Advertisement

Bus drivers could strike over Christmas

Commuters using public transport over the holiday period could face widespread disruption, with more than 1000 Adelaide bus drivers weighing up whether to strike over pay and conditions.

Dec 01, 2022, updated Dec 03, 2022
Adelaide Metro buses in the CBD. Photo: InDaily

Adelaide Metro buses in the CBD. Photo: InDaily

The Transport Workers Union has applied and attained a Protected Action Ballot Order for the right to take industrial action against their employer, Torrens Transit, which services 80% of Adelaide’s bus network.

If the ballot is successful, the union said more than 1000 bus drivers “could take industrial action over the Christmas period and into the New Year, including strikes and overtime bans”.

The ballot of members, to close on December 20, will include 24-hour work stoppages as part of the protected action available to workers.

In a statement, the union said negotiations with Torrens Transit broke down over a proposed agreement that would “see the industry go backwards.”

TWU SA/NT Branch Secretary Ian Smith said the union hopes not to have to use strike action.

“Strike action is a last resort and not a decision the workforce takes lightly, but our hardworking bus drivers have been given no choice. Torrens Transit have put a completely unacceptable and inadequate offer on the table, which will do nothing to turn our industry around and will only see our drivers go backwards,” Smith said.

“Driving a bus used to be a good and sought-after job, but that’s not the case anymore. Bus drivers are leaving the industry in droves.

“Safety, pay and conditions are in tatters, and instead of seizing this opportunity to deliver an agreement that attracts and retains drivers, Torrens are hanging their drivers out to dry.”

In 2018 Torrens Transit acquired Light City Buses and became the sole company operating buses across central Adelaide. Torrens Transit is part of the Kelsian Group, which also runs SeaLink ferries.

A Torrens Transit spokesperson said the group was in active discussions with employees.

“We are listening to our employees and committed to resolving feedback with them so that we can continue to deliver reliable services to the community,” the spokesperson said.

“Recruitment shortages are currently a national issue and widespread across many industries.

“We are progressing negotiations with the TWU and the bargaining representatives and look forward to reaching a positive outcome for all.”

Transport Minister Tom Koutstantonis said he is concerned for commuters if strike action were to take place.

“I am disappointed to see this pay negotiation reach the point where strike action is mooted,” Koutstantonis said.

“Industrial action of this nature should always be a last resort, as it can cause widespread inconvenience – particularly at this time of year.

“I expect both parties involved in this discussion to work cooperatively to ensure any such action can be avoided.”

 

Local News Matters
Advertisement
Copyright © 2024 InDaily.
All rights reserved.