Released 02/02/2024
The ACT Government has delivered a new enterprise bargaining agreement for Transport Canberra drivers and workshop staff, paving the way for an uplift in the frequency of scheduled Saturday afternoon bus services, planned to start in April 2024.
Following the ballot positively supporting the new agreement, it has now been lodged for formal ratification by Fair Work Australia.
Transport Canberra staff have agreed to new incentives for permanent bus drivers working weekend shifts.
A new clause in the agreement also commits to further exploration of rosters during the term of the agreement.
Sixty-seven per cent of eligible staff voted on the new agreement with a 95 per cent vote in favour, demonstrating the high level of engagement staff have had in the process.
“The new agreement includes the ACT Government’s core offer, and additional incentives to recognise the skill of staff who are transitioning to work on the zero-emissions fleet,” said Minister for Transport Chris Steel
“A new Electric Vehicle Technology Allowance has been added and is intended to be paid to Transport Canberra maintenance staff in recognition of active participation in training and instruction to attain the skills to safely integrate, operate, and maintain electric fleet vehicles within the Transport Canberra operational fleet.
“Importantly, a new clause for the Weekend Reliability Trial has been added. The trial provides permanent drivers, who complete six or more weekend details per year, a 15 per cent penalty on all hours from the seventh detail. This trial will commence 1 July 2023.
“Transport Canberra’s extensive recruitment effort now mean bus operators are above establishment numbers. Combined with the new incentives in the agreement, we now have confidence that more weekend services on Saturdays can be delivered reliably.
“There has been a significant increase in the use of weekend public transport services by Canberrans. Transport Canberra will now prepare a new weekend timetable to begin in April of this year, focusing on more frequent route bus services on Saturday afternoons to meet the demand.
“I would like to thank all staff who participated in a constructive bargaining process, to ensure we can provide better working conditions for staff and deliver better transport services for the Canberra community.”
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases