Bus services across Tasmania will be disrupted again this week as drivers take part in protected industrial action over wages and conditions.
Metro Tasmania bus drivers in Burnie will stop work for two hours on Wednesday from 9:45am to 11:45am, while those based in Launceston will do the same between 5pm and 7pm.
Disruptive peak-hour walkouts are then planned for Hobart on Friday between 5am to 7am and 5pm and 7pm.
The Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) says that while several issues in the proposed Enterprise Agreement have been resolved, a number of key issues remain outstanding.
Union Secretary Byron Cubit says that state government intervention is now needed to get an acceptable deal across the line.
“This dispute has been dragging on for months and now we are fast running into the busy Christmas period, just as industrial action is escalating,” he said.
“Metro Tasmania lost $3.4 million in the most recent financial year. There is a clear need for extra funding to enable Metro to provide competitive wages and conditions for its drivers.”
Cubit says bus drivers deserve fair pay and conditions.
He says the current offer on the table from Metro Tasmania would mean drivers work longer for a 2% pay rise.
“The time has well and truly come for the [Transport] Minister [Eric] Abetz to step in, put some money on the table and get this deal done,” he says.
“Metro Tasmania remains chronically under-funded and that is why it cannot attract or retain the bus driver workforce it needs.”
Metro says school services have been prioritised during strikes in the state’s north.
“We recommend that customers seek alternative travel arrangements or travel outside these hours if possible,” Metro said.
