Proposed bus rosters put passengers at risk – union

Proposed bus rosters put passengers at risk – union

The unions representing bus drivers have filed an urgent claim in the Employment Relations Authority as NZ Bus, a bus provider for Auckland Transport, refuses to meaningfully consult over proposed rosters which could lead to driver fatigue and increased risk for passengers says FIRST Union organiser Rudd 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.”

“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,” says Hughes.

“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.”

“NZ Bus has consistently ignored feedback from its drivers. Now drivers are organising a protest outside Auckland Transport office on Wednesday to draw attention to the issue,” says Hughes.

“The unions are not ruling out further action.”

ENDS

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