Delays possible as bus drivers take breaks

Auckland bus passengers can expect possible delays from today as Stagecoach drivers take a 10-minute break at the end of each trip in pursuit of higher pay.

Unions representing 1000 drivers served notices last week of more industrial action in their long pay dispute, which threatens to build to a six-day strike from Thursday, May 5.

The bus company and the unions will attend a formal hearing on Thursday before an Employment Relations Authority "facilitator".

Combined unions advocate Gary Froggatt says if the deadlock is not broken the drivers will proceed with the six-day strike.