Metro Tasmania bus drivers will escalate their protected industrial action this week.
Metro Tasmania's Burnie-based bus drivers will stop work for two hours on Wednesday morning (20 November 2024) from 10.15am to 12.15pm, and Launceston-based drivers will stop work for two hours on Thursday afternoon (21 November 2024) from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.
Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) Tasmania Secretary Byron Cubit said the protected industrial action would allow bus drivers at both locations to discuss their stalled Enterprise Agreement negotiation.
"Northern bus drivers deserve fair pay and conditions, but the offer on the table from Metro Tasmania would see them work longer for a measly 2 per cent pay rise.
Mr Cubit said Transport Minister Eric Abetz had publicly urged both tables to get back to the negotiating table, but Metro Tasmania management was instead putting a draft Enterprise Agreement out for a vote of workers.
"It appears the Minister and the CEO and not on the same page. The time has well and truly come for the Minister Abetz to step in, put some money on the table and get this deal done.
"The State Government must ensure that Metro Tasmania is properly resourced, and Metro staff have competitive wages and conditions."
Mr Cubit said bus drivers were also likely to take further industrial action in Hobart on Friday unless an improved offer was put on the table.
