Media Release: Combined Bus Unions

Tuesday September 29, 2009

Bus drivers’ want low wages addressed

Unions representing Auckland bus drivers say that assertions today by NZ Bus that workers’ wage claims were increasing are unfounded.

“The workers’ claim has not increased,” said Combined Bus Unions spokesperson Karl Andersen.  “Claims have been moderated to a point where we cannot go any lower.”

“The recession has not touched the bus industry.  Patronage is up, revenue is up, and diesel prices are down 34.4% over the past year.  NZ Bus also receives an $88 million subsidy.”

“NZ Bus are painting this as 10.5% over three years, but the important issue is the base from where the 10.5% starts.”

“A percentage increase on low wages still equals low wages, when the increase in actual dollars on a $14.05 starting rate equals only $23.60 per week.”

“Auckland bus drivers want a real commitment from NZ Bus to lift wages off the very low levels they are on.”

Karl Anderson said that the workers’ future industrial action activity will not cause major disruption to the public.

He said that the facilitated bargaining was the Employment Relations Authority’s decision and was not the union’s choice, but any instructions on facilitated bargaining from the Authority would be complied with.

Ends.

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