Wellington bus strike on Wednesday

Wellington commuters will need to get to work early tomorrow morning as bus drivers from three companies walk off the job over stalled pay talks.

The drivers and other unionised staff employed by GO Wellington, Valley Flyer (NZ Bus) and Mana Coach Services will strike from 9am until 2pm.

The Tramways and Manufacturing and Construction Workers' Unions were working on getting a regional collective employment contract to cover all three employers but negotiations had "dragged on", they said.

Tomorrow's strike had been triggered by the companies' unwillingness to release union delegates to attend talks, said Tramways Union president Nick Kelly.

"In the past it's never been a problem."

Zane Fulljames, NZ Bus general manager, operations, said it was agreed talks would start in the first week of May but the unions gave notice on Monday that they were dissatisfied with progress and would strike tomorrow.

"At the time strike notice was received, the parties had yet to formally exchange claims. The strike notice did not provide any options for remedy," he said.

School bus services are not expected to be affected by the action.

- NZPA