Commuters hoping to catch a bus in Hobart on Friday will face significant disruptions, as Metro bus drivers go on strike during peak-hours.
Drivers will stop work for two hours from 5am to 7am tomorrow and again in the evening between 5pm and 7pm.
Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Tasmania Secretary Byron Cubit said the escalation is the latest in their dispute with Metro management and the state government over wages and conditions.
It comes off the back of strikes in Burnie and Launceston on Wednesday.
“Transport Minister Eric Abetz and Treasurer Guy Barnett are completely missing in action,” Cubit said.
“Metro bus drivers deserve better and the people of Tasmania deserve better.”
“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.”
Metro have acknowledged that services will be affected, but say it is ‘difficult to determine’ the exact impact the strikes will have.
“Due to protected industrial action, service disruptions will occur across Metro’s Hobart Network throughout the day on Friday,” Metro shared on social media.
“We recommend that customers seek alternative travel arrangements where possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”
Transport Minister Eric Abetz said the government has recently invested $22.5 million to support Metro’s recruitment, retention, wages, safety measures and rostering improvements.
He urged all parties to negotiate in good faith.
