Commuters in Launceston were left stranded this afternoon after bus drivers walked off the job, demanding better pay and improved working conditions.
Metro Tasmania employees, backed by the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), downed tools from 1pm to 2pm, bringing lunchtime services to a halt.
The ‘frustrated’ union is accusing Metro of failing to address drivers’ concerns and called their latest pay offer effectively an 18-month pay freeze.
“Members don’t take this decision lightly. However, they are resolute that Metro’s current offer doesn’t cut the mustard,” the RTBU said.
The industrial action caused significant disruptions to bus services across the city, with waiting commuters left unaware that buses were not running on schedule.
Metro acknowledged the disruptions and apologised for any inconvenience caused.
“Due to protected industrial action, service disruptions will occur across Metro’s Launceston Network today,” the company said on Facebook.
Alongside the strike, drivers will implement other industrial actions, including bans on using mobile phones while on shift, driving buses with defects and operating buses without a fully functional CCTV system.
