Brisbane buses - industrial action

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/brisbanetimes/status/885415754228580353

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane bus drivers to strike next week

Brisbane's council bus drivers will go on strike for two hours for two mornings next week following protracted negotiations over a new enterprise agreement.

The Rail Tram and Bus Union says council drivers had overwhelmingly voted for protected industrial action, and stoppages would occur from 4.30-6.30am on both Tuesday and Wednesday (July 18 and 19).

The union says the issues angering drivers are shift-work requirements and workplace health and safety provisions, especially in the wake of the murder of Manmeet Alisher while driving a council bus in Moorooka last October.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/brisbanecityqld/status/886797506478305282

Bus driver industrial action

Brisbane City Council·17 July 2017

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has advised that Brisbane City Council bus drivers will be participating in industrial action on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 July from 4.30am to 6.30am.

Major impacts to bus services across the network are expected, including all school services, until approximately 7.30am as services start returning to normal.

Commuters who normally travel during these times are advised to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements. Council encourages employers to consider later starting times for potential affected employees.

Commuters are urged to check the TransLink app, website or contact 13 12 30   for up to date information as there may be flow-on impacts throughout the   entire day on both Tuesday and Wednesday.

[ozbob]

Brisbane City Council bus services - industrial action

>> https://translink.com.au/service-updates/137756

[verbatim9]

Looks like from 4.30-6.30am Tuesday maybe Wednesday as well?

[ozbob]

https://www.facebook.com/notes/brisbane-city-council/additional-citycat-services-on-tuesday-and-wednesday-morning/1629952643712859/

Additional CityCat services on Tuesday and Wednesday morning

Brisbane City Council·Monday, 17 July 2017

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has advised that Brisbane City Council bus drivers will be participating in industrial action on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 July from 4.30am to 6.30am.

To assist commuters during this time, Council is operating additional CityCat services during the peak morning period. 
Other CityCat and ferry services will operate as normal.

Additional CityCat services heading upstream:

    Departing      Northshore Hamilton at 5.34am and 6.04am (all stops service)
    Departing      Teneriffe at 5.45am, 7.35am and 8.05am (limited stops)
    Departing      Bulimba at 6.40am (limited stops)

Additional CityCat services heading downstream:

    Departing      UQ St Lucia at 6.04am (all stops service)

For more information visit www.translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

[ozbob]

No additional rail services planned for the bus strike ..

https://twitter.com/QueenslandRail/status/886846393767219200

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Schrinner/status/886818139803078656

[Otto]

Eastern suburbs 2xx services will be OK on Tuesday as they are serviced by Garden City, Carina and Eagle Farm depots. 2xx services will be affected on Wednesday when those depots take part in the industrial action.

[ozbob]

^ thanks Otto.

Note: Due to the extent of this action, real-time bus information through the app and website will be unreliable.

We will continue to update this page with the latest information.

https://translink.com.au/service-updates/137756

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane City Council bus drivers will take industrial action on July 18 and 19

ABOUT 35,000 bus commuters and students can expect "major" delays on Tuesday and Wednesday morning as Brisbane City Council bus drivers strike.

Public and Active Transport chairman Adrian Schrinner said the strike would leave 5000 primary and high school students without school bus services in "direct contravention" of TransLink's No Child Left Behind policy.

"Council is extremely concerned about the possible risk to student safety," he said.

Cr Schrinner said the strike would affect about 35,000 commuters. He said the council would offer additional ferry and CityCat services and advised passengers to make use of rail, ferry or private transport.

"That'll obviously come at a cost to council but we want to do everything possible to try and accommodate people," Cr Schrinner said.

"Ultimately this action is going to leave a lot of commuters without options, or with limited options."

RTBU spokesman Tom Brown, who described the strike as "low impact", said about 200 drivers from the 2000-strong workforce were expected to take part.

"We've structured this so most services will run," Mr Brown said.

"It'll be over by 6.30am."

Mr Brown said the strike was to bring the council back to the table to discuss pay, conditions and safety.

He said although the council was beginning to listen on safety concerns due to community pressure, other claims like rostering were being ignored.

"Drivers wanting to spend quality time with their families, that's a big thing for us," he said.

He said the council had agreed to implement a rostering code of practice but that was abandoned and alternative plans for a rostering committee was also pulled as it neared completion.

Cr Schrinner said despite the disruption council would "not cede operational control of bus driver rostering to the union".

"We've all seen how this has worked for Queensland Rail and the impacts on commuters."

