November 1 - 30, 2026: Issue 660

 

Bus Dispute Update: Union Win for Drivers

190x start point. Photo: A J Guesdon/PON

On Thursday November 12 the Rail, Tram and Bus Union NSW Branch President Peter Grech, Tram and Bus Division Secretary Chris Argyris and NSW Branch Secretary Toby Warnes met with Transport Minister John Graham at NSW Parliament House to discuss the ongoing Multi-Enterprise Agreement dispute.

''Members have made their position clear. They deserve fair wages, better conditions and an agreement that recognises the vital work they do keeping NSW moving.'' RTBU said

Later that afternoon, an in-principle agreement had been reached which meant industrial action scheduled for Friday morning during 6-7am and Friday afternoon between 5-6pm, was called off.

The union stated Thursday afternoon:
''After 11 long months of fighting, RTBU members across Regions 7, 8 and 9 have secured a massive win in the Bus Multi-Enterprise Agreement negotiations!

Today, following discussions with the Transport Minister and delegates at NSW Parliament House, the RTBU has reached an in-principle agreement delivering significant improvements to wages, conditions and entitlements.

And make no mistake, this win belongs to our members.
For 11 months, members have stood together, taken industrial action and put pressure on the operators and the NSW Government to deliver a fair deal.

And today, that fight has paid off.

This agreement takes bus industry wages and conditions further than ever before, and it wouldn't have happened without members refusing to back down.

To every member who took action, supported their workmates and stood strong throughout this fight, congratulations. You've earned this.

As a result, tomorrow's planned industrial action and all other notified industrial action will be called off.

Further details of the agreement will be sent to members via email.

''11 months of fighting. Three regions standing together. One massive win.''

Background

On Tuesday November 3 2026 Transport for NSW stated bus passengers travelling in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, lower North Shore and inner north-west are encouraged to plan ahead, with industrial action from Wednesday 4 November potentially impacting services across these areas.

Transport for NSW advised that Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) members intend to undertake industrial action that may affect the operation of bus services.

From 12.01am Wednesday 4 November, the RTBU has advised drivers may undertake industrial action involving restrictions on the operation of certain buses. Further work bans affecting buses departing depots will start from 12.01am Thursday 5 November. The actions are expected to continue indefinitely.

While buses were expected to continue operating, the industrial action would result in some services being delayed or cancelled where buses are unable to meet the requirements of the notified work bans.

'Impacts may be felt across the Eastern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, lower North Shore and inner north-west, as well as some services that start and finish in the Sydney CBD.' Transport for NSW stated

'With the potential for longer wait times, passengers, including students sitting HSC exams this week, are encouraged to allow extra travel time, and consider travelling outside peak periods where possible.

''Transport for NSW will continue to work closely with the respective operators, Keolis Northern Beaches, Transdev John Holland and Busways to minimise impacts where possible, including prioritising services for school children and keep passengers informed.'' Tfor NSW stated

In July 2026 NSW Government committed $200 million to support improved wages for more than 8,000 bus drivers. This past week it was 'encouraging operators and unions to continue working towards an agreement that supports drivers while minimising impacts on passengers.'

The government called on Keolis Downer, then, to match funding and resolve the ongoing issue.

More in Issue published Sunday November 8:
Transport for NSW urges commuters 'plan ahead' as industrial action impacts bus services: Drivers Take Action for 'a living wage' - Scruby; 'no more bus cuts - recruit more drivers', Griffin; a 'slap in the face' as 3000 new bus services announced for everywhere else the same day Local Drivers go on strike - $200m Boost for wages from Minns government hasn't produced wage rise outcome

B-Line from Mona Vale. Photo: A J Guesdon/PON