Kinetic bus drivers across Tasmania have backed a new workplace agreement, ending a bargaining dispute that led to the state’s first two private-sector bus strikes.
The deal will bring all the company’s Tasmanian drivers onto a single enterprise agreement with equal base pay rates for the first time.
Drivers had previously been paid differently depending on when and where they joined the business.
Some were covered by an older enterprise agreement, while others remained on the industry award after Kinetic expanded by buying local operators.
The new agreement will bring all drivers onto the same pay rate over the next three years.
Kinetic says every driver will receive a pay rise of at least 9%, while those moving up from award rates will receive at least 12.65%.
The company will also match the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage increase whenever it is higher.
Drivers have also secured more say over rostering, a new allowance for experienced staff who mentor others and formal recognition of a women’s advocate support role.
The agreement guarantees any future government funding for wages or conditions will be passed on to drivers in full.
However, Kinetic drivers will still not be paid the same as those working for public operator Metro Tasmania.
Transport Workers’ Union organiser Sam Lynch described the agreement as a positive result.
“This is a landmark win for Kinetic drivers and a powerful demonstration of what workers can achieve when they stand together,” he said.
“Drivers shouldn’t have to choose between getting Tasmanians where they need to go and putting food on the table.”
Kinetic Tasmania general manager Andrew Grzinic said the agreement brought bargaining to a “successful close”.
“This is a strong outcome for our people,” he said.
“We want to thank our drivers for their professionalism and patience throughout bargaining and we acknowledge the TWU’s engagement in reaching this outcome.”
“Most of all, we thank the Tasmanian community for their understanding during this period.”
