Bus drivers are not being greedy - union

The union for Auckland bus drivers says they are not being greedy in their rejection of a 11.5 percent pay rise over three years

4 November 2009
A combined union representing around 900 Auckland bus drivers says they are not being greedy by turning down their latest pay offer.

An offer of an 11.5 percent pay increase over three years was rejected today. The proposal was a one percent increase on the previous pay offer from NZ Bus.

Auckland Combined Unions spokesman Karl Andersen says he cannot comment on what offer would be acceptable.

"For some people yes, you might say that 11.5 is a large pay increase. But when it's on the base of $14.05, or $16.75 at the higher level, then no I wouldn't say it was greedy."

Mr Andersen says nobody wants to prolong the dispute and they would like to get it settled as soon as possible. He says the bus drivers do not expect there to be any impact on bus services, unless the operator applies a lock out notice.

"We'd like to get back into talks with NZ Bus and resolve this dispute and get a settlement that our drivers will accept."

NZ Bus General manager of operations Zane Fulljames says the decision by union member "completely beggars belief". He says it is immensely disappointing.

Mr Fulljames says NZ Bus will take a few days to consider its position.

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