Tram and Bus Express: News and views from life in the bus & tram lanes
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Member Update: October 29, 2021
Dear Members,
We'd like to start off with a big congratulations to Pyrmont Depot members for securing equal career progression in the recent bargaining meeting with Transdev! This is a big leap forward and we couldn't have done it without your unfaltering action over the last few weeks.
It's one down, one to go as we turn our attention to the outstanding issue of Category 1 and Category 3 Rail Worker pay. Transdev has taken on our feedback on this and we're anticipating their position on Monday.
Still on the topic of Trams, the light rail network has been suspended for several days (starting yesterday) due to cracks found on the welding of some vehicles. While the TfNSW alert emphasised that the cracks did not post an immediate threat or risk to the network, the suspension shows that services are not prepared for maintenance delays for vehicles manufactured overseas. Overseas transport infrastructure is no longer a viable option, nor has it ever been, with safety issues a continuous cause for concern. You can find more information in the Sydney Morning Herald article included in this edition of the Express.
Meanwhile, we've all seen images of NSW buzzing back to life, or experienced it first-hand. Unlike the last few months, we're rounding this one off and entering what will be our first full month out of lockdown before the full December reopening.
To those members who've been out and about over the last couple of weeks, we hope you've enjoyed some time with your loved ones and for yourselves, and returning to the activities you enjoy.
To continue keeping yourselves, your loved ones, your colleagues, and the public safe and healthy, please remember to pay attention to any exposure sites you may have attended in a personal capacity.
Case numbers in NSW have thankfully remained low, but we ask members to remain vigilant as the presence of active cases means the risk of infection is still possible.
Safety is a key priority of the union, and we are committed to supporting our members in line with the official health advice. As we brought to your attention in the previous edition of the Express, Transport for NSW announced its consideration to mandate COVID vaccinations for the staff across all its agencies. Members can find out more about how the union is approaching this information on the Branch website.
We're on the home stretch. We thank you for continuing to provide an essential service during this time and we're proud to see how responsive members have been as we carefully navigate the reopening.
As always, keep it up and keep safe!
It's been a hard slog for many of us. If you think your wellbeing has taken a hit over the last few months, we encourage you to seek support from a loved one, a mate, or from one of the services available to you.
We hope that you continue to stay safe and well.
Transdev IWLR Bargaining Update
We met with Transdev yesterday to discuss their latest offer.
Transdev has agreed to implement the same career progression pathways as the CSELR enterprise agreement. Well done to Pyrmont Depot members for your efforts in achieving this!
This is one concern down, one to go.
We have provided feedback on the issue of having a Category 1 Rail Safety Worker, who has safety critical responsibilities, being paid less than a Category 3 Rail Safety Worker. Transdev has gone away with this with the intention of coming back on Monday with a position.
Until then, it's three cheers again to you all for achieving equal career progression for the Pyrmont Depot!
Newcastle EA update: Upcoming meeting with Keolis Downer
The RTBU will be meeting with Keolis Downer next Wednesday 3rd November for preliminary discussions on the enterprise agreement.
You EA Committee will consist of:
- Daniel Jaggers (Tram & Bus Divisional Presiden)
- Lizanne Bennett (Industrial officer)
- Robin O'Donoghue (Belmont Delegate)
- Glenn Saunders (Hamilton Delegate)
- Brett Peters (Tram & Bus Divisional Vice President)
We're looking forward to kicking off discussions with Keolis Downer and work towards achieving the best outcomes for your EA. Time and time again, unity has been key to this and we will stick it out together through the process.
Farewell to Government Buses in the North
This weekend will see the last time government buses will operate on the Northern beaches and parts of the lower North Shore. While the RTBU has so far been successful in securing the transfer of conditions to the new operator, it is the end of an era.
Ninety years of history is about to end and there’s really no reason for it apart from the Liberal/National government wanting to pump profit into private companies. No money will be saved here - there are in fact no valid arguments for privatisation of our buses and there never was.
The private companies don’t do it better or cheaper, but they are there to take the blame for politicians when things go wrong. It’s sad that things like political convenience have such an impact on our lives as workers. Whatever the future holds, the RTBU will be the only Union representing bus drivers in Region 8. STA may be going, but the Union will continue to fight for its members.
An update was sent this week to members in Region 8 about bargaining progress, it can be read here.
Region 7 Transition update
After a brief discussion with the company, we are each a little closer to understanding where we both stand.
Busways are not opposed to the idea of a single agreement, but what shape that takes is unclear at this stage. It could be a repeat of the Region 6 horror-show, or it could be something different. Ultimately what the solution looks like will be up to members to accept or reject, just as in the recent Region 8 vote.
The company and union have agreed to meet before Christmas so we can explain what the crucial conditions are that we would expect to be preserved. This is not negotiation, this is just putting to the company what we as drivers can’t live without, and it’s not the end of the story. When we come to negotiation, we will of course go through the usual process of gathering a Log of Claims and members will have a chance to tell us EXACTLY what they want BEFORE any negotiation takes place.
Region 6 Bargaining Update
Well, it’s certainly been another interesting week. It’s become apparent that TSA will not let the truth (or legal reality) get in the way of a good scare campaign.
The Protected Action vote is open and members of both unions are voting in huge numbers. Remember to log in and vote YES or see your delegate for help getting online.
We’re not going to bother pointing out all the things the company is doing wrong and illegal, our focus is on what our members have told us they want.
Same job, same pay. One set of conditions based on the Copied State Award.
The RTBU and TWU are united in fighting for this outcome.
Here is a bulletin for our members in Region 6.
Cracks on Light Rail halt the network
Sydney’s Inner West light rail service has been suspended for the next few days amid safety concerns after cracks were discovered in several trams. According to a Transport for NSW alert, staff were told “minor cracking to welding on a limited number of vehicles” was the reason for the suspension.
A spokesman for Transdev, the private operator of the light rail network, confirmed a mechanical fault had been found on the vehicles during recent inspections.
Opposition transport spokeswoman Jo Haylen criticised the government’s overseas procurement of public transport assets, saying, “Once again, the NSW government’s overseas built transport infrastructure has broken down and failed passengers, leading to safety issues and delays across the light rail network,”
More electric buses on Sydney roads as green fleet reaches next phase
The nation’s largest fleet of electric buses will be deployed onto the streets of Sydney from November under a new pilot program backed by the federal government.
The 40 new vehicles will run off electricity from the power grid, and will be rechargeable from local charging stations as needed.
The first 12 of the 40 new electric buses will start entering service in Sydney’s Inner-West this month, with the rest of the fleet arriving over the next six months.
In case you missed it: COVID Update - Mandatory Vaccinations
Since Transport for NSW announced on Wednesday 13 October that it was considering mandating COVID vaccinations for the staff of all its agencies, we have had some understandably concerned and anxious members. Although it is TfNSW that made the announcement this week, going forward more and more employers will make similar moves.
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.
Thanks for your essential work during a time of crisis.
In solidarity,
David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers
