NZ Bus Surprised and Disappointed with Strike Notice

[Auckland NZ; 15 February 2016] NZ Bus says it is surprised and disappointed by today’s decision by Tramways Union drivers to strike for 24 hours from 4.00am this Friday.

We seemed to be making some good progress in discussions with the Unions last week, so this is a bitterly frustrating outcome for Auckland commuters, and all parties concerned, says NZ Bus Chief Operating Officer Northern Shane McMahon.

“NZ Bus drivers enjoy the best terms and conditions in the industry, with drivers paid $20.40 an hour, plus overtime rates of time and a quarter and time and a half.”

“Reading some of the claims from the Union leadership in the media there seems to be a fair bit of game playing going on,” he said.

“Much has been made about the lack of toilet breaks on each duty, an issue which has not been tabled in bargaining. The fact is drivers get short breaks between trips, with time to go to the toilet.

“We are aware there is an issue with a shortage of toilet facilities in certain locations, and NZ Bus has been working with Auckland Transport to resolve this.“

He says while drivers are emphasising the long working hours, these are outside of the company’s control. Work time rules for the industry are set by the NZ Transport Agency, and are the same for all operators. Any concerns with the rules should be taken up at a central government level, he says.

McMahon says the real issue is an unrealistic wage demand. The Union is seeking an overall increase in wage costs in the order of 10%. This includes a 2.95% wage increase along with increases in the shift allowance, extra sick leave and changes in work conditions.

“NZ Bus is very committed to see real wage rates increase. We have listened carefully to what drivers are wanting, and we have offered 1.7%, taking wages to $20.75 an hour. We believe this is realistic and sustainable in a highly competitive operating environment. The reality is that several of our competitors are paying their drivers a few dollars less an hour, with no overtime,” he says.

“We are very sorry for the disruption this strike will cause to our Auckland customers, and other commuters. They can be assured it is our priority to resolve a satisfactory conclusion with the Unions, and to resume normal services as soon as possible.”

“In the meantime, we would ask the Union leadership to think hard about whether their demands are realistic in the current environment.”

ENDS

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