Member update: 20 December 2019 

Dear members,

As the year draws to a close, we just wanted to say a very big thank you for what has been a huge 2019.

There’s no doubt this year has thrown huge challenges our way – particularly in the form of the NSW Government’s horrific bus privatisation announcement. But we’ve stood united, campaigned hard, and shown the Premier and her government that we won’t take this laying down.

This week alone we’ve seen street stalls and petition signings in Mosman, Gladesville, Macquarie Park and elsewhere throughout our regions. We also kicked the week off with two big rallies – one in Randwick and another outside Victor Dominello’s office in Ryde. Both were a huge success with large number of workers and community members turning out to show their support and to put pressure on the NSW Government to back down on its privatisation plans.

The campaign to protect our services won’t stop over the break – we can’t afford to rest while our bus services and jobs are under attack – but we do hope everyone manages to step back for a bit and spend some time with your family and friends to recharge before the heat is turned back up to high again in the New Year. Members need to remember that there is a plan in place and raising public awareness is only stage one. It can’t happen all at once and must be coordinated to maximum effect. Remember too that just because the media chooses not to run with our stories doesn’t mean they’re not out there.

It hasn’t all been bus privatisation this year, of course – there have been plenty of other crucial issues impacting members that we’ve all been working on throughout the year. We’ve seen the opening of the new Canberra and Sydney light rail operations and all the ongoing issues that have come with each of those; we’re in the midst of changing the eligibility rules to ensure we can continue to protect all of our members; we’ve had to fight hard against the NSW Government’s fixation with its failed on-demand bus trials; we’ve negotiated new enterprise agreements and fought countless battles to protect members’ rights.

It’s been a busy first year, but it has been an honour to stand beside you and your fellow members and fight every day to protect your wages and conditions. We are only temporary custodians of the Union and the challenge is to leave it in better shape than we found it.

Of course as tram and bus drivers, many of us will be working over the festive season while the majority of people are taking time off. If that’s you this year, thank you. Your sacrifices do not go unnoticed.

2019 has been a big year and 2020 will bring with it more challenges, but we know that while we stand united, we’re ready to face them head on.

To you and your families and loved ones, have a fantastic Christmas holiday. Thanks for a great 2019 and we look forward to taking the fight to the Government, employers, and anyone who thinks that they can treat our members with disregard and disrespect in the New Year.

Stay safe and have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers