Major Victorian bus driver strike to halt network

Bus services across Victoria are set to be majorly disrupted this coming Wednesday May 28, with over 800 bus drivers at two of the state’s biggest bus companies on strike.

Co-ordinated by the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU), the strike comes following stalled employee negotiations with Dyson Group and CDC Victoria.

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According to the TWU, both companies have refused decent improvements on rostering, safety and pay, with over 95 per cent of TWU members endorsing the strike when it went to a vote last week.

Together, the bus companies operate hundreds of bus routes and charter services and together, making up one third of all routes across the state.

The strike is expected to last a full 24 hours, beginning at from 3:00 am on Wednesday May 28 to 3:00 am Thursday May 29 2025.

The TWU says it is demanding a fair deal that recognises the critical role bus drivers play in keeping the community moving.

“The current offers from CDC and Dyson fall short. Our members have been patient, but that patience has run out,” TWU Victorian/Tasmanian director of organising Sam Lynch says.

“It’s time for CDC and Dyson to stop dragging their feet and start listening to workers’ calls for respect and a fair day’s pay.

“We’re standing together to lift the standard across Victoria’s bus network and improve wages, conditions and safety for every driver.”

Commuters have been warned of major disruptions in Melbourne’s north and west, as well as regional cities Ballarat, Mildura and Geelong.

“In 2022, more than 300 TWU bus drivers took protected strike action following Dyson’s failure to move on workers’ core demands, including safety and working conditions,” a TWU Facebook post reads.

“If management doesn’t come to the table with a better offer, TWU Members will take action again!”

In response, Dysons says the TWU’s decision to initiate industrial action is “disappointing” due to the impact it’ll have on public transport passengers in Melbourne’s northern corridor.

“Dysons’ proposal for a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EMA) in March will deliver significant wage and benefit outcomes for drivers – including a nine per cent year-one wage increase,” Dysons says in a statement.

“Industrial action, if carried out, will cause unnecessary inconvenience to public transport bus passengers. As a family-owned business with over 73 years of delivering quality public transport and charter bus services, we’re committed to maintaining a reliable, high-quality service for our passengers. That’s why we’ve been working constructively to finalise a new EBA as soon as possible.

“Dysons is working closely with the Department of Transport and Planning to minimise disruption to our passengers and valued customers, should this action proceed. Our intention is to operate to a modified timetable during the period of industrial action.”

The operators says it has been negotiating “in good faith” with the TWU since January 2025 to reach a new EBA that benefits employees and the company. It says the TWU has “consistently rejected” the alternative wages and conditions offer that Dysons has presented, with a vote on Friday May 9 revealing roughly 60 per cent of drivers didn’t support the proposed EBA.

“Since the proposed EBA was voted down, we have received no counter offer from the union,” Dysons says.

“Dysons remains committed to reach agreement on a new EBA within our current budget and mitigate any further industrial action. We urge the TWU to resume negotiations.”