Media Release: Combined Bus Unions

Friday October 16, 2009

Combined Unions Propose Options to Settle Bus Dispute

95% of Auckland bus drivers have voted by secret ballot against the recommendation of an employment relations authority facilitator released today.

The facilitator’s recommendation involved a 70 cents an hour increase for the first 16 months.

“Unions said they could, subject to ratification, accept 70 cents but for a 12 month deal from July 2009. However if the company want a longer term deal, then the $1.80 previously discussed needs to be part of the package,” Combined Bus Unions’ spokesperson Karl Andersen said.

“The proposal from the facilitator to reduce $1.80 to $1.40 is totally unacceptable.”

Unions also noted the facilitator’s comments on the need for discussion between the unions and the company on payment for workers during the period of the lockout, Karl Andersen said.

“Drivers this week initiated a return to work to get buses back on the road. It has never been our intention to inconvenience passengers and we would like to thank the public for their support.”

Mediation is set down for 23rd October.

Ends.

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