Bus drivers finally agree to new pay deal

Photo / Paul Estcourt

The long-running dispute between New Zealand Bus and its Auckland drivers and cleaners was resolved today with acceptance of the latest pay offer, the company said.

Auckland Combined Unions negotiators, representing about 900 employees, reached agreement with NZ Bus last week over a new collective employment contract.

The deal, which includes an 11.5 per cent pay increase over the next three years, was put to union members today at ratification meetings and they voted in favour.

NZ Bus operations general manager Zane Fulljames said the result of the poll meant stability and certainty for bus passengers until 2012.

He said the two parties needed to come to the table for negotiation to be effective.

`The unions agreed to recommend the proposed collective employment agreement to their members," he said.

"We are pleased to announce that our offer has been accepted."

Mr Fulljames said he was confident the deal met the needs of customers, employees and the company.

NZ Bus and the combined unions, which comprise separate unions, had been in negotiations since May.

The drivers and cleaners the unions represent work for the Metrolink, Go West, Waka Pacific, North Star, Link and City Circuit bus services.

An impasse in the talks led to widespread disruption to those services for several days last month.

Three weeks ago union members turned down an earlier offer agreed to between the company and union negotiators. The reason given was concern over two of the clauses relating to conditions.

- NZPA