Transport masterplan released

The NSW government released its long awaited transport masterplan two days ago just yesterday with plans to introduce light rail services from the city out to Randwick and down George St.

RTBU Secrteary Alex Claassens responded to the plan saying the Government’s commitment to additional public transport in the masterplan was welcome but the detail and delivery needed to be treated with caution.

You can read more about the masterplan here

Looking back on 2012…

A Christmas message from Chris and Gary

We can hardly believe it but here we are at the final edition of Bus Express for 2012.

This year has proved that we have to be ever vigilant when it comes to protecting our rights at work.

We have seen the Government enact wholesale cuts and outsourcing of services across the board.

After fighting hard last year to secure a fair Agreement with State Transit, drivers were outraged by attempts by STA CEO Peter Rowley to vary the Agreement not one year after it was made.

Drivers responded to this by sending a message, loud and clear, to STA and to the NSW Government that an Agreement is an Agreement and they will not be held to ransom by threats of privatisation. Read more »

Taking action to protect workers exposed to Asbestos

State Transit management has agreed to implement a program of testing members employed at the organisation during the 80s and 90s for asbestos related diseases after learning about asbestos brakes used in this period.

The union questioned State Transit about its planned response to the discovery, saying that it had to take responsibility for the impact this could have on its employees now and into the future.

The program is a good news from State Transit, but should only be the first step. The union will continue to advocate for the organisation to take appropriate actions take responsibility for work practices that put employees at risk all those years ago. Read more »

Belmont BBQ Bacon Brekkie

The BBQ and the bacon were out at the latest Bus and Tram Division BBQ held at Belmont depot.

This will be the final BBQ for what has been a fantastic year for David, Chris and Gary.

The guys have really enjoyed meeting members at all of the depots they have visited and would like to thank everyone who has come along for their participation and for their feedback! Read more »

Drivers Make the Pledge

Bus drivers have shown their support for White Ribbon Day, recording pledges to end violence against women once and for all.

The vast majority of bus drivers at STA are men and with White Ribbon day coming up on 25 November the National Women’s Committee has asked drivers RTBU workplaces to take the pledge in support of their female co-workers.

The initiative has been a great success with members at bus depots across NSW filming their pledges. Read more »

Redheads Unite!

At a recent Unions NSW meeting at Sydney’s Trades Hall, RTBU Officials James Buckley, Gary Way and Chris Preston bumped into a fellow redhead who had dropped in to say a few words…

BBQ tour: Next stop Waverley

Waverley drivers were the next to taste the tucker from the now well known RTBU BBQ.

Members said it was the first time the union had held a BBQ at the depot and were pleased to have the chance talk about their concerns.

The main thing on their mind was refusing any variations to the current Award. Chefs for the day, David Woollams, Chris Preston and Gary Way assured them they would stand firm.

It was a great day all round and the union thanks members for getting involved. Read more »

Bus drivers bring the Christmas spirit

It’s time of the year again when STA employees volunteer to spend many hours decking out buses at each depot with beautiful decorations, all in the name of bringing Christmas cheer to the travelling public. 

These thoughtful and energetic volunteers use a successful combination of skill, artistry and imagination to turn our buses into a Christmas spectacular for everyone, drivers and passengers alike, to enjoy.

Hamilton bus driver, Margaret Pannell, who started decorating a Christmas bus back in 1996 says the response from the community has always been incredibly positive. In fact, it was the positive feedback from her passengers that eventually got STA on board to support the initiative. Read more »

Union rejects Award variation

The RTBU would like to assure members it has no intention of consenting to any Award variations following STA CEO Mr Peter Rowley’s article on bus driver reforms in the last edition of We’re Moving Sydney (formally Transit Times).

It is disappointing that less than a year after negotiating their working conditions in good faith with State Transit, bus drivers are now being threatened with privatisation unless they accept proposed “efficiencies”. Read more »

DISPUTE : Certified Sick Leave

Your union is currently in dispute with State Transit over their continued practice of placing members who are in genuie need of sick leave and who have supplied doctors certificate on STA’s absent management program.

Your union believes this practice contravenes the 2012 bus operator award and we are currently persuing this matter through the dispute settlement process.

We will keep you informed with further developments as they arise.