Unions turn down offer of 11.5 per cent

04 November 2009

Unions turn down offer of 11.5 per cent

Since May, NZ Bus has been participating in negotiations with the four unions making up the Auckland Combined Unions who represent the majority of bus drivers and cleaners in Auckland to agree a new Combined Employment Agreement (CEA) for their members.

The Auckland Combined Unions represent bus drivers and cleaners who work for Metrolink, GO WEST, Waka Pacific, North Star, LINK, and City Circuit bus services.

NZ Bus and the Auckland Combined Unions reached an agreement on a proposal for a CEA at mediation on Friday, 30 October. At a meeting held today, the members of the Auckland Combined Unions turned down this offer.

“This decision by union members completely beggars belief,” says Zane Fulljames, General Manager Operations. “It is immensely disappointing to our customers, our people and the business.”

“The unions agreed to take and recommend the offer to their members. This did not happen.”

The offer rejected today was 11.5 per cent over three years (4.2%, 4.0% and 3.3% respectively).

“We will now take some time to consider our position and to understand the facts over the next few days. We will be making no further comment at this time.”

ENDS

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