Metro Tasmania bus drivers will escalate their protected industrial action this week, with scheduled strikes on Wednesday and Thursday.
The walk-offs are in response to Metro Tasmania’s pushback against workers’ demands.
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Burnie-based bus drivers will stop work for two hours on November 20, from 10.15am to 12.15pm, and Launceston-based drivers will stop work for two hours on November 21, from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.
Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Tasmania Secretary Byron Cubit says the protected industrial action would allow bus drivers at both locations to discuss their stalled Enterprise Agreement negotiation.
“Northern bus drivers deserve fair pay and conditions, but the offer on the table from Metro Tasmania would see them work longer for a measly 2 per cent pay rise,” he says.
Cubit says Transport Minister Eric Abetz had publicly urged both tables to get back to the negotiating table, but Metro Tasmania management was instead putting a draft Enterprise Agreement out for a vote of workers.
“It appears the Minister and the CEO and not on the same page. The time has well and truly come for the Minister Abetz to step in, put some money on the table and get this deal done.
“The State Government must ensure that Metro Tasmania is properly resourced, and Metro staff have competitive wages and conditions.”
Further industrial action could be likely in Hobart on Friday unless an improved offer is put on the table.
This work stoppage comes after drivers stopped work in Launceston last month and two weeks ago as a “measured response” to Metro Tasmania’s pushback against workers’ demands.
“Bus drivers are frustrated with the offer from Metro that’s on the table, which is effectively an 18-month pay freeze before the next pay rise kicks in,” Cubit says.
“It is disappointing that drivers feel they need to escalate their action in order to get Metro management to take their Enterprise Agreement claims seriously.”
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