2/4/19

Bus drivers will no longer be treated differently to any other workers

FIRST Union welcomes the changes to bus driver breaks as part of the implementation of the Employment Relations Amendment Act of which more changes come into effect next month.

The changes include requirements for workers to have a paid 10 minute break after two hours and an unpaid half-hour break after four hours.

Bus operators have claimed dire warnings ahead and pressure on an already limited bus transport system but operators in the transport sector have known about the changes since December.

FIRST Union Transport Organiser Emir Hodzic says not a single operator had contacted the Union to consult with workers on the changes until just one today, following media stories.

“Only just this morning I’ve heard from NZ Bus and only NZ Bus following media on the issue. We know from an internal survey that our members have not been consulted on what a new rostering system, that implements these breaks, would look like despite them knowing about it for months. On the face of it, one could be forgiven for thinking that the companies are intentionally trying to create a crisis by leaving it to the last minute in the hope they will get legislation to override this.”

Mr Hodzic says the changes will mean that, finally, bus drivers won’t be treated any different to anyone else working in New Zealand.

“This shock reaction from some, that bus drivers might actually gain safer working conditions that are the same as any other person working in New Zealand shows how much of a hard time they’ve had over the last decade in particular. It’s like they’re treated as not as valuable as the next person because they’re bus drivers. To bring this into perspective; bus drivers drive what is effectively massive machinery, with lives on board, for hours on end and this is the only industry that has forced workers to do so with such few hours. It’s not ethical and it’s not safe.”

Mr Hodzic says bus operators should have already started planning rostering systems that include the required breaks.

“To the employers who say it will put more pressure on a system that’s apparently already short drivers; there is a wage crisis in effect. Lift wages and conditions, such as giving drivers the same breaks everyone else is entitled to, and you’ll attract more drivers, it’s as simple as that. Why should they be treated as second class citizens? These breaks will allow for a safer, more ethical, public transport model for everyone.”

He adds that claims drivers will have to take breaks with passengers on board would not be correct under a proper, more sophisticated rostering system that takes into account driver and passenger safety as well as profits.

ENDS

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