Update on new COVID-19 restrictions

With the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in NSW, today the union met with Transport for NSW to discuss new restrictions that will impact all members, as well as the travelling public.

The new restrictions are as follows:

• Employees are required to wear masks in all workplaces including depots, mealrooms, and offices, unless eating or drinking.
• At time of writing masks will be required to be worn in crew compartments, although we are hopeful that the previous exemption will be re-introduced.
• Public transport capacity on trains and buses will be reduced to 50%. The green dot process will be re-introduced.
• As Train Crew are deemed to be essential workers, they will still be permitted to travel in and out of the Sydney Metropolitan Area for work purposes.

Union representatives will meet with TfNSW again this Friday 25 June. We will provide another update to members after this meeting.

Members are also advised that the NSW Branch Office will be operating with reduced staffing levels from this afternoon until at least next Wednesday 30 June, with all other staff working remotely but still available if required.

As during the last Covid lockdown, our staff and officers will do everything they can to reduce the impact of remote working arrangements on membership consultation and contact. However, we still ask all members to be understanding during this time.

We must all play our part to slow the spread of this new outbreak. Please stay safe, stay vigilant, and we will be in touch soon.

Members are reminded that as with previous COVID advice – Workers must co-operate with their employer in implementing risk control measures and must take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure they do not do anything that creates or increases a risk to the health and safety of themselves or others.