Newcastle bus negotiations continue to stall as Keolis Downer drags its feet over four simple word changes in agreement 

Media release, 16 Feb 2026: Keolis Downer Hunter’s continued refusal to offer Newcastle bus drivers fair wages and conditions has pushed negotiations to breaking point, with the dispute set to head to the Fair Work Commission.

Bus Divisional secretary, Peter Grech, says the employer, KDH, applied for an Intractable Bargaining Declaration, which will see the Commission step in and determine the outcome of the Enterprise Agreement.

“Keolis Downer’s attempts to drag this process out are unfair on both bus drivers and commuters,” Mr Grech said.

“Drivers have been negotiating in good faith, but with KDH dragging its feet, the employer has made the decision to further delay agreement.

“Our members have been working through this whole process, and since November 2023 they have not had a single pay rise.

“It’s extremely disappointing that instead of resolving this at the bargaining table, the company has done everything and anything to elongate this process, completely refusing to listen to what their workforce needs to move forward.

“This drags out uncertainty for both drivers and commuters. All our members are seeking are four small wording changes in their enterprise agreement that provide clarity and fairness, nothing more,” said Mr Grech.

Drivers says their claims focusing on wording changes in the proposed agreement would not alter operational procedures.

The requested changes include replacing the word “ordinary” with “rostered” in the shift length clause to make sure shifts are between 7 and 9 hours, along with clarifying guaranteed access to proper meal facilities at depots during breaks.

They are also requesting the new enterprise agreement replace the word “overtime” with “work” in a clause relating to additional hours to make sure there is fair allocation of duties.

“Every worker is entitled to have a safe, clean environment to eat their meal,” Mr Grech said.

Mr Grech said that the community in Newcastle has shown consistent support for the drivers through the whole process, and they deserve transparency about the dispute moving forward.

The RTBU says further protected industrial action cannot be ruled out if the company continues to refuse to provide local drivers with basic conditions.