He said the council announced on Monday it would double council-funded security guards across the network and survey drivers to determine if they want protective screens.

He said there was a "generous" pay offer on the table, with a 2.5 per cent pay rise, back-pay and a signing bonus of $400.

"It is extremely disappointing that the RTBU would choose to proceed with its disruptive action, risking chaos across Brisbane's transport network, despite Council's willingness to work with drivers on concerns about safety and pay," he said.

Mr Brown said bus drivers did not want to take this action.

"We've got it at a time that would have minimum impact, and spread it over two days to have even less of an impact," he said.

"We feel we have to take this action otherwise we won't get anywhere."

Mr Brown, who said he was unable to rule out further strikes, said the bolstered security measures were "welcomed by drivers" but were not accepted because they were ­offered only as a temporary commitment.

"Nor does it address our unresolved pay and rostering issues," Mr Brown said.

Queensland Rail confirmed no extra services were planned but BCC has added four additional CityCat services between 5.30am and 8am ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/886991179773902850

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/JoelDry9/status/887051192773115905

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/abcbrisbane/status/887120992371220481

[#Metro]

So, WA levels of pay are being aimed for?

WA buses are privatised, formerly being a public operation and then sold off by the Court Gov't in the 1990s.

So much for private operator leading to "lower pay".

In reality, a contributing factor to pay rates is competition for workers. If

WA has had a mining boom, I think that might have had a contribution there.

[verbatim9]

Latest article on the BCC bus strike suggests it's all about pay and 2% a year pay rise is not enough.

If all these public transport workers demand more pay increases it's going to put pressure on fares. Yes 23.00 bucks base rate for an entry level bus driver may seem low. But then start adding afternoon shift penalties and weekend and public holiday penalties and the 2% increase per year.

Inflation is well below that at the moment and 2% is inline with most in the work force.

Take the dispute to the QIRC let the commission decide the outcome without all this unnecessary strike action.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/887590244815589376

[Otto]

All I'm going to say is, Don't believe everything you hear in the media. There are some very misinformed opinions posted here. Also keep in mind this is not just about the RTBU , but all the unions who are part of the BCC workforce who have united due to Councils ineptitude during the EBA negotiations which have dragged on for way too long.. I can't say anymore.

[ozbob]

All I'm going to say is, Don't believe everything you hear in the media. There are some very misinformed opinions posted here. Also keep in mind this is not just about the RTBU , but all the unions who are part of the BCC workforce who have united due to Councils ineptitude during the EBA negotiations which have dragged on for way too long.. I can't say anymore.

Thanks Otto.  Yes, I have heard there is disquiet in a number of the BCC staff employment areas and it is not just bus drivers unhappy.

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Public transport Brisbane: Free bus travel, followed by strike

BRISBANE bus drivers are refusing to collect fares on Thursday this week before going on strike during Friday peak hour as as a bitter feud with council intensifies.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union spokesman Tom Brown said bus union drivers would refuse to collect fares for the whole day on Thursday as part of ongoing industrial action.

Then on Friday, members will strike for the second time in two weeks. This time the strike will last for four hours, between 2-6pm.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the RTBU's move to shut down fare collection — including go card facilities — as part of protected industrial action would sting ratepayers up to $515,000.

He called on drivers to put the safety of 23,000 children first instead of adhering to the union's strike call from 2pm to 6pm on Friday.

"I urge parents and schools to ensure alternate arrangements are made to ensure the safety of school children on Friday afternoon," he said.

"While the school-run services will be our operational priority, most school children catch normal bus services."

Cr Quirk warned the impacts would likely be felt from 1pm to 7pm on Friday but council would be increasing CityCat services to help make up for the shortfall in buses.

Drivers walked off the job on Tuesday and Wednesday last week between 4.30-6.30am as part of industrial action after enterprise bargaining agreements with council soured.

The union has been arguing for more security on buses, better pay and more input into the rostering system since the previous enterprise baragaining agreement expired in October last year.

Cr Quirk said the union had rejected council's offer to meet this Friday because of "other committements".

RTBU spokesman Tom Brown refused to return requests for comment because he was "at a function".

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/889516577464266752

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/889516997469327360

[ozbob]

Sent to all outlets:

25th July 2017

Brisbane buses - proposed industrial action

Good Morning,

There will be more ongoing industrial action.  On  this Thursday, the RTBU has said bus drivers will refuse to collect fares, one can only assume they will refuse to turn on go card facilities on board the buses too.  Additionally, a strike is proposed for this Friday, between 2pm to 6pm.  This will wreck the public transport system for Brisbane, disrupt school travel particularly.  Don't forget Queensland Rail has the rail fail ' Friday Timetable ' which has even less service than the Monday to Thursday reduced service timetable.  This will not end well.

