Member Update: 17 March 2023

Dear Members,

We hope you've all had a great week and trust you've stayed safe and well.
State elections are just over a week away- and the Liberals have released a 'plan' to address the bus driver shortage across the state. But from their plan, it's clear they have no real solutions, direction, or desire to take accountability for the absolute mess they've caused due to privatisation.

What we need is real solutions and a government that listens. It's clear that with this lot, that will never be the case. For more, we've included the member bulletin link further into this week's express.

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 25^th March 2023

The 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.

Region 6 - State electorates

Strathfield

Jason Yat-Sen Li (Labor)

Parramatta

Donna Davis (Labor)

Balmain

Philippa Scott (Labor)

Heffron

Ron Hoenig (Labor)

Kogarah

Chris Minns (Labor)

Region 7 - State electorates

Ryde

Lyndal Howison (Labor)

Parramatta

Donna Davis (Labor)

Willoughby

Sarah Griffin (Labor)

Region 8 - State electorates

Pittwater

Jeffrey Quinn (Labor)

Manly

J asper Thatcher (Labor)

North Shore

Godfrey Santer (Labor)

Region 9 - State electorates

Coogee

Marjorie O’Neill (Labor)

Randwick

Michael Daley (Labor)

Region 7

On 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.

We know there will be big issues like the length of broken shifts, pay rises and lesser conditions for new workers that we won't agree on. But, before we get to fighting over those and other items, we'll go through and get the things that only require minor haggling or deeper explanations sorted and locked in.

The next bargaining meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 23rd, and we'll continue the work described above.

When it comes to taking action, one of the best things we can do is turn off the Opal machines. This is the most damaging action to the company, which is obligated by their contract to pass on this data. Many of their KPI targets are also measured using this data.

Turning off the machines would cost workers a 1.5% pay reduction for the day and give the public free transport. Unlike taking strike action, which while attention-grabbing, costs workers more money. An action like this only works if all workers are on board, and only Union members can take protected industrial action.

Ongoing Newcastle Safety dramas

Yet 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.

While we are running into a variety of issues, one solution that helps them all is if we have empowered Transit Police, whose job is to tour the network and support drivers in doing their jobs safely. The RTBU is talking to other unions and the Labor party about bringing back Transit Police and how that would work.

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 EA

Members at both depots can expect a bulletin next week about upcoming combined EA negotiations, including a timetable for a Log of Claims survey.

It may be the case that we include the new Parramatta operations to be covered in discussions, but that has yet to be firmly decided and the RTBU continues to talk to Transdev about this.

If it benefits members, then we will certainly pursue a combined EA that includes all operations.

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-

You are paid to run safely, not on time.
Don’t overload your bus. You are responsible for the vehicle, don’t let anyone push you to take more people than you safely can. Make sure the red zones near the doors are clear at all times.
Don’t challenge for fares! While it can be annoying that some people don’t pay, it’s not your job to police this. Many incidents occur because drivers need to push people to pay. If Transport cared about fare compliance, they would have more than a few officers floating around.
Of all RTBU members, only new drivers in Region 7 (Ryde & Willoughby) are allowed to drive more than 5 hours without a break. This includes overtime.

Remember, your number one job is safety, and you are responsible for how the bus operates.

Easter Show Tickets

Tickets 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.

PLEASE NOTE - these exclusive open tickets cannot be sold online. If Easter Show organisers find people selling tickets online, they have informed us they will cancel these tickets without a refund.

In solidarity,

David Babineau and Peter Grech