The buses aren’t running..

… and it’s not because the drivers are “on strike”.
I’ve had to correct a few people on this point over the past few days. Seems the mainstream media in NZ aren’t doing their job.
Here’s a summary:
- The drivers start on $14.05 an hour, significantly less than drivers at other Auckland bus companies get.
- The drivers are seeking an increase of 6.8 percent this year, taking the starting wage from $14.05 to $15 an hour.
- Presently, the pay rate climbs to $15.30 after three months employment before peaking at $16.75 after nine months.
- In response to not being offered a fair deal,the workers have said that they will ‘work-to-rule’ Ie. Work to the letter of their contracts – no more free overtime or skipped health and safety procedures.
- The situation is therefore by definition a lockout not a strike.
- The driver’s contracts state they should have regular toilet and exercise breaks and not drive buses that aren’t running 100%. These are the aspects of their contracts they are being advised to follow (by their union representatives).
- The cited reason for Infratil / NZ Bus’ hard line on this is it’s promise to shareholders.. “Infratil’s goal is a 20% per annum [net] return to shareholders over the long term.”
- NZ Bus said that passenger numbers in Auckland were up 6.9 per cent in the year to July.
- Infratil’s operating revenue was up 28 per cent, and public transport use in Auckland was at a 25-year high.
- NZ Bus and companies like it receive government subsidies to operate travel services.
- Meanwhile it’s Aucklanders that deal with finding alternative travel, increased congestion on the roads and scarcer parking in Auckland’s CBD.
October 25th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Updates:
13th October:
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=164622
17th October:
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=164778