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Source: ONE News -
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Tens of thousands of commuters in New Zealand's biggest city
could face more disruption after the latest twist in a long-running
pay dispute.
In a surprise move, drivers for Auckland's largest bus operator, NZ
Bus, have rejected an offer of an 11.5% pay rise over three
years.
NZ Bus says the Auckland Combined Unions had agreed to recommend the offer to their members at their meeting on Wednesday, but this did not happen.
A week-long stoppage last month affected tens of thousands of Auckland commuters and it's not yet clear whether the latest development will see buses off the road again.
The union says it's too early to make any decision about strike action.
The 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 says since May it has been participating in negotiations with the four unions making up the combined unions who represent the majority of bus drivers and cleaners in Auckland to agree a new Combined Employment Agreement (CEA) for their members.
NZ Bus and the Auckland Combined Unions reached an agreement on a proposal for a CEA at mediation on Friday, October 30, the company says.
At Wednesday's meeting, the union members turned down the 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."
Fulljames says NZ Bus will consider its position over the next few days.
