Bus Patronage is Recovering – But Workers’ Voices Must Be Heard


As someone with over 20 years in the bus industry, and who worked throughout every lockdown, I have witnessed first-hand the resilience of both workers and passengers. Today, it is encouraging to see bus patronage in Nottingham returning to near pre-Covid levels. Services provided by Nottingham City Transport and Trent Barton remain second to none.

But while passenger numbers are recovering, more coordinated work is still needed between bus operators. Crucially, this must not exclude the trade unions. Not only Unite, but also the RMT — the dedicated transport union.

The Role of the RMT Bus Branch

Here in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, the RMT Bus Branch has built a reputation for punching above its weight. What sets us apart is not just our activity, but our dedication:

No facility time. In most of our workplaces, the RMT is not formally recognised. That means our activists receive no facility time to carry out union duties.

Activists working in their own time. Despite this, our branch officials and activists devote countless hours — outside of work — to organise, represent, and campaign.

Fighting for all bus workers. Our commitment extends beyond our own membership. We campaign for every bus worker, regardless of trade union affiliation or membership status.


Why This Matters

The future of the bus industry cannot be shaped without the voices of those who operate it. Our branch’s work — from initiating campaigns to attending grades, AGMs and national conferences — shows the value that RMT activists bring to the table. We are proof that a lack of official recognition does not mean a lack of representation.

Bus workers are the backbone of this industry. If buses are to thrive, their unions — including the RMT — must be included in every discussion about the future of services, working conditions, and public transport policy.

Final Word

The RMT Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Bus Branch will continue to do what we have always done: fight tirelessly, in our own time, for the betterment of bus workers and the industry as a whole. Our work cannot, and must not, be ignored.

✊🚍

— Lee Odams
RMT Trade Union Representative & Branch Secretary, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Bus Branch
Secretary, National Industrial Organising Conference of Bus Workers

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