways that authorised workers can leave the 12 affected LGAs to attend work, which are outlined in this edition of the Express.
Other ongoing restrictions that came into effect on Monday 23 August still apply throughout Greater Sydney and the Local Government Areas (LGAs) of concern.
Information on testing requirements for transport workers have been released by TfNSW. You can read the updated requirements and types of testing here.
We appreciate the great work members have been doing to keep yourselves and the community safe. As always, wear a mask as required, social distance where possible, and, where you can, pay attention to exposure sites in case you may have attended any of them personally.
A reminder that nominations have now opened for the Casual Vacancy Election at Tempe Bus Depot. You can learn more about how to nominate here. Nominations will close at 5pm AEST on August 31st.
We are continuing to appeal to members to please give generously to the donation account we have set up for Michael Yammouni, a TSA bus driver from Leichhardt bus depot. Michael has been involved in an accident that has tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian. All funds from the account will go towards Michael's legal defence. View the details on where to donate here.
We hope that you continue to stay safe and well.
Unions win last minute reprieve for Transport Workers on COVID requirements
Regardless of the messaging from your employer, everyone will be paid from Monday.
There is no danger of anyone losing their jobs.
If you live in an Area of Concern OR you drive routes that travel through these areas while working, you need to have a permit to travel (it’s quick and doesn’t need much info) from - https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-your-travel-within-nsw
The NSW Government granted a temporary exemption for Transport to the restrictions that are set to come into effect on Monday, 30 August 2021.
For the past week, the RTBU alongside the Transport Workers Union and Maritime Union of Australia, have been urging the Government to make exemptions to the Public Health Orders requiring either vaccination or rapid antigen testing. Obvious issues arose given that not all employers are putting rapid testing in place, and for a variety of reasons not everyone has been, or is able to be, vaccinated.
After robust discussions with TfNSW across the week and the combined efforts of all 3 unions, the following change will be put in place.
From Monday, 30 August, there will be 3 ways that Authorised workers can leave the 12 affected LGAs to attend work, if:
- You have had the first dose of a COVID vaccine;
- Your employer has rapid antigen testing in the workplace; or
- You have a normal COVID test every 3 days (as has been the case for some time in Fairfield and Canterbury Bankstown LGAs). You don’t need the test results just proof you have been tested. Ask how you can get this when you get tested.
At this stage this exemption only applies to Transport Workers although that may change. We will continue to monitor the situation and fight to ensure that any Health Orders issued are sensible, workable, clear, and consistent.
Your Union has been and will continue to fight for your right to choose how and when you get vaccinated. If it is not mandatory by law then the choice must be real, not a choice between vaccination and a testing option that doesn’t exist. While the Union continues to recommend vaccination as the best course to protect everyone, we will defend freedom of choice on behalf of all members.
Casual Vacancy Election: Tempe Bus Depot
Nominations for the Sub-Divisional Representative on Branch Divisional Committee at Tempe Bus Depot are open.
Nominations must reach the Returning Officer via the lodgement method(s) stipulated below no later than 5:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) on 31/08/2021.
How to Lodge Nominations
Nominations must be lodged via the following method(s):
By Portal: Australian Electoral Commission Portal, www.aec.gov.au
By Email: A properly completed nomination form including all necessary signatures and attachments may be scanned and submitted as a pdf file to IEBnominations@aec.gov.au The subject line for the email should read “E2020/132 Nomination” and include your name.
TfNSW Health Update: Testing requirements for Transport employees
Transport for NSW has released new information on COVID-19 testing for transport workers.
There are a number of circumstances in which workers may need to be tested for COVID-19. Please read the fact sheet carefully for everything you need to know about the different types of testing, information on each and how they apply to you.
Transdev IWLR enterprise bargaining update
Members at Transdev IWLR are in the midst of a battle with management over their new enterprise agreement.
The company is refusing to show IWLR members respect by providing a similar progression scale as those who work on the CSELR network.
Transdev is planning on putting its EA to a vote in about 2 weeks time, and IWLR members are currently planning their next steps, which could include a significant no vote against the proposed EA.
Union officials will at the depot next week to hold further discussions with members.
Click here to see Trandev’s offer and to read the full bulletin.
Off to court again for Transit Systems!
It is a matter of law that anyone working under a ‘transitional instrument’ like a Copied State Award, who doesn’t have a pay rise is covered by the usual minimum wage review conducted by the Fair Work Commission (FWC). This is done at the beginning of every financial year and the increase given this year was 2.5%. After bringing it to TSA’s attention (they had no idea), the company agreed to pay the increase to employees working under the Copied State Award. They not only committed to it in writing, they clarified exactly when it would be paid and when it would be in people’s pockets.
The company then decided to backflip and NOT pay the increase, offering no better reason than ‘we’re looking at legal options’. Pretty standard for this mob, whose idea of a good business is one that screws over its employees the most, but to tear up a written commitment like that sets a new low. The RTBU sent TSA a Letter of Demand saying the increase had to be paid or we’d be off to court. Predictably we didn’t even get a response.
