Cutbacks and privatisation push breed ‘bacteria buses’

Today the media is reporting that the filthy state of NSW buses is posing a health risk to commuters.You can read the full story here. (http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/special-investigation-diseaseridden-filth-on-grubby-trains-and-buses-across-sydney/story-fni0cx12-1227013477801)

The RTBU is not surprised given that the NSW Government has slashed cleaner jobs and outsourced cleaning operations to the private sector – first in rail and now in buses too.

What this means is we have less cleaners being asked to do more work and the result is filthy buses and trains.

That’s what happens when you treat functions such as cleaning, like a business instead of a service. Corners are cut for the sake of profit.

This is another step in the Baird government’s agenda for privatizing our transport and it must stop.

Our bus drivers are also suffering – many are off sick and one recently asked to be provided with a face mask as part of their uniform. This is an OH&S issue for our drivers.

The travelling public, and transport workers, deserve better.