Auckland Bus Strike Action Unavoidable

Press Release – Thursday 11 October, 2012

Strike Action Unavoidable

NZ Bus has met yesterday with Tramways and First Union regarding the existing pay offer for bus drivers.

NZ Bus confirmed that the offer on the table is their final offer. This offer was made two weeks ago to avoid the threat of industrial action. The unions agreed to recommend the offer for the second time and half the unions’ members accepted, but a vote of 60% is required for ratification.

It appears that some drivers will simply not accept that a fair or final deal has been struck until they have gone on strike. This is frustrating for all concerned, not least the Auckland public who have come to expect industrial action every two or three years as par for the course.

Even involvement by the Council of Trade Unions who support NZ Bus’ offer has failed to convince the drivers that they should take the deal. “The union members elected 10 delegates to represent them through 6 months of negotiation. We gave them everything they asked for and they have been unable to convince their members – twice”, said Shane McMahon, NZ Bus’ Chief Operating Officer who describes the current situation as “incredibly frustrating”.

NZ Bus drivers will walk off the job next Monday between 9.30am and 2.30pm to vote on further strike action.

All Metrolink, North Star, GO WEST, Waka Pacific, and LINK buses will not operate between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

Dedicated school buses will not be affected and full services will resume from 2.30pm.

All other public transport services will operate as normal.

NZ Bus apologies to customers, but we have done all we are able to do to avoid strike action.

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