Dear members,

It's been another busy week in the Tram and Bus Division as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Please know that we are doing everything we can to get you any updates we have as soon as they're available. We are meeting with employers on a regular basis and ensuring that all new government health guidelines are being implemented.

Thank you for your dedication to service during these difficult times. We know it can be tough to work every day when there is so much uncertainty and confusion. You are critical to the public now more than ever and we appreciate your commitment.

There have been some big wins recently for us with a $5,000 fine and potential jail time announced for anyone who spits at an essential worker. It comes after calls for action from the RTBU and we'll now be pushing to ensure the deterrents stay in place long after the coronavirus pandemic is behind us. 

We've also been calling on the government to address PPE shortages with bus drivers. Our members want to keep themselves and their families safe. This is not a matter to be taken lightly and we'll continue to push until action is taken. 

In other important news, TfNSW has said it is looking to introduce full timetable bus services when school resumes, which currently scheduled by the Department of Education for the 11th of May 2020. 

Although the future is hard to predict these days, we are doing everything we can to ensure your health is made a top priority by the Government and employers.
 

ANZAC Day

Recently, the division was invited to lay a tribute in honour of ADF personnel present and past at the war memorial Hamilton Depot. 

As the normal ANZAC day service was not held this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, this was a very small ceremony with Divisional President, Daniel Jaggers and delegates from Newcastle Tram and Bus depots. Also as part of the occasion, local artist Lynette Saunders kindly donated an art work to be laid at the foot of the memorial.

The memorial is dedicated to tram and bus drivers who served in WWI and WWII but has come to represent our comrades who have served and sacrificed in defence of Australia through the years.

ANZAC Day has been commemorated on or near the site since 1929.

This ANZAC Day has been like no other and Australians have been taking appropriate measures to keep each other safe. However, it's still important that we mark the occasion and honour our tradition on this very important day. 

Click here to see the full article with more photos on our website.

Media release: Shocking attack on bus driver highlights need for new fines to stay in place post-COVID-19

A shocking attack in which a woman spat in the face of the bus driver highlights the need for the new NSW laws which allow $5000 fines and potential jail time to be handed down to people found to be spitting or coughing on workers during the COVID-19 pandemic to be extended past the current crisis period. 

The alleged offender was yesterday released after the shocking assault, which happened just days prior to the new laws protecting frontline workers came into place. The timing means she won’t be charged under the new laws. 

The attack occurred in Potts Point last week. 

Tram and Bus Division Secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW, said the incident is a clear clear sign the new laws to protect frontline workers need to stay in place, even once the COVID-19 crisis is behind us. 

“Any assault is unacceptable; being spat at is absolutely disgusting. No one should be put through that. We need harsh fines permanently in place to act as a deterrent to this kind of putrid attack,” Mr Babineau said. 

Click here to read the full release and see a link to the Ch7 story.

RTBU wins fines against people found spitting/coughing on workers

Anyone found intentionally spitting or coughing on a transport worker will now risk being hit with a $5000 fine and possible jail time.

The significant win in the fight for worker safety comes after the RTBU and other unions called for the fines to extended from public officers such as healthcare workers and police to all workers.

David Babineau, Secretary of the Tram and Bus Division said it’s disgraceful that the fines are necessary at all, but a significant increase in assaults on workers since COVID-19 meant that something needed to be done urgently.

He said the battle now will be to ensure the fines stay in place even after the coronavirus pandemic is behind us.

“No one should ever be assaulted simply for doing their job, but unfortunately as drivers we know assaults are all too common,” David Babineau said.

Click here to see the full story.

SMH: Sydney bus drivers resort to home-made masks amid COVID-19 crisis

Sydney bus drivers are pleading with the state government to provide them more personal protective equipment amid the coronavirus crisis, with some resorting to making their own face masks.

Drivers are being provided with hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes, but many still feel anxious about contracting COVID-19 given their constant interaction with the public.

Click here to read the full article from the Sydney Morning Herald.

COVID-19: FAQs

We are constantly updating the COVID-19 frequently asked questions section of the website, so please make sure you head there and have a look. If you still have questions, please don't hesitate to contact your local delegate or the Division office at nswbus@rtbu-nsw.asn.au. 

Thanks again for all that you do. Stay safe.

In solidarity, 

David Babineau and Daniel Jaggers