Mediator tries to end bus pay dispute

A Department of Labour mediator is today continuing to try to resolve the lengthy pay dispute of Auckland bus drivers and cleaners.

Infratil-owned bus company NZ Bus and negotiators for the four unions representing about 900 bus drivers and cleaners spent much of yesterday with the mediator to try to find an agreement on the six-month long contract dispute.

The mediation resumed after the four unions patched up differences between them following the rejection of a deal recommended by negotiators.

The National Distribution Union members threatened to accept the deal after the deal was rejected by 55 per cent of drivers, most of whom were from the majority Tramways Union. A 60 per cent approval was needed.

Most were prepared to accept NZ Bus' proposal of a pay increase from $16.75 to $18.75 an hour over three years, but many drivers were not prepared to accept new clauses covering sickness and complaints.

Union negotiator Karl Andersen, from the NDU, said the mediation was continuing today.

"We made some progress yesterday and the mediation is continuing today," he said.

He said he could not discuss the details while mediation continued, but said "the number of issues between us is small".

"Our ambition is to get a deal that's suitable to all parties."

The employees concerned work for the Metrolink, Go West, Waka Pacific, North Star, Link and City Circuit bus services.

The impasse between drivers and NZ Bus led to widespread disruption to services for several days last month when NZ Bus locked out the drivers after they said they would work strictly to the rulebook.

- NZPA