Sydney Bus Privatisation

Thursday 24th October, 2019

As you would probably be aware, the NSW Liberal Government announced the privatisation of the rest of the regions operated by the State Transit Authority today.

It’s obviously both shocking and disappointing given how much members have gone through to make STA competitive, and how successful that process has been. Clearly, there is no actual reason for this announcement or the dissolving of STA after 85 years. For Region 6 it was the lie about complaints, this time there isn’t even a reason. This decision was taken after the Premier promised that no further privatisation of Government assets would take place.

This decision will be fought. Lessons have been learnt from Newcastle and Region 6 and this time everyone will be standing up together. Our comrades in NSW and Sydney Trains know that they have been lied to and that they are next. We will fight this as a collective as directed by the members.

The Government has announced that tenders for the contracts will open early in the new year, and that the financial year 2021 is the date for the transfer of business. The RTBU has been working behind the scenes to secure as favourable conditions as possible from the Government for our members and we will continue to do that even as we fight.

Members may also have seen flyers from the Transport Workers Union with misleading claims distributed in depot car parks. It’s a sad day when one Union sees a workforce under attack as an opportunity to recruit instead of an opportunity to work together. The simple truth is that Unions should be working together. The RTBU stands by our record of industry leading wages and conditions.

Officials will be touring the STA depots all next week to talk to members and get an idea of how hard people are willing to fight. Delegates will be holding meetings today and tomorrow to seek direction from members as well.

This is just the beginning. Members will be kept informed as the campaign rolls out.

In solidarity,

RTBU NSW

Tram and Bus Division