Newcastle bus drivers have followed up on their promise to rally against private transport operator Keolis Downer.

Local members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) recently voted for further protected industrial action, following negotiations with the company spanning several months.

But, it came to a head on Monday 22 September, as they stopped work from 10am.

The drivers reported unfair working conditions and insufficient pay amid an increase in violence attacks on public transport.

RTBU Tram and Bus divisional secretary David Babineau said the union and Keolis Downer had been in conversations since the beginning of the year, to no avail.

“The company is playing games, they’re not budging on anything,” he explained.

“I just think they don’t know what the hell they’re doing.”

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