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.

But we’ve also seen some great wins for members this year. The uniforms allowance dispute was finally resolved and the Government has come under pressure to introduce fire suppression systems in all buses after we bought a series of bus fires to public attention.

We’ve also thoroughly enjoyed our BBQ tour of duty and the opportunity this has given us to speak directly with members about their work and what we can do together to make it better.

Finally, we both wish all members and their families a safe and happy holiday season, and look forward to seeing you all in 2013.