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 (27 November 2024) from 9.45am to 11.45am, while Launceston-based drivers will stop work between 5pm and 7pm.
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.
"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.
"Metro Tasmania remains chronically under-funded, and that is why it cannot attract or retain the bus driver workforce it needs.
"Tasmanians are sick of political buck-passing, and they want to see the Government step up and take responsibility for services they are supposed to be delivering.
"The State Government must ensure that Metro Tasmania is properly resourced, and Metro staff have competitive wages and conditions."
Mr Cubit said the timing of the afternoon stoppage on Launceston had been chosen to ensure that it would have no impact to school services, however some students catchinggeneral access services may be affected. Families with children who interchange in Launceston and catch later buses are advised to plan ahead and make alternative arrangements if they can.
