Wellington bus drivers threaten strike

Wellington bus drivers threaten strike

Wellington bus drivers have parked up their rides today to discuss possible strike action.

The Tramways Union is holding a stop work meeting from 9:30am till 2pm on Tuesday, opposing proposed changes which it says won't improve services, could lower wages and extend working hours.

Union spokesperson Chris Morley says the city currently has a fantastic system.

"That's all going to disappear, there's going to be a load transfer system where, for example, you could use up to four buses to get from Darlington Rd to the University, which I don't think Wellingtonians realise the implications of."

Bus routes currently operated by NZ Bus are being put out to tender by Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC), with documents likely to go to market in early July and take effect in early 2018.

Tramways Union secretary Kevin O'Sullivan says there are real concerns that changes will trash service quality, and new providers will cut costs by targeting drivers' wages and conditions, including introducing longer shifts for lower pay.

"There is a very real threat that after years of consultation Wellington will get a bus service that's less accessible, less reliable, less fair for drivers and less environmentally friendly."

Mr O'Sullivan says there will be industrial action if current wages and conditions aren’t protected by GWRC in new bids.

Newshub.