Brisbane bus driver wears MAGA hat as tensions rise in union battle
A Brisbane bus driver has been spotted wearing a red MAGA hat while on the job, with some saying he needs to be reported. Would you get on board?
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A Brisbane bus driver has been spotted wearing a red MAGA hat, while 200 union members have chosen to forgo their uniforms as part of ongoing industrial action.
A photo of a Brisbane bus driver wearing a red “Make America Great Again” cap has been shared to social media with commenters questioning the “politically associated clothing” while on the job.
“While they are driving, they are representing BCC. They would have a dress code that would ban them from wearing politically associated clothing. Definitely report him,” one commenter said.
It came as council union members on January 30 undertook 30 days of protected industrial action and put a “ban” on wearing bus driver uniforms, or have been wearing non-uniform accessories.
Brisbane City Council’s Code of Conduct (The Code) provides guidance to employees about what is expected of them and what they can expect in return.
Under the code’s section 4 (procedure requirements), council workers are to “accept and value their duty to provide advice which is objective, independent, apolitical and impartial.”
Brisbane City Civic cabinet chair for Transport Ryan Murphy said some unionised bus drivers were not wearing uniforms to work as part of protected industrial action.
“Negotiations are underway to deliver a fair 6.5 per cent wage increase over the next two years to keep Brisbane moving while keeping costs down for Brisbane residents,” Cr Murphy said.
“Brisbane City Council is one of the largest bus operators in the country and drivers’ pay has increased by more than 30 per cent since 2012, making our drivers the best paid in the country.”
Rail, Tram and Bus Union assistant state secretary Tom Brown said the uniform ban is one of a range of actions drivers have voted to take in order to force Brisbane City Council to make a better pay offer.
“And agree to backdate this to October last year when this pay rise was due. Current offer is 3.5 per cent. Combined council unions are asking for 4 per cent,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Brown said the industrial action also includes not doing extra work or working past breaks or finish times.
“However this could end if an offer is made on Friday when we meet in the commission.
“2000 union members are engaged in the action, they may wear part of the uniform if they wish,” Mr Brown said.
Mr Brown said no complaints have been received from Brisbane City Council in relation to the MAGA hats, and declined to comment if the man wearing the political hat was a union member.
Originally published as Brisbane bus driver wears MAGA hat as tensions rise in union battle
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