NSW: Bus drivers threaten strikes over 'spy cameras'

AAP General News (Australia)
12-28-2008
NSW: Bus drivers threaten strikes over 'spy cameras'

The New South Wales government says it has no plans to remove CCTV cameras from the
state's buses .. even though drivers are angry about the cameras being used to spy on
them.

A spokeswoman for transport minister DAVID CAMPBELL says many drivers really like them
.. as do passengers .. because it makes them feel safe.

And acting premier CARMEL TEBBUTT says the cameras aren't about keeping an eye on drivers
.. but about passenger and driver safety.

But the Rail .. Tram and Bus Union says management is using footage taken from the
six to nine cameras on each State Transit Bus to question the ability of drivers rather
than deal with safety issues.

The union's calling on the state government to remove the one camera on each bus that's
turned on the driver.

RTBU spokesman RAUL BAONZA says the government's using the cameras to discipline drivers
when they pull out of bus lanes or have to stop suddenly.

He says bus drivers are leaving the job as a result.

AAP RTV cjb/crh

KEYWORD: BUSES (SYDNEY)

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