Bus drivers are essential to the functioning and growth of the economy. Their role extends beyond merely transporting passengers; they are a vital part of the state's economic infrastructure.  

Buses provide crucial access to employment opportunities, particularly in areas with limited transportation options. This connectivity is essential for job seekers and contributes to a more inclusive economy. 

Bus drivers also play a significant role in the education system by providing transportation for students. Accessible and efficient bus services allow students to get to school and allow families ongoing flexibilities. 

For major events, bus drivers ensure that attendees can travel conveniently and safely. This transportation support is crucial for the success of events that attract visitors and stimulate local economies. 

Through a recent survey of our Bus Driver members a staggering 87% of drivers expressed grave concerns for their safety while on duty. These concerns emphasised the urgency of implementing comprehensive measures to ensure the protection of bus drivers and passengers alike. 

The TWU launched a Delegates endorsed campaign ‘Our Victorian Buses’. The member-led campaign from Bus Drivers advocating for work-life balance, fair rosters, protections during tendering changes and safer working conditions is making their concerns more visible and harder to ignore by bus operators and policymakers. This unity has enhanced bargaining power and increased the likelihood of achieving meaningful changes. 

The campaign has already secured over 1000 signatures of support and another 1000 more workplace agreement surveys from Bus Drivers across major bus operators ahead of workplace agreement negotiations.   

Our Victorian Buses have already delivered MOU’s with major bus operators bidding for major network tenders across Victoria and Tasmania on how the industry will address: 

a.       Safer timetables 

b.       Safety on the job 

c.       Initiatives to support work life balance 

d.       More training  

e.       Driver entitlement protection during tender win  

The TWU is driving positive change for Bus Drivers in Victoria
We have a recent history of actively supporting Bus Drivers and fighting for their rights. Here is a summary: 

• 2018: The TWU wins a landmark agreement with the Victorian government to install safety screens on all buses across Victoria, a major victory for driver safety. 
  
  
• 2020: The TWU leads a series of high-profile strikes by bus drivers in Melbourne, protesting poor pay and conditions and lack of safety measures. 
  
  
• 2022: The TWU negotiates a new workplace agreement with bus operators, securing significant wage increases and improved working conditions after over 1500 Bus Drivers from Dysons and Ventura take industrial action.  
  
  
• 2023: The TWU along with the RTBU win 'Safe Public Transport' committee made up of unions and authorities to ensure coordinated efforts to protect workers' safety and uphold passenger safety across the public transport network.  
  
  
• 2024: The TWU wins tougher laws for assaults on Bus Drivers with new laws announced by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan.  
  
  

The TWU's efforts have led to significant improvements in bus drivers' working lives and safety in Victoria. Our campaigns and strikes have raised public awareness about the importance of supporting the men and women moving Victoria.  

Ongoing Advocacy and Support from a team of dedicated TWU Organisers & Delegates  
The TWU continues to champion the rights of Bus Drivers in Victoria and Tasmania through ongoing advocacy, negotiations and support. We have a team of dedicated TWU Organisers and Delegates who bring firsthand experience from the bus industry to their union roles. TWU Organisers, once worked in bus roles, now leverage their industry knowledge to advocate effectively for Bus Drivers.