We call for urgent negotiations to sort this mess.  The public has been suffering long enough with mediocre public transport in Brisbane and SEQ.

Any leaders left?

Best wishes,
Robert

Robert Dow
Administration
admin@backontrack.org
RAIL Back On Track https://backontrack.org

Reference:

Couriermail --> Public transport Brisbane: Free bus travel, followed by strike

BRISBANE bus drivers are refusing to collect fares on Thursday this week before going on strike during Friday peak hour as as a bitter feud with council intensifies.

    Rail, Tram and Bus Union spokesman Tom Brown said bus union drivers would refuse to collect fares for the whole day on Thursday as part of ongoing industrial action.

    Then on Friday, members will strike for the second time in two weeks. This time the strike will last for four hours, between 2-6pm.

    Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the RTBU's move to shut down fare collection — including go card facilities — as part of protected industrial action would sting ratepayers up to $515,000.

    He called on drivers to put the safety of 23,000 children first instead of adhering to the union's strike call from 2pm to 6pm on Friday.

    "I urge parents and schools to ensure alternate arrangements are made to ensure the safety of school children on Friday afternoon," he said.

    "While the school-run services will be our operational priority, most school children catch normal bus services."

    Cr Quirk warned the impacts would likely be felt from 1pm to 7pm on Friday but council would be increasing CityCat services to help make up for the shortfall in buses.

    Drivers walked off the job on Tuesday and Wednesday last week between 4.30-6.30am as part of industrial action after enterprise bargaining agreements with council soured.

    The union has been arguing for more security on buses, better pay and more input into the rostering system since the previous enterprise bargaining agreement expired in October last year.

    Cr Quirk said the union had rejected council's offer to meet this Friday because of "other committements".

    RTBU spokesman Tom Brown refused to return requests for comment because he was "at a function".

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/889521139982123009

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/889526380978819073

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/889527655560642560

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Brisbane bus drivers announce further strike action

Brisbane City Council bus drivers have announced further strike action later this week, in their attempt to get Council back to the table to discuss increased wages, improved safety and better rosters.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary Tom Brown said drivers would not collect fares on Thursday and would strike between 2pm and 6pm on Friday.

"We will not stop campaigning until we get a fair agreement, but that will only happen when the Quirk Brisbane City Council agrees to sit down and resolve our claims," he said.

"Today, I'm calling on the BCC to get back to the table. The time for hiding is over – it's time to negotiate the end of this dispute."

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the move would put up to 23,000 Brisbane school children who rely on the bus services at risk, inconvenience about 115,000 regular passengers and cost taxpayers up to $515,000.

"While the school run services will be our operational priority, most school children catch normal bus services," he said.

"We remain hopeful that most drivers will defy the union as the majority bravely did during last week's industrial action.

"Impacts across the network are expected from about 1pm to about 7pm as services start returning to normal.

"Council will be offering additional CityCat services and strongly advises passengers to make use of rail or ferry services on Friday afternoon and evening."

Previous negotiations have resulted in BCC bus drivers being offered a 2.5 per cent pay rise and signing bonus of $400, which council said would make them the highest paid in south-east Queensland and second highest paid in Australia.

The number of security guards deployed across the network has also offered to be doubled and drivers were expected to be surveyed to determine whether they want protective screens.

However, Cr Quirk said BCC would not hand operational control of driver rostering to the union, after seeing the adverse effects of doing so for the Queensland Rail roster.

Cr Quirk also claimed that the union had earlier rejected the council's offer to bring forward a meeting to Friday afternoon to address safety concerns, because it had "other commitments".

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/889685383323287554

[ozbob]

I did some comments for 4KQ & 97.3 FM News on the proposed industrial action, particularly Friday.

[ozbob]

ABC News --> Brisbane bus strike raises safety concerns for 23,000 school children on Friday

There are concerns for the safety of 23,000 school children as Brisbane bus drivers prepare to take strike action on Friday afternoon.

The industrial action continues as bus drivers are in negotiations with Brisbane City Council over wages, improved safety and rostering issues.

Bus drivers will refuse to collect fares on Thursday and will strike for four hours on Friday from 2:00pm to 6:00pm.

It follows last week's stop-work action, when drivers walked off the job for two hours on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

Brisbane City Council has accused the Rail, Tram and Bus Union of putting its pay claims ahead of the safety of school children.

Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner said he tried to organise a committee safety meeting on Friday, but the union declined the invitation to attend.

"What's happening here is they're putting strike action above a sensible discussion on safety which is really disappointing I think," Cr Schrinner said.

    "They are saying publicly it is all about safety, but in reality, it is more about wanting to be the best paid bus drivers in Australia."

Cr Schrinner estimated the strike action would cost more than $500,000 to the taxpayer.

"Our priority will be school bus services and the routes that carry large numbers of school students," he said.

"We expect there will be up to 23,000 school students impacted on Friday afternoon if this strike goes ahead."

He said the council was putting on extra CityCat services and encouraged parents to make contingency plans to get their child home from school.

"This is a matter of safety we can't afford to have students stranded at bus stops, it is just not on," Cr Schrinner said.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union said council was "refusing to negotiate" and they would not stop campaigning until they reached a fair agreement.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/tennewsqld/status/889748553806921728

[ozbob]

Brisbanetimes --> Fare-free buses Thursday, but no buses Friday afternoon as drivers strike

Brisbane's Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the Rail, Tram and Bus Union seemed intent on fighting the council's "fair" pay offers, and their planned industrial action would risk children's safety and inconvenience commuters.

At this stage, union-member bus drivers plan to go ahead with not taking fares on Thursday and walking off the job from 2pm and 6pm on Friday.

These bus service changes are part of the RTBU's ongoing strike action as they fight for safer buses, a wage increase and rostering changes.

Cr Quirk said the council paid bus drivers in accordance with the industry.

"I think we've got a fair offer on the table, most people in the community I think would see 2.5 per cent each year for three years plus a $400 sign on bonus to that increase pretty reasonable." he said.

"I believe that it's a reasonable offer, a good offer and I don't believe what we're seeing with industrial action is a good thing for our city...but I also don't think it's reasonable action in light of the offer."

RTBU secretary Tom Brown said the union met with the council on Tuesday, but the meeting was unfruitful.

The RTBU had previously knocked back the council's offer of a 2.5 per cent pay increase and $400 signing bonus, but had not made a counter-offer.

At the meeting on Tuesday the union said they wanted a basic pay percentage increase of 3.5 per cent - about $1 an hour - on top of a reshuffled wage progression.

"Bus drivers are very poorly paid,"Mr Brown said.

"It takes nine years for a bus driver to work through the wage levels from a low $22.90 up to the high point of $27."

Cr Quirk said the council would not budge on their offer.

RTBU secretary Tom Brown said bus drivers were left with no choice but to escalate their strike action and alleged the Brisbane City Council refused to negotiate with bus drivers over their concerns.

"I am calling on BCC to get back to the table, the time for hiding is over, it's time to negotiate the end of this dispute," Mr Brown said.

The council's public transport boss Adrian Schrinner said the union's strike action would risk the safety of up to 23,000 school children and inconvenience a further 115,000 passengers.

Mr Schrinner asked union bus drivers to put the safety of children first.

"While the school run services will be our operational priority, most school children catch normal bus services," he said.

"We remain hopeful that most drivers will perform normal services as the majority bravely did during last week's industrial action."

Mr Brown said he didn't expect the impacts of the strike to be as bad as the council had speculated.

"I'm quite sure that council has contingency plans in place and I am quite sure that drivers will be made available to prioritise school children during those hours," he said.

Mr Brown said if the council brought a fair offer to the table, strike action could be avoided.

"We're hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst," he said.

Mr Brown did not rule out strike action further escalating to services leaving the road for entire days.

"We will take each step as it comes, but our next steps will be entirely based on council's reaction," he said.

The RTBU will meet with the council on August 1 to discuss bus driver safety.

Commuters were encouraged to plan ahead, by checking the TransLink app, website or contacting 13 12 30 for up-to-date information and make alternative arrangements if necessary.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/7NewsBrisbane/status/889772474199449601

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/RTBUQld/status/889735782352564225

^

https://twitter.com/Schrinner/status/889942905242112000

https://twitter.com/Schrinner/status/889943788608671744

[ozbob]

Letter to the Editor Queensland Times 26th July 2017 page 13

Public transport hits a new low

[ozbob]

https://www.facebook.com/notes/brisbane-city-council/industrial-action-on-council-bus-network-thursday-and-friday/1640822959292494/

Industrial action on Council bus network Thursday and Friday

Brisbane City Council·Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Council has been notified by the   Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Union of Employees that further industrial action will be taken on Thursday and Friday.

