Member Update: 1 September 2023

Dear Members, 

We trust you've had a good week.

Members may already be aware of the good news, but today Minister Haylen announced that free public transport will be available for all bus drivers. The announcement comes as an incentive boost for the workforce, and delivers on one of the key recommendations made by the Bus Industry Taskforce interim report.

The fact is - we know that privatisation is not working. Our industries across NSW are suffering because of the move towards privatisation made by the former Liberal National state government. Today was a good start. It shows that this government is willing to consult and listen. But there's still a long road ahead to bringing genuine change within the industry. For the latest on this, you can read the below article.

On a different note, members have voted down the Enterprise Agreement put to them by Keolis Downer Hunter. This has sent management a very clear message on the negotiations - but for the latest, you can read the article below. 

Moving, the Region 6 EA has been ratified. However, an issue has arisen in regards to clause 15.10. Transit Systems is of the belief that this clause exempts them of paying the penalty rates associated with the new Enterprise Agreement until the 2 sets of rosters merge. The Union is planning to dispute the matter, but more see the article below.

Stay tuned for more updates and progress. Your continued engagement strengthens our collective efforts.

Bus Taskforce Update: Free Transport for NSW Bus Drivers

Today, it was announced that Bus Drivers will be given free public transport in a move by the Government to boost workforce participation. This delivers on one of the key recommendations of made by the Bus Industry Taskforce.

This is something the RTBU has been consistently fighting behind the scenes to get back for members over the last 4 and a half years. It is because of RTBU efforts that this issue has remained alive, and it’s RTBU efforts that it became an election issue. We are grateful that the Transport Minister Jo Haylen has delivered on the Labor election promise and even gone better by delivering passes for all Bus Drivers across the state.

This also delivers on one of the key recommendations made by the Bus Industry Taskforce, which the RTBU Tram & Bus divisional Secretary is a part of. It's an incentive to boost the workforce and keep people in the industry and a small but very critical step towards broader reform to improve the shape of the industry. Our members have carried tremendous responsibilities upon themselves, having to work through conditions that have worsened over time.

Today's announcement underscores the importance of consulting those directly impacted by policies. Through active participation in the Bus Industry Taskforce, we've proven that our voices matter, leading to tangible outcomes.

We've ensured the perspectives and experiences of our members are prioritised, and this Government has listened which stands in contrast to treatment by previous governments. We look forward to continuing to work productively with Government to ensure our members are able to receive the best outcomes possible. 

This initiative is the catalyst we need for broader reforms to reshape the landscape of our industry. The Union is ready to fight for more steps toward revitalising our industry.

Passes for our members in the Light Rail is next on the list!

Busways update 

There's been a win for common sense with Busways withdrawing its planned two-tiered rostering following an exhausting negotiating process. It beggars belief why initially Busways said it would start a two-tier system when we've been fighting for long against it, only now having it largely fixed in Region 6.

Transport for NSW became aware of the situation and spoke to Busways, making it clear they expected the company to take part in the process in good faith and that it should withdraw the plan

While TfNSW appears genuine in brokering a deal that fixes the two-tier system, it also shows Busways can't be trusted even when you're trying to help them.

Read the full article here.

Keolis Downer Wickham Trams EA update

Members have voted down the Enterprise Agreement put to them by Keolis Downer Hunter.

We would like to thank everyone for their participation - this sent management a strong message.

The RTBU Tram and Bus Division has had discussion with staff in regards to the needs of members in Newcastle light Rail, and now are awaiting response from KDH in regards to next step of these negotiations.

We will keep members updated when any further information comes to hand.

Region 6 EA Update

The Region 6 Enterprise Agreement was ratified by the Fair Work Commission on the 22^{nd of} August, coming into effect on 29 August 2023.

Members may remember the agreement entailed the combining of the two sets of rosters, as per clause 15.10 of the new enterprise agreement (Transit NSW (Region6) TWU and RTBU Bus Drivers Enterprise Agreement 2022).

The issue now is penalty rates associated with the agreement Transit Systems is of the belief that clause 15.10 (6 Months) exempts them of paying the penalty rates associated with the new Enterprise Agreement until the 2 sets of rosters merge.

Both the Unions and the associated negotiated teams DID NOT have any discussion/s about penalty rates been associated to 15.10.

A dispute on this matter is imminent and would ask ALL staff to ensure they keep records of their work (copies of journals) for easy access when required.

We would like to thank all members for their patience and participation through this process.

Region 8 Payroll Dispute

Having met with the company following our formal response, we are waiting on specialist financial advice regarding the company claim that gross earnings to be repaid by employees. We expect that advice early next week.

No matter the outcome, don’t be pressured into paying more than you can afford at a time no matter how small an amount it is.

In solidarity, 

David Babineau and Peter Grech