For immediate release: 29 January 2016

Possible job or wage cuts in store for poorly paid bus drivers

One of the unions representing Auckland bus drivers is “very concerned” to learn that NZ Bus and Howick and Eastern Buses have lost their contracts for units and runs in South Auckland.

Auckland Transport has selected Ritchies and Go Bus as the preferred tenders but both companies pay poorer wages to their drivers than NZ Bus and Howick and Eastern Buses.

“It’s ironic that this announcement has been made after several recent media stories on the plight of poorly paid drivers,” says FIRST Union General Secretary Robert Reid.

“Despite their skills and responsibility, Auckland bus drivers aren’t paid well enough. Now approximately 250 South Auckland drivers are facing redundancy or, if they’re taken on by one of the successful companies, significant cuts to wages and conditions.”

“FIRST Union made approaches to Auckland Transport at the beginning of the tender process and we were assured that tendering companies would be judged on quality and innovation, not cost alone.”

“The decision revealed today flies in the face of these assurances,” says Reid.

“We will be contacting the successful bus companies in an effort to negotiate wages and conditions for transferring drivers that similar to what they have now.”

“We will also contact Auckland Transport and Auckland Council to get their support to ensure that a wage cut for already low paid South Auckland bus drivers does not happen.”

“Together with the Tramways Union, the union representing the majority of the drivers affected, we will work with NZ Bus to ensure that these drivers are supported at this very difficult time,” says Reid.

ENDS

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