Waikato bus passengers will ride for free from Monday as about 120 drivers refuse to accept fares in an ongoing dispute with bus operator Go Bus over wages.
Passengers will get free rides on services provided by Go Bus in Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Otorohanga and Katikati as drivers protest what First Union calls their abysmal wages.
The union says bus drivers are taking this partial strike action to drive home the message to their employer and to the district council, which engages Go Bus, that drivers can’t continue on such incredibly low wages.
Bargaining began in March 2017 and still no resolution has been reached.
First Union and Go Bus are now engaged in Facilitated Bargaining through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. However, the union's divisional secretary, Jared Abbott, says drivers are within their rights to fight for a living wage.
“Drivers are determined to achieve a living wage. We welcome the opportunity for an authority member to assist with the bargaining, but if the outcome of those talks is that drivers are recommended to accept less than they can live off, we will continue to fight for what is fair," Mr Abbott said.
The action follows a series of strikes by drivers that have been disrupting services - most recently last month.
The union says the change in tact is to ensure the public doesn’t bear the brunt of the company’s refusal to meet the drivers’ demands.
“By refusing to accept payment passengers are actually better off rather than having to make other arrangements," Mr Abbott said.
"Bus drivers love their jobs and they love serving the public but the pay has become so low that they are struggling to survive. This action sends a message to both the company and the council that enough is enough," he said.
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