Bus drivers to meet again on Thursday 24 September

Media Release: Combined Bus Unions Friday September 18 2009

Bus drivers to meet again on Thursday 24 September

Auckland bus drivers will meet again on Thursday 24 September to consider an employer request to attend formal facilitation of bargaining, after no agreement was reached at mediation yesterday.

Combined Union spokesperson Karl Andersen said that the unions remain available to attend mediation to reach an agreement, but would be reaching out to the public in the meantime to explain the issues at stake.

"Bus drivers want to explain to Auckland citizens that effective public transport depends on a stable, well trained and adequately paid workforce.”

"Auckland bus drivers are hard working and skilled but only earn between $14.05 and $16.75 an hour, and many work split-shifts, meaning they are away from home for up to 15 hours, but only paid for eight or nine hours.”

“We are committed to reaching a resolution which values the essential work that Auckland bus drivers do,” Karl Andersen said.

The 1,000 bus drivers employed by Infratil-owned NZ Bus are members of the Akarana Public Drivers’ Association, the Auckland Tramways Union, the National Distribution Union and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union.

ENDS

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