Tram and Bus Express: News and views from life in the bus & tram lanes
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Member Update: July 16 2021
Dear members,
It's been a tough few weeks for us all. Whether you're out in the community continuing to provide an essential service, or you and your loved ones are able to stay home, we wish you all safety and comfort as Sydney continues to be shaken once again by the virus.
Case numbers have remained high and exposure sites have increased alongside this. We've been keeping a close eye on further affected transport routes as they are updated on the NSW Health Case Location and Alert list. In addition to the information on current COVID measures from Transport for NSW on the Tram & Bus website, you can also view a comprehensive list of Public Health Orders and restrictions on the NSW Health website.
We have also received some clarification and new developments regarding the Public Health Orders and how they apply to members. Please read the latest orders here. It is important to remember that Public Health Orders are laws that must be followed under Section 7 and Section 10 of the Public Health Act 2010. The RTBU suggests that if you are affected by this latest change that you get tested at a location either close to your depot or on the way to or from work.
We encourage you to continue adhering to the health advice. 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.
Police will fine transport employees if they are not wearing a mask where required. Tram drivers are exempt from wearing masks while in the cabin by themselves, and Bus drivers are exempt from wearing masks while running special if they are in the bus by themselves.
To other news now, where it has been revealed that a number of Executives at TfNSW were paid above the maximum remuneration range within the NSW Government. The six-figure salaries earned by the likes of Rodd Staples and Rob Sharp are nothing short of eye-watering to the average income earner. TfNSW and the NSW Government had boiled these enormous salary packages down to the need to attract "specialist talent" to TfNSW.
TfNSW and Sydney Trains are also under fire from the Auditor General following a report which found limited efforts by both to reduce their risk of significant cyber attacks. As of January 2021, less than 8 per cent of Transport for NSW staff and 5 per cent of Sydney Trains staff have completed a cyber security training course. This is harrowing, and makes clear the consequences leading up to February's cyber attack on the Accellion file transfer program used by TfNSW.
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 also encourage you to show your support for the most recent RTBU campaign calling for the government to protect COVID-vulnerable workers.The petition targets workers with pre-existing conditions who are more susceptible to adverse effects from the virus. Implementing a financial support system similar to JobKeeper will allow them to remain safe at home and securely employed to ensure they can stay out of harm's way. As essential workers, we know that a way to ensure safe and secure employment in the face of adversity should be a right for all.
We hope that you continue to stay safe and well.
COVID-19 Update: Clarifications from NSW Health and Transport for NSW
Dear members,
Recent developments and clarifications came from NSW Health and Transport for NSW yesterday, Tuesday 13 July.
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.
Please read the full list of orders that apply on the Tram & Bus website.
The RTBU suggests that if you are affected by this latest change that you get tested at a location either close to your depot or on the way to or from work. Hopefully this will limit the time you're spending waiting in queues at testing sites in Fairfield itself.
COVID Movement Requirements
There is a lot of confusion about movements and requirements under the new Public Health Orders, what we know is this-
If you live in the Fairfield LGA you need to have a test every 3 days starting from this Saturday.
Proof of COVID-19 test
You must have proof of your COVID-19 test such as an SMS text message on your phone or an email addressed to you.
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.
You must get a test every 72 hours (3 days) when you are working outside the Fairfield local government area if you live in or are staying in the Fairfield local government area.
If you test positive, follow the rules for people who are confirmed cases of COVID-19.
If you have NOT been able to get a test, over this weekend only, you should contact your employer and let them know you have been unable to get a test.
You will be directed to get tested on paid time at a location close to your depot.
You will be expected to return to work afterwards and continue your shift as normal.
Entry to a workplace
Follow the requirements if you are the occupier of a premises that is:
- not a place of residence
- located outside the Fairfield local government area.
You must not allow a person to work at your premises unless that person has had a COVID-19 test in the past 72 hours.
You are allowed to ask a person who is at your premises to show you proof that they have had a COVID-19 test in the past 72 hours.
This applies to all people, including employees, contractors and other service providers who:
- work at your premises and
- live in the Fairfield local government area.
People who do not need a mandatory COVID-19 test
You do not have to get a COVID-19 test before working outside the Fairfield local government area if you live outside the Fairfield local government area.
The map here shows how far from Greater Sydney you can travel without needing to get tested, unless you’re living in the Fairfield LGA as covered above. The Greater Sydney Area is shown in orange, and the allowed range of travel is in purple. Anything past the purple area and you must get tested every 7 days if you live in Greater Sydney. If you’re travelling TO Greater Sydney from outside, it remains the case that you should self-isolate when not at work.
Payrise Win for TSA Legacy employees!
