State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has expressed concerns about the error that led to the underpayment of drivers in Newcastle, since private operator Keolis Downer took over the local bus and ferry network.
Keolis Downer began operating the Newcastle bus and ferry network on 1 July 2017, and the wages and conditions of staff members were guaranteed for a set time.
The NSW Government promised that the transfer of the bus and ferry network from public hands to private would mean greater efficiency but now employees have been left hundreds of dollars out of pocket.
Ms Hornery has joined with State colleagues in calling for the NSW Government to explain how this could happen.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“This is just another example of this Government’s privatisation agenda leading to bad outcomes for workers.”
“A lot of transport workers live in the Wallsend electorate and were worried about their future as a result of the handover to Keolis Downer. Now it looks like their worst fears have been realised.”
“The Minister and his Government swore up and down that the transfer of the bus and ferry network to a private provider would lead to greater efficiencies; is underpaying workers what he was talking about?”
“I’m calling on the NSW Government to step in and make sure this never happens again and that our bus drivers and ferry operators are fairly compensated for their work.”
“The Government needs to end its fascination with the privatisation, especially because we have seen once again that it includes a raw deal for workers.”