Stagecoach talks stall

Auckland commuters face two more days of gridlock after crisis talks failed to end the six-day strike by Stagecoach bus drivers.

Despite being locked in talks for most of yesterday, union negotiators and Stagecoach management failed to reach an agreement over the long-running pay dispute.
The four unions involved were ordered by the Employment Relations Authority on Friday to attend talks with the company and a Labour Department mediator, in a bid to end the strike.

Combined unions advocate Gary Froggatt said although the mediation was productive, he was disappointed they were unable to reach an agreement with Stagecoach management and, as a result, the strike by 1000 stagecoach drivers would continue.

He said the next move was up to the company, which had lodged an application with the Employment Relations Authority for a binding pay determination. However, the authority can intervene only if Stagecoach proves that bus unions have committed a serious breach of good faith. Mr Froggatt said they would vigorously defend that charge.

Union delegates meet with bus drivers this afternoon to discuss the next course of action.

Stagecoach representative Andrew Caisley said despite being unable to reach an agreement, the company was still open to continuing talks with the union. They hoped the drivers would lift the strike and continue with mediation and negotiation. They would wait to hear from the union after today's meeting.

However, the company has a hearing scheduled for Tuesday to determine if the Employment Relations Authority has the jurisdiction to fix the terms and conditions of employment for the bus drivers, Mr Caisley said.

The failure to reach an agreement was a blow to a group of bus drivers picketing yesterday.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY