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

Light Rail wins in 2012

Light Rail workers have stood strongly together to negotiate a new Enterprise Agreement that will see 18% pay rises over 4 years with no losses to working conditions.

Members have long argued for pay rises that would bring wages in line with those of their counterparts in other cities and this outcome will go some way to closing that gap without affecting conditions. Read more »

Light Rail BBQ braves the elements

On a cold October day, in the pouring rain, Light Rail union members were the next stop on the RTBU BBQ tour. 

Gary Way and David Woollams put on quite a spectacle braving the elements, taking it in turns to hold an umbrella over the BBQ chef.

In the end everyone enjoyed a hot meal and a good chat.

Gary and David would like to thank all the members who took the time to come along and get involved in their union. Read more »

Workers must be consulted on new trams

The Minister for Transport has announced a $20 million contract for the supply of new trams to run on the Inner West Light Rail Extension.

The RTBU is pleased to see the government recognise the need for new rolling stock on our tram network and welcomes this announcement.

In the past, however, all new trams used in the country have been manufactured in Australia to exceedingly high standards.

The RTBU is disappointed to see the contract awarded to an overseas supplier but hopes that the new stock will continue to reach the standards that Australian passengers and drivers are accustomed to.

To ensure this is the case tram workers must be engaged in consultation during the construction and testing process from the very beginning.

In the past experience of the RTBU, without proper consultation with transport workers, new rolling stock has the capacity to compromise productivity, proper safety procedures and occupational health and safety standards.

The RTBU will be seeking to work with the supplier and the government to establish a timeline of consultation to ensure the best possible outcomes for tram drivers and passengers.

Global Roaming: News from near and far…

London Olympic bus strike averted 

In London a scheduled bus strike has been called off so talks can continue over the sticky issue of Olympic bonuses for employees of private bus companies. The Unite union is trying to secure a guaranteed £500 in extra pay for every bus worker because of  the “massive increase” in workload during the Olympics.

Unite is arguing that other public transport staff are getting bonuses, however, Transport for London (TfL) is adamant that union members need to talk to the private operators not TfL.

“Our members are only asking for an extra £17 a day which will just about buy you a pint of beer and a portion of fish and chips at the Olympics,” said Peter Kavanagh, Unite regional secretary for London.

This comes as Transport for London executives were set to cash in on two years of annual bonuses worth £80,000 a year on average if the system runs smoothly during the games.

Last month a Tube workers’ strike was avoided when the RMT union agreed a deal by which its members will get up to £850 each. London Overground staff will be paid at least an extra £600, while workers on the Docklands Light Railway are in line for bonuses worth more than £2,000, according to union bosses

Read more »

Tram workers vote ‘yes’ for industrial action

Sydney LightRail workers have delivered an overwhelming ‘yes’ vote to  have the right to take protected industrial action after a breakdown in negotiations over wages and conditions.

Division President Gary Way said NSW tram workers at the Light Rail service made the decision after reasonable requests for a fair wage were continually ignored by their employer. Read more »

Date set for Tram Workers’ vote

Tram workers to vote on industrial action

Sydney Light Rail members are a step closer to taking industrial action after unacceptable wage rises were put forward by Veolia Transport in EBA negotiations.  Read more »

Tram plan on the right track, but new routes must work with buses

Expanding the light rail network will help cut congestion and improve mobility in the Sydney CBD, according to the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).

RTBU Bus and Tram Division Secretary Chris Preston today said, however, the light rail network should be designed to complement bus service – not to compete with them. Read more »

Negotiations at Light Rail to continue

Negotiations are set to continue with Veolia after Light Rail employees voted to reject a 3% pay increase and a roll over of the current EA.

The Bus and Tram Division has already set new dates for meetings with management where they will put forward the ongoing concerns of members.

We will keep you up to date as these negotiations continue.