The RTBU has secured a pay rise for all workers currently employed under the Copied State Award in Region 6.
As members will be aware, because the term of the STA Award ran out at the end of last year there was no pay rise for employees on that Award at the beginning of 2021.
We’ve had a tactic in our pocket for exactly this moment, and ex-STA will now get the 2.5% that the Fair Work Commission has delivered to employees on the minimum wage and modern awards this month.
We’re now working on getting something for the first half of this year.
Update on new COVID-19 restrictions
With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in NSW, today again the RTBU joined other unions in the ongoing meetings with Transport for NSW to discuss restrictions and to raise issues as they develop.
In addition to existing restrictions, the new restrictions are as follows:
- While the Health orders make it compulsory for QR Codes to be displayed at the depot it is compulsory to use them.
- Outdoor public gatherings limited to two people (excluding members of the same household);
- People must stay in their Local Government Area or within 10kms of home for exercise and outdoor recreation, with no carpooling between non-household members;
- Browsing in shops is prohibited, plus only one person per household, per day may leave the home for shopping;
- Funerals limited to ten people in total
As reported previous issues the NSW Branch Office will continue to operate with reduced staffing levels from this afternoon until the lockdown is officially ended by the NSW Government, with all other staff working remotely but still available if required. The Tram and Bus divisional office remains open at Redfern with officials and organisers on site, and admin and legal staff working from home.
As during the last Covid lockdown, our staff and officers will do everything they can to reduce the impact of remote working arrangements on membership consultation and contact. However, we still ask all members to be understanding during this time.
The RTBU continues to push for Transport Workers to be given priority for vaccinations, bus drivers in particular due to their working environment. As it stands, 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.
Government advice is for anyone over 60 years of age to make an appointment for the AstraZeneca vaccine, and anyone under that age to either talk to their GP about if that vaccine is appropriate for them, or to get the Pfizer vaccination. Supply remains an issue although this week it has been reported that that supply of vaccines purchased by the federal government has been brought forward and in the next two weeks we’ll have extra doses on hand.
Remember if you’re an STA employee, you can claim 2 hours pay for getting vaccinated on your day off or after a shift, and you should see your staff supervisor for more information about how to claim that. Private sector employees should have rosters allocate an RDO or a day off for a vaccine. Talk to your local roster clerk as soon as you know what date your vaccination appointment is.
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.
Transport for NSW Executives paid above the maximum “internal remuneration range”
Following recent revelations that Australia’s senior public servants earn top dollar compared to their international counterparts, The Sun-Herald’s analysis of Transport for NSW (TfNSW) papers has found 34 executives being paid above the maximum “internal remuneration range” this year.
The salary ranges and remuneration of more than 180 senior TfNSW executives were revealed by Labor MLC Adam Searle after a call for papers relating to the highly paid staff at NSW government departments.
The papers show one executive is paid $388,000 for a role with a pay range of $233,730 to $311,599, while another earned $58,000 above the role’s salary package maximum of $354,000.
The state’s new top transport bureaucrat Rob Sharp, a former chief executive of Virgin Australia, was appointed in March and his salary will exceed the highest package determined for secretary roles in NSW by about $37,000. He will be paid $599,000.
Litany of cyber security weaknesses identified in NSW transport agency
Fewer than one in 10 Transport for NSW staff have been trained in cyber security, according to a scathing review of the government agency which found significant vulnerabilities that cannot be identified publicly because they are yet to be fixed.
The NSW Auditor-General report into Transport for NSW and Sydney Trains was released on Tuesday and found neither agency was effectively managing cyber security, despite having identified potential risks as “unacceptably high”.
“Neither TfNSW nor Sydney Trains have reduced their cyber risk to levels acceptable to the agencies,” the report said.
“Not all of the weaknesses identified in this audit – many of which are significant – had previously been identified by the agencies, indicating that cyber security risk identification is only partially effective.”
Members may recall that only last year TfNSW was the victim of a ransomware attack that directly affected the running of the State Transit Authority.
Let’s look after COVID-Vulnerable workers, and keep Australians safe.
Australia is doing an incredible job of containing the COVID-19 virus. But when outbreaks occur, not everyone can work from home during a lockdown - and this loss of income is disastrous for workers and their families.
The RTBU is launching its campaign for a COVID-Vulnerable worker payment, allowing workers to continue receiving their full pay, while staying at home and out of harm’s way during a lockdown period. Help us keep Australia and its workers safe.
COVID-19: FAQs
We are constantly updating the COVID-19 frequently asked questions section of the website, so please make sure you head there and have a look. If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to contact your local delegate or the Division office at nswbus@rtbu-nsw.asn.au.
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
