Driver training: union has massive safety win

In a massive win for safety, the RTBU has successfully fought to get State Transit to change its position on driver training.

The STA is nearing the end of a three month trial of outsourcing its driver training to an external provider – a trial which the RTBU has had serious concerns about. STA was proposing an extension of the trial.

The RTBU took the issue to the NSW Industrial Relations Commission on Friday 22^nd of June 2018. State Transit has now agreed with the union’s position, and the agreement from STA is as follows:

State Transit can now confirm that STA has considered its position on the matter of the current new employee training/induction process.

 I wish to advise that we accept the position you outlined in your recent letter as follows:

1. That STA will bring the licensing component of the process back in the house – that is we will cease to use the external provider;
2. That we will extend the current trial to all 8 depots immediately; the current 4 depots will continue to use the private provider for the next 2 weeks then will cease.
3. That we will immediately commence a restructure/review of the Bus Operator Trainer structure.

We will continue to work with BOTs to refine the trial induction process.

RTBU Tram and Bus Division Secretary, Chris Preston, said the outcome is a great win for the union.

“We put the issue into dispute following concerns from members about the training trial. Training is paramount, especially in our industry, so it’s important it’s done properly.

“It’s fantastic that STA has now listened to our concerns and are taking actions to address the situation.”

“The RTBU would like to thank all the BOTs for their input into this dispute.”

Click here to download the bulletin.