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Member Update: March 4, 2022
Dear Members,
It's a deluge here in New South Wales, and as the rain pours across the state we'd like to acknowledge our neighbours in Queensland who are being affected by the extreme floods. It's a similar story even here - especially Lismore. For those of you with friends and family battling it out in the flood zones we hope that your loved ones stay safe and secure, and get the support that they need to bounce back.
We're saying bon voyage to one of our amazing Belmont delegates: Robin O'Donoghue. Robin became a full-time delegate in February 2018, and served as a relief delegate prior to this. Over the 4 years of her role, Robin held the helm at Belmont with an unwavering grip and always got the job done. She leaves behind a great legacy, achieving a mammoth feat of getting 100% membership at the Belmont depot one year into her role. We wish Robin all the best in her next adventure!
The Keolis Downer Newcastle EA is chugging along. In last week's meeting, your RTBU Officials asked KD to have their Log of Claims ready by this week so discussions can continue. Members at the Belmont and Hamilton depots will have seen these Officials out and about today to explain the negotiating process and answer your questions.
And in Region 9, depot meetings with delegates and officials will take place next week to discuss the draft EA. Next steps going forward are in this edition of the Express.
We hope that you continue to stay safe and well.
THANK YOU ROBIN!
Today saw the resignation of Belmont depot delegate of Robin O’Donoghue at Newcastle.
Robin stood up at the last election and won, inheriting a divided depot that was rightfully bitter about the past. Since then, she has built solidarity and led the depot forward with accountability, transparency, compassion, and unflagging support for her members.
Robin has the distinction of holding a 100% RTBU membership rate in 2019; a fitting reflection of her efforts. She has at all levels of the union been a strong advocate for local members, while maintaining a broader view that made her advice sought after by delegates and officials alike.
Unfortunately, poor management handling of a sensitive member matter last year left it’s mark and has directly contributed to today’s decision.
The RTBU thanks Robin for her service to the union and her members at Belmont bus depot, her common sense and genuine compassion will be sorely missed.
At the request of members, Robin’s relief delegate Paul Cooper will be serving as delegate until elections are held later this year.
All RTBU members are invited to attend a Thank You BBQ being held for Robin:
When: Sunday 3rd April, 10am-2pm
Where: Speers Point Park
Newcastle EA depot meetings
Today officials and delegates held depot meetings to discuss the current offer from KDH as well as the union position on various matters.
Feedback and endorsement was sought from members and the union will take forward member concerns as they have communicated them.
After the next EA meeting with KDH Wednesday March 9th, a bulletin covering today’s topics as well as a report back from that meeting will be sent to Newcastle members.
Belmont Visit
Hamilton Visit
Region 9 update
Next week will see depot meetings with delegates and officials to discuss the draft EA. We’ll send out a list of major changes on Monday and will go over them at the meetings. The plan is to have our informal vote on Friday 11 March (next Friday), which will be an on-site ballot.
- Monday- Port Botany, 10am & noon
- Tuesday- Waverley, 10am & noon
- Thursday- Randwick, 10am & 2pm
Region 7 Log of Claims survey
The survey for members to have their say about what should be prioritised in negotiations with Busways is available to members.
An SMS with a link to the survey was sent along with an email bulletin. Delegates also have survey forms at the depot.
We ask as many members as possible to complete the survey; what the union fights for is what you tell us to fight for.
North Beaches Work Direction
Keolis Downer have directed workers to fill out a paper pre-departure checklist from Monday.
They were intending to direct workers to use their mobile phones to do this while in the yard, but have wisely agreed to discuss that idea with the union first.
While we work to explain just how bad an idea that is, members at North Sydney, Brookvale, and Mona Vale are strongly encouraged to be EXTRA DILLIGENT in conducting their pre-departure checks.
If the price of this dedicated professionalism means you are late out of the yard, see the DO for an adjustment before heading out. Sometimes the operational impact of these ideas needs a practical demonstration to get across.
TfNSW Mandatory vaccination policy - latest update
A reminder this story only applies to members in Region 9 bus depots.
The RTBU has agreed on a settlement with TfNSW regarding the COVIDSafe policy dispute.
The union is seeking clarification if any part of the agreement is confidential. Once we have an answer, a bulletin will be sent out early next week.
The executive voted to accept the offer and are confident that this is the best outcome the union could secure for affected members.
News: Second stage of Parramatta light rail up to 10 years from completion
The government’s draft blueprint for the redevelopment of suburbs dominated by industry near the Parramatta CBD estimates it will take five to 10 years to complete the second stage of the line from Camellia to Olympic Park.
A 325-metre bridge over Parramatta River between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point, near Sydney Olympic Park, would need to be built for the light rail line.
Business Western Sydney executive director David Borger said it would take at least six years to build the second stage, which meant communities along the Parramatta River such as Wentworth Point would be forced to keep driving to get around.
Thanks for your essential work during a time of crisis.
In solidarity,
David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers
