Bus drivers welcome end of lockout

Wellington Tramways Union

September 25, 2008
Media Release

Bus drivers welcome end of lockout but dispute continues

The Wellington Tramways Union welcomes GO Wellington's decision to lift the lockout of 300 bus drivers but says its campaign for a living wage will continue.

The lockout notice came into effect at 5.30am this morning and meant the workers, who have a starting rate of $12.72 an hour, were barred access to the workplace without pay.

Tramways Union secretary Kevin O'Sullivan says the lifting of the lockout is good news for workers but won't stop their campaign for better pay.

"Our members have shown they won't be bullied into backing away from their claims for a living wage for themselves and their families. These are low income workers who are not afraid to stand up for themselves and each other.

"This lockout was not about strike action causing uncertainty as GO Wellington has tried to claim in the media. We gave clear notice of our intentions right from the start and the company knew exactly what action we intended to take, and when.

"The lockout was always about trying to intimidate our members into backing down from their fair claims.

"We have had huge public support over the last few days and we thank Wellington commuters for that.

"However the lifting of the lockout notice is not the end of this dispute, and unless GO Wellington is willing to offer a fair deal to our members we can't rule out further disruptions."

Now that GO Wellington has lifted the lockout notice negotiations can resume.

ENDS