News and views from the bus and tram lanes No images? Click here Member Update: 17 March 2023Dear Members, In other news, out in Region 7, the Union met with management for bargaining on March 10, with the next meeting scheduled for March 23. We certainly aren't going to find agreement on major issues on the table with management, but before we steam ahead on those issues, we're working out issues that require minor haggling and locking those in. Find the article below for a full update on where we are on this. Unfortunately, there were more issues and reports of violent incidents on our buses out in Newcastle. It's unacceptable that drivers are facing abuse on the job. Members are encouraged to provide incident reports to management and their delegates for follow-up on the issues raised. Moving on, members should anticipate a bulletin next week on upcoming combined EA negotiations with Transdev. See the article below for the latest update on talks over the Transdev Light Rail. And finally, a reminder to members about the importance of safety while driving. We understand that many members face pressures on the job, but safety should always be your top priority. It's not up to members to keep services on time; that's the operator's job. And as always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your local delegate or the Tram and Bus Division office directly. We hope that you continue to stay safe and well. NSW State Election 25th March 2023The NSW State Elections are just over a week away. This Liberal State Government recently released a 'plan' to address the statewide bus driver shortage. But the plan wasn't so much as a plan but rather a sign of a Government attempting to cling to power through spin, deflection of responsibility and vague promises. We know that had it not been for the state elections - they would not have even bothered with issuing a plan. Wage stagnation, privatisation, For our complete response to the plan issued by the Liberal National Government, click here. On the other hand, with Labor, we have the potential for a government that will listen, including unions at the discussion table, and finally include workers' voices when it comes to policy that affects them. So it's not about desperate promises to buy votes but a genuine interest in better transport for commuters and workers alike. Once again, we urge members to read the complete bulletin here. If you are interested in helping to push for a change in NSW, we've included an electorate breakdown of Labor Candidates running across Region 6,7,8, and 9. Strathfield
Parramatta
Balmain
Heffron
Kogarah
Region 7 - State electorates Ryde
Parramatta
Willoughby
Region 8 - State electorates Pittwater
Manly
North Shore
Region 9 - State electorates Coogee
Randwick
Region 7On Friday, March 10th, we met with Busways for a full day of bargaining. We spent the day going through the RTBU response to each clause and got through about one-third of the draft EA. Ongoing Newcastle Safety dramasYet again, this week brought more safety issues in Newcastle, with drivers continuing to suffer from incidents of violence on the job. It's extremely concerning that there were issues with the distress button, and a driver was left without support. This is unacceptable. We'll continue to work closely with local delegates, police and the company to do everything we can to protect drivers. If it comes down to not driving specific routes at certain times, then that's what we'll do, but we want to leave no stone unturned in stopping the current situation before that point is reached. Members are strongly encouraged to provide incident reports to management and a copy of these to the Union delegate. The delegate can then chase up on what has been done to fix the concern raised and report to that member about the result. Transdev Light Rail EAMembers at both depots can expect a bulletin next week about upcoming combined EA negotiations, including a timetable for a Log of Claims survey. If it benefits members, then we will certainly pursue a combined EA that includes all operations. More on this next week. Bus Drivers; drive safe not on time!As mentioned in the last update, many of our bus driver members are pushing the envelope when driving, overloading buses, speeding, and breaking the fatigue regulations to try to keep services running on time. Again, we must remember if something goes wrong, it is always the driver’s fault. To protect yourself and deliver your passengers safely, remember the following-
Remember, your number one job is safety, and you are responsible for how the bus operates. Easter Show TicketsTickets have been received, and distribution of tickets has commenced. All Depot delegates should have tickets available to members by the close of business Tuesday, 21st March. Please, when collecting your ticket, have your payslip available for a smooth transaction of tickets. In solidarity, David Babineau and Peter Grech |