INDUSTRY STANDARDS SOUGHT:
• Setting standards for maximum driving times to enable on-time running and realistic timetables
• Setting standards of working hours and fatigue management
• Setting standards that strengthen union power in a yard
• Setting standards for industry training
• Strengthening workplace health and safety
• Setting standards on wage increases
• Setting standards on superannuation increases
DELEGATES TALK ABOUT THE AGREEMENT IN THEIR YARD
STEWART, DELEGATE AND A HEALTH AND SAFETY REP (HSR) AT CDC DURAL YARD
“The negotiation of a new EA is a time for us to rattle cages. With the support of Mick Pieri, and Nimrod Nyols at the TWU, we are rattling cages every time we confront management across a table. Right now, we are in a terrible situation with safety, superannuation and the need for industry standards across NSW. You should be proud to be union, in your yards talking to the non-union members to join and build our numbers and strength. Everybody benefits from the work Mick and Nimrod are doing on the EA.”
GREG, DELEGATE AT TRANSIT SYSTEMS IN REGION 3 YARD AT SMITHFIELD
“Where we sit (in Region 3), Transit Systems is the only bus company that has underpaid drivers working under NSW Government contracts. When we negotiated the last EA, managers, Clint Feuerherdt and Doug LaMont said what they could offer was the best they could do at the time but promised they would make it up for us at the next enterprise agreement. We are going to hold them at their word. Transit Systems employees under the Region 3 contract will need to get a 5% pay rise this year just to be equal with the other companies. Let’s build our Union numbers in the yard.”
DARREN, DELEGATE AT TRANSDEV MT KURING-GAI YARD
“I have been in unions for 35 years, and I love the career I am in now. Coming together and communication in the yard, building our Union strength, will bring across the line our claims and the industry standards we need. There is safety in numbers and we can ensure management don’t have it all their way. The importance of superannuation increases in the claim for young drivers beginning their career and the more senior drivers cannot be underestimated. You get paid 9.5 percent on your ordinary wage, but it is not paid on overtime. How does that help years down the track? We must be getting the value in Super for all the hours we do.”
MANISH, DELEGATE AT BUSWAYS PENRITH YARD
“A new EA binds Busways to a contract with drivers and empowers the TWU to protect workers’ rights and prevent exploitation in the workplace and provide drivers with a better work and life balance. We are looking for 12 hours maximum a day to be used at the workplace. Too many extra hours at work can lead to fatigue and less time available for family. I want to see superannuation strengthened because like all drivers I want to retire with dignity. Superannuation at 9.5% is not a fair rate compared to the 15% we should be receiving in line with other workers in public transport.
MARTA, DELEGATE AT TRANSIT SYSTEMS REGION 6 YARD AT LEICHHARDT
“Let’s prepare for action and a new agreement that provides the best pay and conditions for all drivers. Transit Systems are hoping to keep drivers separated under two agreements. Working with all drivers we are picking the best out of both expired agreements in Region 6 and presenting them packaged as one agreement. That would be best for all drivers. We are all in this together, fighting 13 hour working days for split shift drivers, and the shortfalls in superannuation. Together we are tough and we will get there!”