RTBU BBQ tour goes Novocastrian

The RTBU took the BBQ tour to Hamilton last week, where Chris, Gary and David took over the BBQ, cooking up a storm in the depot and having a chat with local members about the problems they are facing behind and away from the wheel.

It was great to hear about a the implementation of a protocol to help drivers deal with rock throwing but there is clearly still a long way to go to keep drivers safe on the job from hooligans and vandals, particularly at night and when alcohol is involved.

The RTBU is very concerned about violence experienced by drivers on the job and has made it clear to the government that more need to be done to protect them from angry and violent passengers.

Members are also concerned about the potential for privatisation of government bus services and the possibility of changes to the Award to achieve “efficiencies”.

The Award clearly states that it is valid for the next three years without changes. The union will stand firm and continue to argue that, in line with this, conditions will not change until the end of the Award.