Auckland railway workers frustrated with stalled pay negotiations are set to vote on strike action today.
The Rail and Maritime Transportation Union (RMTU) said in a statement that they are currently in talks with French multinational public transport operator Transdev, contracted by Auckland Transport, which runs the city's passenger train service.
RMTU organiser Rudd Hughes said, "Transdev and Auckland Transport refuse to consider our point of view, it's like they have tunnel vision".
"We live in one of the most expensive cities in the world and work hard to provide an essential public service, so a fair pay increase isn't too much to ask."
Workers say they are surprised by the company’s "heavy-handed approach" towards their pay, despite "limiting claims to a modest 3 per cent for the first year, followed by a 1.5 per cent increase for the following six months".
Train drivers have also requested an hourly allowance to work "unsociable hours" due to what they said was an increased pressure to spend weekends away from their families.
"When skilled and dedicated employees propose a reasonable pay increase, Transdev are suddenly hesitant to spend public money," Mr Hughes said.
Last year, a pay agreement between RMTU and KiwiRail was successfully negotiated within hours, the union said, with some workers receiving pay rises over 6.9 per cent.
The union said it was disappointed Transdev have not yet come to the bargaining table with a similarly constructive attitude.
"Our members don’t want to strike, but the company has left them no other choice than to consider it," Mr Hughes said.
"Unfortunately, it seems Transdev care more about their profits than they do about the travelling public."
Auckland Transport has been approached for comment.
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