Bus Boss Seems Safe, Despite Call For Sack

[TP 3000]

Bus boss seems safe, despite call for sack
BY DAVID STOCKMAN
12/08/2009 6:52:00
The union representing ACTION bus drivers says it is pleased with negotiations since more than 300 signed a petition calling on the head of the service to be sacked.
But the union says Chief Minister Jon Stanhope has been unresponsive to its demands to meet.
Union representatives met the Territory and Municipal Services chief executive yesterday to discuss issues including drivers' calls for ACTION head Tim Swift to be sacked.
It is understood Mr Swift is unlikely to face the sack, with Territory and Municipal Services representatives keeping a closer eye on issues within the service.
Union representative Ben Sweaney said negotiations had progressed well and he was confident employees would be consulted about structural changes. But he said it was disappointing Transport Minister Jon Stanhope had not responded to Monday's petition.
''While the department has reacted in a conciliatory fashion, he's yet to formally respond to any of the concerns made by ACTION drivers and the members are being frustrated by that,'' Mr Sweaney said.
The petition delivered to Mr Stanhope and Territory and Municipal Services head Gary Byles outlined issues to do with the lack of scheduling for toilet breaks for bus drivers and a lack of consultation on occupational health and safety issues.
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