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KDH push their substandard agreement to a vote – we continue our action!

Yesterday we attended the final scheduled bargaining meeting with Keolis Downer Hunter (KDH).

KDH have advised that they intend to push their substandard, non-union Enterprise Agreement out to a vote, despite clear and ongoing concerns raised by members.

KDH appear determined to divide the workforce and test their Agreement rather than work collaboratively to resolve the issues that matter to you, your families, and your future.

NEW ACTION COMMENCES TOMORROW

On Thursday morning, you will be issued Union-branded stickers.

Attach them safely and visibly and stand in solidarity with your workmates against this substandard offer that risks your job security as KDH’s contract approaches its expiration.

We have seen the notice sent to all employees by KDH management regarding this action this evening. Once again, KDH have dispensed with the need to tell the truth and are attempting to intimidate and threaten employees illegally. To be clear, the actions on Thursday and Friday ARE PROTECTED INDUSTRIAL ACTION. This is clear and indisputable and it’s disappointing that KDH continue to stoop to such a low level.

This afternoon, we sent a legal letter to KDH warning them of pending legal action for their ongoing misrepresentations and coercion. You can view the letter here.

KEY ISSUES WITH KDH’S PROPOSED AGREEMENT

KDH’s proposal agreement fails workers on multiple fronts, including:

1. WPI removed without notice – stripping away a critical safeguard that protects real wages.
   Removing WPI means your pay would no longer keep pace with rising inflation or wage growth across the economy. Over time, this erodes purchasing power and places workers at a significant disadvantage.
2. No guarantee of maintaining the 40–50 min meal break.
3. KDH may roster 20–30 min paid cribs on the road.
4. Shift length insecurity – KDH refuse to commit to secure shift lengths, indicating they may roster under 7 and over 9 hours.
5. A substandard pay offer that does not reflect cost-of-living realities.
6. Refusal to include a Bus Committee in the Agreement.
7. Refusal to include sexual harassment protections.
8. Refusal to make On Demand voluntary.
9. Refusal to include rotating in Job Share and proposing an unacceptable job-share model.
10. Delaying the time to reach minimum hourly rates by extending the Agreement term from 3 years to 4.
11. Refusal to improve union rights.
12. Refusal to update the Family & Domestic Violence clause to align with best practice.
13. No guarantee of overtime provisions for full-time, part-time or casual employees despite longstanding practice.
14. Refusal to include modern WHS protections, including appropriate First Aid Kits for drivers and personal use.
15. Refusal to modernise critically important provisions such as the dispute settlement procedure.
16. Refusal to address serious concerns regarding overtime allocation, particularly with a change of operator looming.

YOUR UNION IS FIGHTING FOR A FUTURE-PROOF AGREEMENT

The union remains fully committed to securing:

• The best possible deal, and
• The necessary protections to future proof your Agreement as we approach the end of KDH’s contract and a period of significant uncertainty.

We will continue to push for an Agreement that reflects respect, fairness, safety, and security, not one that takes you backwards.

STAND TOGETHER – SOLIDARITY WINS

Tomorrow’s action is an important step in showing KDH that you will not be divided or undermined.

Stand strong. Stand united. Stand with your union.