Newcastle Bus Drivers Escalate Industrial Dispute
Commuters in Newcastle are facing potential disruptions to their travel plans as local bus drivers commenced a 24-hour industrial action starting November 24, 2025. The protected action, organized by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) NSW, involves drivers refusing to operate services when the previous service runs more than six minutes behind schedule.
Union Takes Stand Against Service Delays and Working Conditions
RTBU tram and bus division secretary David Babineau stated that while commuters should anticipate some service disruptions, the industrial action has been specifically designed to avoid impacting school bus routes. The union's decision follows months of failed negotiations with bus operator Keolis Downer Hunter (KDH) regarding what Babineau describes as "legitimate concerns of workers in regard to wages, safety, and working conditions."
"KDH has refused to address the core issues that have seen working conditions deteriorate under privatisation," Babineau emphasized. He further accused the French-owned company of attempting to rush through an inadequate Enterprise Agreement after months of delays in the bargaining process.
Pay Offer and Union Response
Last week, Keolis Downer Hunter presented what it described as an improved Enterprise Agreement offering:
- 15.5% pay increase over four years for experienced drivers
- Additional 8% over four years for Trainee Year 1 employees
- Total wage uplift of 23.5% over four years for trainees
- Hourly rate reaching $40 for experienced drivers by the final agreement year
The company stated these increases aim to close current wage gaps and strengthen long-term recruitment and retention efforts. However, the union maintains this offer merely represents money drivers are already owed under KDH's contract with the NSW Government rather than constituting a genuine improvement.
Babineau warned that the RTBU would be monitoring whether KDH attempts to dock workers' pay for participating in the protected industrial action, stating the union "takes wage theft very seriously."
Calendar of Chaos Continues
The current 24-hour action forms part of what the RTBU has termed its "Calendar of Chaos," which will continue through the end of November unless Keolis Downer Hunter presents an improved offer addressing driver concerns. Ongoing actions include:
- Ban on wearing company uniforms
- Geotag swapping between vehicles
- Drivers wearing union berets instead of standard headwear
The union has made it clear that industrial action will persist until KDH provides a comprehensive offer that genuinely improves current wages and working conditions for Newcastle's bus drivers.
