Newcastle Bulletin: EA update

Dear Members, 

On Monday, your Employee Representatives met with Keolis Downer Hunter to discuss changes to our EBA. Unfortunately Keolis Downer moved away from what had been discussed and inserted extra conditions that were not acceptable.

An example of this was when we proposed a change to the VOT clause. We clearly stated that each Depot was named for allocation of VOT and DOC’s. Keolis Downer changed this to a generic Home Depot or Non Home Depot. This was not acceptable to our committee.

Another Example was Job Share. In the current Job Share clause the drivers are not available for VOT or DOC’s whilst on their o2 weeks. We did agree that this could be accommodated. However, Keolis Downer want this to be paid at ordinary rates. Again we rejected this proposal.

In yet another backflip Keolis Downer clearly said that ALL new drivers at Belmont Depot, or transfers in to Belmont Depot would be expected to do On Demand training so they could perform On Demand shifts. Your Employee Representatives rejected this as well.

The Drug and Alcohol Testing criteria was actually agreed to. As discussed with RTBU Members, the agreement has been agreed that we can only be tested during paid time, not during unpaid time, unless your initial test is a failure and the second test has to be performed in a very strict time frame, or in case of an accident or serious incident.

Going forward, we will be arranging some more online meetings with proposals for further Protected Industrial Action to be voted on.

The fight to have KDHs decision to deduct 4.58% from our wages is not over and our evidence has been submitted to the FairWork Commission. The next steps are we wait for KDH representatives to file their evidence and then we go to a hearing. At this stage the hearing is set for 2 June 2025, being held online. We will update everyone as soon as we have any changes. It is not likely that a decision will be made on the day but we hope that one will be given sooner rather than later.

We encourage everyone to hold the line and stay strong and united. If we are successful we will immediately request to have any and all deductions adjusted appropriately.

We understand this is tough for everyone and we acknowledge the solidarity and sacrifices everyone has been making.