Unions are claiming that Auckland Transport bus provider NZ Bus refuses to consult over proposed rosters which could lead to driver fatigue and increased risk for passengers.
The First Union and the Tramways Union have filed an urgent claim in the Employment Relations Authority says First Union organiser Rudd Hughes.
“NZ Bus has consistently ignored feedback from its drivers. Now drivers are organising a protest outside Auckland Transport office on Wednesday July 8 to draw attention to the issue,” says Hughes.
“Auckland Transport is introducing new schedules on the 19th of July. NZ Bus claims that new rosters are needed to meet the new schedules, but the rosters NZ Bus are proposing will lead to driver fatigue and increased risks for passengers,” he says.
“First Union and the Tramways Union have provided alternative rosters, but NZ Bus is failing to meaningfully engage with our proposals. Drivers need rosters which will keep passengers safe and provide a decent work life balance,” he says.
“After mediation failed to persuade NZ Bus to listen to its workers and revise its rosters the unions were left with no choice but to file with the Employment Relations Authority.”
“The unions are not ruling out further action,” says Hughes.
