Hunter Bussies stand up for Jobs, Rights, Services

Bus Division members from across the Hunter met to discuss the future of the region recently as part of the Jobs, Rights, Services campaign.

The Bus Division members heard from Daniel Wallace, Newcastle Trades Hall Secretary, who spoke about the importance of the campaign in ensuring job security and growth in the area – particularly in the lead up to the local by-elections in October and the state election in March next year.

Youth unemployment, cuts to TAFE, and the ripping up of the Newcastle rail line were hot topics of discussions for the workers at the meeting, as was the Baird Government’s attempts to privatise our essential services – including our bus networks.

Among those at the event were local drivers Margaret Pannell, Don Gallagher and Darryl Locke, RTBU Hamilton Depot delegate Kelly Budden, and Vice President of the Tram and Bus Division, Brett Peters.

Kelly Budden, Hamilton Depot delegate said campaign, being run centrally by Unions NSW, is all about supporting improved jobs, rights and services for working people in NSW.

“Bus Division members, in the Hunter and beyond, know all too well how important it is that we all stand together to protect our jobs and rights,” Kelly Budden said.

“It’s crucial that our Newcastle bus and ferry services and jobs remain in government hands and that working conditions for drivers remain secure. We’ll be doing everything we can to ensure that happens.”

See all the images from the event here.