Bus drivers call off strikes

Another day of disruption for tens of thousands of Auckland bus passengers has been avoided after a wave of rolling strikes was called off to allow a return to pay talks for three days this week.

However, unions representing almost 1000 drivers have set the Stagecoach bus company a deadline of late next week to reach an agreement, or face more industrial action.

Last Monday's one-day strike was to have been followed by four days of rolling depot-by-depot stoppages from today. The threat was lifted after the warring sides agreed on Friday to seek Employment Relations Authority mediation.

The four driver unions have also agreed to give at least three days' notice of any new strike threat.