Secretary’s wrap

Things have been pretty intense in Newcastle recently. After members found out about the State Government’s plans to privatise public transport in the area, putting hundreds of jobs at risk, via the media the Premier decided to pay Newcastle a visit.

But the visit wasn’t to talk to workers and the community about the plans to bundle our transport services up and sell them off to the highest bidder – it was to attend a $175 a head Property Council lunch.

RTBU members joined with other concerned unions and community members to hold a rally outside the Property Council lunch (where ironically the Premier was talking about the ‘revitalisation’ of Newcastle). The Premier did come out and address the crowd, apologised for not consulting with us and promising not to go ahead with the sale unless it can be proven that it will improve public transport in the region, but many of those at the rally weren’t convinced.

A big thank you to all of the Loco Division members who attended in support of our Bus and Tram comrades at the rally – we all need to join together in moments like this. We know that this State Government is hell bent of privatising as many of our public assets as possible, so while it is Newcastle buses today, it could well be our trains tomorrow.

Also stay tuned for the next edition of Around the Tracks which will be landing with you all very shortly.

I trust you’ll enjoy this edition of Loco Express. Stay safe on the tracks.

Bob Hayden
Secretary, Loco Division