Pavlovich bus drivers to strike in Auckland tomorrow

Pavlovich drivers are again taking strike action as disputes over bus driver pay and work conditions continue to heat up with a handful of companies.

Around 60 drivers will strike tomorrow morning (Wednesday, 16th May), and will instead be picketing their workplace at Pavlovich Coachlines, 58B Carr Rd Mount Roskill. Media are invited to attend.

The member’s Bus Fair campaign calls for the Living Wage, a minimisation of split shifts, a reinstatement of regular breaks and an alternative tendering model to the Public Transport Operating Model (PTOM).

FIRST Union Organiser Graham McKean says Auckland bus drivers want an alternative to the PTOM, and the issues that it has caused to be settled. For Pavlovich this means a focus on lifting the pay bar. He says there’s a reason the company has many of Auckland Transport’s contracts – the company is one of the lowest payers in the industry.
“There’s a reason they have a lot of work, they pay bottom dollar. They’re dragging the whole industry down. Many of these employees have been driving for decades and they have the responsibility of the wellbeing of hundreds of people a day on their shoulders. Pay them what they’re worth.”

Further strikes are expected to follow today’s picket.

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