Bus drivers to consider ERA request

Auckland bus drivers will meet next week to consider an employer request for the Employment Relations Authority to help with resolving a pay dispute.

Mediation this week failed to break the deadlock between Infratil-owned New Zealand Bus and four unions representing about 1000 drivers and cleaners.

The combined bus unions today said drivers would meet on Thursday to consider a request by NZ Bus to go to formal bargaining.

Spokesman Karl Andersen said the unions remained available to attend mediation to reach an agreement, but would also try to explain the issues at stake to the public.

"Auckland bus drivers are hard working and skilled but only earn between $14.05 and $16.75 an hour," he said.

"Many work split-shifts, meaning they are away from home for up to 15 hours, but are only paid for eight or nine hours."

Mr Andersen said the unions wanted a resolution that valued the essential work the drivers did.

NZ Bus has said it has offered a 10.4 per cent pay rise over three years, equating to a 60c an hour increase year on year.

It says the drivers this week increased their claim from 70 cents an hour to $1 an hour.

The combined bus union represents members of the Akarana Public Drivers' Association, the Auckland Tramways Union, the National Distribution Union and the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union.

- NZPA