Launceston commuters could be hit by service disruptions today as dozens of bus drivers take strike action over lunchtime.
Launceston bus drivers have planned to stop work for one hour between 1.03pm and 2.03pm, bringing lunch time services to a halt.
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Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Tasmania secretary Byron Cubit says the stop work was 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.
“Northern bus drivers will use this work stoppage as an opportunity to get together for a short meeting on the enterprise bargaining negotiations, and to discuss their next steps.
“Services in the south and north west will not be affected by the work stoppage, but will be affected by a range of other statewide protected industrial actions.”
Commuters should expect delays and disruptions to services as the industrial actions will affect the availability of both staff and buses.
Cubit says the state government had taken its eye off the ball with the negotiations, and was potentially sleepwalking into another transport-related crisis.
“While Jeremy Rockliff is preoccupied with no-confidence motions and Cabinet reshuffles, a looming crisis on Tasmania’s bus network is being ignored,” he says.
“Drivers do not want this dispute to drag on into the busy Christmas holiday and tourist season.
“The State Government must ensure that Metro Tasmania is properly resourced, and Metro staff have competitive wages and conditions.”