What’s Barry been up to?

Since taking office in March 2011, Barry O’Farrell and his Government have made a number of cuts to funding, jobs, workers’ rights and services.

Unions NSW has put together an overview of what the workers of NSW have endured thus far. Read more »

RTBU joins Ryde community protest against education cuts

On Tuesday RTBU representatives, including Divisional President Gary Way, joined the Ryde Community Union Alliance to protest outside Ryde MP Victor Dominello’s electorate office against the O’Farrell government’s cuts to education.

Unions NSW Secretary Mark Lennon addressed the protesters touching on   particular concerns for the area including cuts to Ryde and Meadowbank TAFE and the abolition of art courses.

Gary said the RTBU was keen to support the locals in speaking out about their concerns, particularly given the broader impacts the cuts will have on the community.

“Sydney’s largest bus depot is at Ryde, employing nearly 500 people. Many of our members live in the local area and will be affected by these outrageous cuts.” Read more »

This is what the Premier wants to do to your pay and conditions

The Sydney Morning Herald has reported on its front page that at least 80,000 NSW public sector workers are set to lose salary benefits and conditions in the O’Farrell government’s latest attack on workers.

Long fought for conditions are set to be slashed from 98 Awards, including annual leave loading, penalties for shift workers, allowances for staff in remotes areas and some sick leave entitlements, flexible work arrangements and parental leave.

This is yet another example of the disdain Barry O’Farrell has towards workers who work day in, day out to provide crucial services to the people fo NSW.

Bus drivers and STA have been coming under increased scrutiny from the NSW government but, at least until 2014, the recently negotiated EA will shield members from these sorts of attacks.

But what is clear is that we have a fight coming our way, and when the time comes fight we will.

Unions must fight new workers’ compensation laws

Following catastrophic changes to workers’ compensation laws the Tram and Bus Division of the RTBU would support a statewide stoppage (general strike) if and when Unions NSW calls for such action, says Divisional President Gary Way.

This is an issue that affects every worker in the state and a general strike together with a fierce political campaign is the appropriate response from the union movement.

We believe the worst aspect of this legislation is that work cover will no longer pay legal costs, that is, when the self-insured STA reject your claim and you go to the solicitors for help you will have to pay the legal expenses – win or lose.

Quite simply very few, if any, bus or tram drivers will be able to afford to run their claim. It’s a disaster for our members who are hurt at work.

Unions unite against work cover cuts

Workers from across the state turned out in the thousands on Wednesday to protest against the O’Farrell Government’s attack on hard-won workers compensation rights and entitlements.

The government’s proposed changes include workers losing protection on their way to and from work, the capping of medical expenses and Compensation being cut off after two-and-a-half years, regardless of the condition of the victim.

RTBU members gathered in Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong to show their disgust at this unfair policy.

Sign the petition at www.nswforall.org.au and get regular updates on the campaign to keep workers protected in NSW.

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Union stands strong against government attacks

The Tram and Bus Division Committee has unanimously passed a motion to support all RTBU members facing aggressive reforms from the O’Farrell government.

The announcements last week to slash 750 jobs and restructure RailCorp is just the latest initiative from a government which continues to show its contempt for the rights of workers.

Our union has a proud history of fighting together against hostile employers and governments. We will stand strong together against any attacks on our sector.

You can read the letter to NSW Branch Secretary Alex Claassens about the motion from Divisional Secretary Chris Preston and Divisional President Gary Way here. Read more »

RTBU goes in to battle for members’ rights

This week your union sent a strong message to the Minister for Transport that any attack on workers rights is unacceptable.

The NSW Government has announced they will be offering 750 voluntary redundancies in RailCorp middle management, splitting RailCorp into two entities Sydney Rail and NSW Rail, and introducing a new management regime for cleaners.

These cuts do not affect Bus and Tram workers but they indicate the attitude this government has to dedicated transport workers. Your union met with the Minister for Transport after the announcement and made it clear that the government’s treatment of workers would not be tolerated. Read more »

Brisbane gas bus explosion prompts immediate action

All Brisbane gas buses were taken off the road over the weekend following a gas explosion at Virginia bus depot.

The move provides a further example of the good sense NSW drivers showed last year in taking buses off the roads, after footage came to light showing a gas bus exploding on the road.

Unlike the NSW State Government, which had to be dragged kicking and screaming to take action on the issue, Brisbane City Council moved quickly to take all gas buses out of service until measures could be implemented to ensure the safety of drivers and the travelling public. Read more »

A Christmas message from Chris and Gary

Welcome to the final edition of Bus Express for 2011.

It has been a big year for everyone in the Bus and Tram Division.

We took up our new positions as President and Secretary at an important time for members. With a change of State Government, and a new Award to negotiate, we had to hit the ground running. Read more »

Bus drivers show support for NSW cops

Bus drivers showed solidarity with NSW cops this week by participating in a huge rally outside Parliament House to protest against cuts to Police Death and Disability protections. Read more »