This action will include participating members not collecting fares on   Thursday and a 4-hour stoppage on Friday between 2-6pm.

The non-collection of fares will only apply on those services where the bus operator has chosen to participate in the action because there is still a requirement by the State Government for people travelling on Council buses to pay a fare.

If you are catching a bus on Thursday, you should expect to pay a fare as   normal as not all operators will be participating.

On Friday afternoon, major impacts across the network are expected, including   school services and peak hour, from about 1pm to 7pm as services start   returning to normal.

Council has urged parents and schools to ensure alternate arrangements are   made to ensure the safety of school children. Commuters who normally travel   during these times are also advised to plan ahead and make alternative   arrangements.

There will be 18 additional CityCat services operating on Friday during the   afternoon peak period.

Downstream

8 additional, limited stop services at high frequency terminals will be provided on Friday between 2-6.30pm

    15 minute frequency from UQ St Lucia to Northshore Hamilton 
    7-8 minute frequency Riverside to Teneriffe between 4.41 to 6.26pm

Upstream

10 additional, limited stop services at high frequency terminals will be   provided on Friday between 12.50-6.30pm

    15-minute frequency from Northshore Hamilton to UQ St Lucia

Commuters are urged to check the TransLink app, website or contact 13 12 30   for up to date information.

[SurfRail]

Private sector to the rescue 

[ozbob]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-bus-strike-council-warns-23000-schoolchildren-at-risk/news-story/72f629f3ffb7c6c25ef3f482fa458cf5

BRISBANE bus drivers have offered to exempt school runs from this Friday's peak hour strike after council raised fears 23,000 children would be left behind.

In a press release issued this morning, Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary Tom Brown blamed Brisbane City Council for failing to make contingency arrangements to pick up schoolchildren.

"I want to make something absolutely clear: We aren't leaving school kids behind on Friday," Mr Brown said in a statement.

"We will get them to school and get them home — despite BCC walking away from their obligations."

Union bus drivers plan to strike for fours hours from 2pm to 6pm on Friday this week as part of ongoing protected industrial action after negotiations with council failed.

The RTBU are part of a union bloc that are negotiating the terms of a new enterprise bargaining agreement after the old one expired in October last year.

The unions have given Council a schedule of demands, including pay 3.5 per cent pay rises, but the RTBU has said the main concern for bus drivers was their safety.

However, Council offered bus drivers increased security measures but the union said members wanted those provisions written into a new agreement.

An RTBU letter to council today called for negotiation between the parties.

"It is our position, stated clearly in our notices, that we will ensure the safety of children," the letter reads. "After all, safety is our number one priority in these negotiations." ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/9NewsQueensland/status/890138938664517635

[ozbob]

Couriermail --> Brisbane bus strike: Fears children will be in harm's way

BRISBANE'S impending bus driver strike could endanger almost 20,000 children despite the union offering to maintain services on school routes, Brisbane City Council has warned.

Bruce Morcombe yesterday said he was "absolutely concerned" for the safety of schoolchildren as bus drivers prepared to strike from 2pm to 6pm on Friday as part of protected industrial action for the first time in 19 years.

"We cannot afford to leave our kids outside schools or bus stops where they're potentially never going to be picked up," Mr Morcombe said.

"What we're suggesting is, where possible, we would ask the parents of students to organise some form of carpooling with a responsible parent."

Mr Morcombe was the driving force behind Translink's No Child Left Behind policy after his son was killed by Brett Peter Cowan when a bus failed to pick him up from Woombye in 2003.

Bus drivers are now required to stop for children regardless of the circumstances.

On Wednesday the Rail, Tram and Bus Union wrote to council offering to exempt school bus routes from the strike action after succumbing to public pressure.

But Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner said that would only help about 5500 children who caught the school buses, while the other 17,500 who caught general buses would still be at risk.

"We were always planning to allocate all available resources or drivers to these school routes, so they would have been covered regardless," Cr Schrinner said. "The reality is there's going to be chaos on Friday, which is very difficult to plan for because we don't know exactly how many drivers will be working and how many won't."

The last time bus drivers went on strike as part of protected industrial action was in 1998 over an award dispute. This industrial action, which includes union drivers refusing to collect fares today, is over enterprise bargaining negotiations.

RTBU secretary Tom Brown said council had not responded to the union's offer to exempt school routes.

"Our view is the safety of schoolchildren has been jeopardised by council because we notified them in good time to make contingent arrangements," Mr Brown said.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/890089776208113664

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/Robert_Dow/status/890251739177168897

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransLinkSEQ/status/890315809997938688