November will be a difficult month for public transport users, with Newcastle bus drivers releasing a “calendar of chaos” to protest unfair working conditions.
“Piss off Early Day”, “Full Tank Friday” and “Tootin’ Tuesday Action” are some of the planned events in a series of protected industrial actions.
Newcastle drivers have been at odds with private transport owner Keolis Downer since the beginning of the year, over apparent unsafe working conditions and pay disputes.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RBTU) Tram and Bus Division secretary David Babineau said the French company had now agreed to meet with workers after months of refusing to negotiate.
“Their refusal to address legitimate concerns about wages, safety and working conditions has left local drivers with no choice but to act,” he explained.
“Bus drivers don’t take this sort of action lightly, but enough is enough.
“Local drivers have spent months trying to reach a fair deal, but Keolis Downer has simply refused to deliver that so far.
“This is a private company that’s happy to profit off the people of Newcastle, but when it comes to paying local workers fairly or addressing their concerns, they go missing.”
The series of industrial actions are designed to minimise the impact on passengers, while “causing a headache for management and drawing attention to Keolis Downer’s inaction”.
Frequently honking the horn, a ban on driving buses with less than a tank of fuel, a reduced speed limit action and a “French-themed day” are some other proposed acts to be expected throughout the month.
It will end with a 12-hour strike on 27 November and a 24-hour strike the following day.
“This is about basic fairness,” said Mr Babineau.
“These are local workers who keep Newcastle moving every day, they deserve respect and decent conditions.
“They have been pushed to the edge.
“They’ve dealt with violence on buses, payroll blunders, understaffing – and now management refuses to even recognise the tough conditions they’re working under.
“We’re calling on Keolis Downer to stop playing games and start delivering the fair enterprise agreement drivers deserve.”
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