Union: Drivers Breaks Not Long Enough

Buzz Killington · May 28, 2009, 07:18:52 PM

Saw a story on WIN News tonight - apparently the Union have taken issue to the amount of time drivers have between routes, with not enough time being allocated for the drivers to stretch their legs and use the bathroom etc.

I had a quick look for an online source, but no luck.

CanberraTransport · May 28, 2009, 07:24:47 PM

Interestingly, a few weeks ago one of my bus drivers took us on a different route simply so he could take a bathroom break. I imagine it's quite a problem at ACTION.

Bus 400 · May 28, 2009, 07:36:17 PM

I know of a at least 2 shifts that were like this. The thing is some shifts give drivers 30 minute breaks, while others have 0-3 minute breaks

Busnerd · May 28, 2009, 08:01:36 PM

They wouldn't have 3 minute breaks.

The minimum break between trips is 4 minutes. If it is any less the union will reject the shift.

Buzz Killington · May 28, 2009, 08:13:31 PM

4 minutes is hardly long enough

Bus 400 · May 28, 2009, 08:14:36 PM

The shifts are set out like that, but some runs will have heavier then planned loadings most days. This means that a driver might have a run that was planned to arrive at 20:05, but they may not get in until 20:07. They are next to leave at 20:09. So on paper the minimal record is there, but in reality, this isn't the case.

Just like on weekend shifts, some have 40 minute lunch break, were some even have 90-120 minute breaks. With 30-60 minutes given to transfer between interchanges/from layover to canteen.

Snorzac · May 28, 2009, 08:44:36 PM

Some weekend shifts have 45min layovers, or in the case of a Belconnen driver time to go get another bus as the Iris shat itself.

Buzz Killington · May 28, 2009, 08:56:34 PM

haha

smitho · May 28, 2009, 09:22:33 PM

Quote from: Buzz Killington on May 28, 2009, 07:18:52 PM
Saw a story on WIN News tonight - apparently the Union have taken issue to the amount of time drivers have between routes, with not enough time being allocated for the drivers to stretch their legs and use the bathroom etc.

I had a quick look for an online source, but no luck.

bathroom? what - use a bathroom between runs??...I presume you mean toilet don't you!

Irisbus Rider · May 29, 2009, 10:13:00 AM

Quote from: Mini Mat on May 28, 2009, 08:44:36 PM
Some weekend shifts have 45min layovers, or in the case of a Belconnen driver time to go get another bus as the Iris shat itself.

Lol! Yeah, I remember that

It is fairly disgraceful, I know that the layover on the 2 is 5 mins at Dickson, and if you're running late, and you wish to leave on time, you end up sitting in a seat for more than 3 hours. It is bordering on Pathetic, the drivers do deserve better, 8 mins of layover as a bare minimum.

Bus 400 · May 29, 2009, 01:07:10 PM

In todays Canberra Times, there is a small article on this, the TWU Rep, wants 10 minute breaks for every 2 hours of driving. The TWU has given ACTION till October to fix this problem.

We do all have to remember that in the next few months (if not now) a new driver agreement is being organized for implementation next year.

Buzz Killington · May 29, 2009, 05:06:22 PM

They mentioned the October deadline on WIN last night, and said they're willing to resort to striking.

Quote from: smitho on May 28, 2009, 09:22:33 PM
bathroom? what - use a bathroom between runs??...I presume you mean toilet don't you!

Yep.

Irisbus Rider · May 29, 2009, 07:20:40 PM

They damn well ought to resort to striking. It's injustice to be stuck in a seat for up to 5 hours, and it'd be unimaginable if the driver were sick, i.e., with the runs or something.

Also, a longer layover would ensure better on-time running.

Bus 400 · May 29, 2009, 07:25:13 PM

I do also remember that some Transperth Operators will let their drivers leave 3 minutes late, if they arrive 3 minutes late. But of course all that is checked to make sure that the driver isn't going slow on purpose to claim overtime.

Busnerd · May 29, 2009, 07:35:40 PM

Its not a matter of operaters letting them. Drivers can only drive certain hours, if they go over their driving hours they have to stop and can not continue their shift, it's not up for discussion and you cannot get in trouble for stopping if your gonna go over your hours.

As far as I see it, drivers are allowed to take their break. If your four minutes late and you have a five minute break then just leave 9 minutes late for the next trip, you are entitled to your break, the service can run late, you'll eventually catch up.

Bus 400 · May 30, 2009, 12:03:02 AM

I also think that breaks occur, should depend on the next run. As if a driver does a 60 to Woden & is then going out on a 76, then they are less likely going to need a break. While if a driver comes into Woden on a 3 & then going on a 66 to Tuggers, then they need a break. If a 312 follows that 66, then they should also get a break on completion of the 66.

Busnerd · May 30, 2009, 11:29:28 AM

It is not based on how busy the route is, it is based on hours etc. that they have to have a certain amount of break time between trips and a total for the shift.

Usually how action work it to my knowledge is between suburban runs, at least 4 minutes, intertowns you usually get 13 minutes before doing one back etc.