4.30PM UPDATE:
Buses are back in action after SafeWork NSW Inspectors attended the Newcastle workplace on Thursday afternoon to determine the matter.
Authorities have confirmed there is no “imminent threat” and services will run as per normal.
EARLIER:
Bus services throughout the city are set to stop running, effective immediately, after a Newcastle driver was threatened with violence on Thursday.
The incident is just the latest in a spate of attacks on transport employees in the region.
On this occasion, it’s believed a member of the public not only intimidated a driver but declared they would “come back” with a machete.
Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) secretary David Babineau stated the stoppage on 13 March would impact all services, including school runs, and continue until a solution was found.
“The attacks on Newcastle buses are getting out of control,” he said.
“The local Health and Safety representative has issued a cease unsafe notice, which the union is fully supportive of.
“Unless this is resolved quickly, this could be a huge inconvenience to commuters, including for school kids expecting to be able to get a bus home today [Thursday].
“But, I’m sure they’ll understand that safety is too important to be compromised.”
Mr Babineau said the RTBU was calling on the company to engage with the local Health and Safety representative and act on its legal responsibility to provide a safe workplace.
“The attack of a driver in the CBD comes on the back of a myriad of confrontations on our buses in recent weeks,” he added.
“The bus operator has a responsibility to help find a solution to this problem, quickly.
“In the current environment, it’s simply too dangerous for our drivers to be out on the roads.
“In the recent past, they’ve been spat on, bashed, assaulted and now threatened with a machete.
“Something needs to be done urgently to protect the safety of commuters and drivers.
“We’re hoping the company can work with the local Health and Safety representatives to find a solution as soon as possible.”
All buses currently operating out of Hamilton and Belmont depots are being encouraged to adhere to the HSR cease work notice and return to the base at as soon as practical.
It is expected that no buses will leave until a safety solution is determined.
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