Member Update: 31 March 2023

Dear Members,

We hope you've all had a great week and trust you've stayed safe and well. 

Over the weekend, we had state elections that resulted in massive swings against the NSW Liberal Government. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our members and union, we successfully pushed for change and accountability from the Liberals regarding their privatisation policies. Privatisation and transport were key issues at this state election, and we look forward to working building a more productive relationship with the Minns Labor Government elect.

In other news,  in Region 6, drivers have been offered a retention bonus by Transit System to address the severe bus driver shortage. However, questionable list of terms and conditions attached to the bonus make it impossible to meet. It's absolutely unacceptable. 

Out in Region 7, we presented points to the EA Draft, leaving it up to Busways to respond. We have a scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 2nd. Check out the article below for more information.

The RTBU and Transdev are looking to start negotiations for the new deal soon, and this is set to start once Transdev receive the appropriate internal approval. Read the article down below for more on the Transdev Light Rail EA.

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 Labor Win State Election!

Over the weekend we witnessed the delivery of accountability - with the state voting out the NSW Liberal Coalition Government after 12 long years of privatisation and mismanagement. Our efforts to bring transport into the headlines were successful, and the issue was at the forefront of political discussion, especially for holding the Liberals accountable for their disastrous privatisation policies. 

We are excited about the opportunity to start anew, and work with the new Government to progress the numerous commitments made by the NSW Labor Party to improve transportation.

The NSW Labor Party has promised to end the harmful practice of privatisation, putting an end to 12 years of public asset sell-offs by the Liberals and legislating against the practice.

Additionally, they have pledged to establish an industry taskforce to improve bus services across the state, taking into account the recommendations of the Parliamentary inquiry into Bus Privatisation. This will be where we battle to have the recommendations taken forward as government policy.

They have committed to providing employee passes for bus drivers not just in the ex-STA regions but across Greater Sydney.

They have also committed to investing $300 million into the Transport Access program, making trains more accessible, safe, and secure for all.

We have already reached out to the new Labor government to discuss what TfNSW should be doing to help end the two-tiered workplaces in Regions 6 & 7. Transport allowed and supported their creation so transport can bear the cost of fixing it.

But most importantly - we now have a potential for a government that is willing to have workers at the table and consult them before making policies that affect them. Together, we look forward for pushing positive change and hold the new Government accountable for their promises.

Region 6

In yet another example of the NSW Government and the private operators’ inability to effectively manage our bus services, drivers in Region 6 have been offered a ‘retention’ bonus by Transit System - presumably in an attempt to address the severe bus driver shortage that the government's privatisation agenda has played a significant role in.

Trouble is, the $1200 ‘bonus’ is structured in such a way that it’s essentially impossible to get. In order to receive this so-called bonus, drivers would need to be given shifts and work six days a week, every single week, for over a year.

They're acting like they're doing bus drivers a huge favour by offering this bonus, but the terms and conditions that come with it are so ridiculous and untenable, that there's no actual reason to offer it in the first place.

It's a slap to everyone. We don't need hollow gestures - we need fair working conditions, fair pay and a management team that actually listens to the concerns of its workforce.

Region 7

We have completed our presentation of points to the EA draft, and now it is up to Busways to respond. They have provided us with a revised document based on our feedback, and we are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, April 2nd to address the issues we have not yet agreed upon.

After this meeting, we should have some topics to discuss with members, and we can begin to consider what members are willing to accept or agree upon. Once the list of outstanding items is finalised, we will have meetings at the depot.

Transdev Light Rail EA

The RTBU and Transdev are looking to start bargaining soon for a combined EA that would cover all Light rail operations in Sydney. 

Transdev is waiting on internal approval (we all answer to someone), but once that is done we’ll be sending out a Log of Claims survey to collect the issues that matter to you.

In solidarity, 

David Babineau and Peter Grech