It is unfortunate the media coverage has so far only told one side of the story about Wellington bus driver conditions. One of the new operators of the Wellington urban routes, Tranzurban has actually improved the wages of many of drivers when compared to previous arrangements.

Contrary to what the public have been lead to believe, only 30 per cent of Wellington’s drivers were ever covered by a previous Tramways Union collective agreement (CA). There were several CAs active in the Wellington region before new operators were introduced. Now, less than 9 per cent of current drivers were likely ever on the CA version this Union is using as a basis for comparison.

The majority of Wellington drivers have been offered and accepted an hourly pay rate up to $3 per hour more than the starting rate in the CA the Tramways Union keep referring to. This previous CA has a lower starting rate with a number of allowances, service payments and different rates for different shifts. The new conditions pay a higher flat rate without the complexity and payments based on length of service.

This flat rate is required as it:

manages the contract requirement for additional weekend and evening services – it is also common practice for drivers in other urban centres like Auckland, and most other service industries
recognises bus services need to be operated from early morning to late evening, 7 days a week
simplifies payroll administration and shift allocations

Of those drivers who moved from the incumbent operator to the new operator, many are in fact earning more or the same. The minority who earned more under the previous CA quoted by the Tramways Union, did so due to seniority. These drivers previously got first preference on day-off call backs as well as being allocated the best shifts based on their representation in rostering. If no longer needed by the incumbent operator, these members were entitled to substantial redundancies and are most likely still enjoying a well-earned holiday before deciding their future.

It is difficult to engage in meaningful dialogue with the multitude of organisations now claiming to represent driver interests when facts are being distorted and reported without balance. Tranzurban are working hard to assist in the implementation of the new bus network, and the constant, inaccurate stories circulating in both print and other media require rebuttal to ensure the public is properly informed.

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