Article: Bus drivers could strike over 'spy cameras'

[ozbob]

NSW story, but relevant for all.

From the Courier Mail click here!


Bus drivers could strike over 'spy cameras'

Bus drivers could strike over 'spy cameras'
Article from: AAP

December 28, 2008 07:27am

NSW bus drivers have threatened industrial action after accusing management of using security cameras to "spy" on drivers.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) says management is using footage taken from the nine cameras on each State Transit Bus to question the ability of drivers rather than ensure the safety of drivers and passengers.

The union is calling on the State Government to revise the legislation and ensure security cameras on buses are not abused.

"Bus drivers are on the road for hours every day and forced to make split second decisions in order to keep passengers and other motorists safe," union spokesman Rail Baonza said in a statement.

Drivers were being questioned when they pull out of bus lanes or have to stop suddenly, he said.

"Bus drivers always put safety first, but when every decision they make is caught on camera and scrutinised, the stress can be too much."

"Using security cameras this way only shows that State Transit has no trust in its workers," he added.

Mr Baonza said licensed and qualified bus drivers with many years' experience were becoming increasingly stressed at the prospect of having every decision they make watched by Big Brother.

"Because of these spy cameras it is very difficult to recruit and retain trainees," he said.

"Only one in four trainees stays on after one year because of this abuse of the security cameras in buses."