Bus drivers plan industrial action

Auckland bus drivers today voted to take industrial action after the latest breakdown of talks with their employer NZ Bus to resolve a pay dispute.

About 1000 drivers and cleaners represented by four unions have been in ongoing talks with the Infratil-owned bus company, to break the impasse following failed mediation between the parties a couple of weeks ago.

Combined union spokesman Karl Andersen said notice of industrial action would be issued, but there was an intent on the workers' behalf to keep commuter disruption to a minimum.

"We are trying to get a fair pay deal for drivers, not inconvenience passengers," he said.

"It will be some form of work to rule but we haven't decided on the details yet."

Unions say drivers earn between $14.05 and $16.75 an hour, with split shifts often keeping them away from home for long hours, and a pay offer from NZ Bus is inadequate.

Mr Andersen said drivers had tried to reach a settlement, including accepting an agreement expiry date after the 2011 Rugby World Cup to give the company peace of mind during that period, but the company's latest offer was considered a "backward step".

- NZPA