Today we commenced urgent proceedings and lodged the matter in the Federal Circuit Court. The Union is seeking an injunction to force the company to pay the increase immediately, backpay for the applicable time, penalties for not passing on the pay increase to begin with, and to cover all legal costs of the Union. The initial hearing for directions is next week, and we’ll be arguing to have the matter heard urgently given the impact this is having on members during such a difficult time.
Members will be kept up to date as this matter progresses.
Region 6 bargaining Update
After delaying the bargaining process by not responding to union requests and then trying to blame unions for that delay, TSA have outsourced negotiations to a Melbourne company.
So far a limit of 6 meetings have been put on the table, which is ridiculous. The TWU and RTBU are united in their commitment to get the best deal possible for workers and will bargain in good faith. If the company continues to play games, it will come down to the commitment of members to take action and make the company understand that we’re not going to accept sub-standard working conditions and pay. Before hiring the external negotiator, the company said in writing:
"(TSA) are eager to get a pay rise into the pockets of the drivers as quickly as possible…"
Never forget everything they have done and the lies they have told. Don’t let them pretend that they care about your pay and conditions in any way except to make them as cheap as possible. United we can secure a decent future, divided we’ll be begging for scraps!
The next meeting is scheduled for September 2, 2021 and members will be updated on progress afterwards.
In case you missed it: Transit Systems Work-Related COVID-19 Payments
RTBU Officials have received confirmation that the COVID-19 pandemic had spread to depots in Region 6 – specifically Leichhardt and Tempe.
Understandably this is an uncertain and worrying time for impacted members from both a health and financial perspective.
We contacted Transit Systems and can confirm that those members who were required to isolate due to a positive Covid-19 within the depot will be paid as outlined on the Tram & Bus website.
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.
If the Pfizer vaccine is suitable for you, the STA have designated appointments available for you to get vaccinated. Contact your local manager for more information.
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.
Tunnel bus lane pledge still unmet
More than two years after the first WestConnex motorway tunnel opened in Sydney, the NSW government is yet to meet a condition of approval by dedicating two lanes of Parramatta Road solely to public transport.
“Transport for NSW is currently working on a plan to present short, medium and long-term options to enhance public transport and support the corridor’s urban transformation,” A spokeswoman for Transport and Roads Minister Andrew Constance said.
After progress on the traffic studies stalled, the Department of Planning took charge of them last year from Transport for NSW. Planning Minister Rob Stokes had bemoaned a lack of progress on the studies by the transport agency. They expect the first of the transport models and associated consultants’ reports would be completed in September, and a final report by December.
Why are Sydney buses still going up in flames and what can be done about it?
Blazes that destroyed two Sydney buses this year have prompted a leading expert to suggest current fire suppression systems aren’t sufficient and New South Wales should examine technology that detects heat buildup so dangerous fires can be prevented.
The blazes in Glebe in January and Campbelltown last week generated dramatic footage and came after a decline in bus fires since 2016, following the introduction of engine bay suppression systems on all Transport for NSW (TfNSW) metropolitan buses.
Dr Anthony Chun Yin Yuen, who manages the ARC Training Centre for Fire Safety and is a lecturer at the University of New South Wales’ school of mechanical and manufacturing engineering, argues the state’s current bus fire suppression systems are not “up to the best standard to be put into practical application” because they are an intervention measure rather than a preventive one.
COVID-19: Clarifications and new information on support available
There is a misconception by some people that the Public Health Orders are somehow illegal or do not have the force of law. The Public Health Orders are made pursuant to Section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010. Section 10 then makes it an offence to not comply with such an order. It is the law.
There is a lot of confusion about movements and requirements under the new Public Health Orders, please check the latest information.
If you must have proof of your COVID-19 test, you must show the proof of your test when asked:
- At your workplace by your manager (occupier), or
- To a police officer
You do not need to get the results of your COVID-19 test before going to or staying at work.
New ACTU guide on government COVID support
Recent COVID-19 outbreaks across Australia have again highlighted the inadequacy of the Morrison Government’s responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and its continuing failure to look after Australian workers.
The ACTU has put together a briefing note covering the limited support that is currently available for workers who are affected by recent COVID-19 outbreaks in their state or territory.
A number of workers are entitled to unpaid pandemic leave through their relevant Modern Award.1 In March of 2021, the paid pandemic leave
provisions operating in a number of health care sector awards (including the Aged Care Award 2010) expired.
ACTU fact sheet available here - with what is currently available for members in each state and territory, including eligibility and how to apply.
Donations for TSA Driver Michael Yammouni
Donations are being collected to assist a TSA bus driver from Leichhardt bus depot. Michael has been involved in an accident that has tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian.
We’ve all had and seen near misses and know how easily this could happen to any one of us. The RTBU has set up an account for drivers to donate to and help with Michael’s legal defence. Add your name or depot location to the deposit reference field so Michael knows who has contributed.
Thank you for supporting our colleague as he traverses this most difficult of times.
View the details on where to donate on the Tram & Bus website.
Thanks for your essential work during a time of crisis.
In solidarity,
David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers
