Buses to halt as drivers strike for 24hr amid battles with employer over conditions

Bus drivers are set to walk off the job on Monday as they fight for boosts to their hourly rate, as well loading and penalties.

Adelaide commuters face widespread disruption on Monday when bus drivers walk off the job, demanding a 24 per cent pay increase.

The strike action against bus operator Torrens Transit will affect about 80 per cent of Adelaide’s bus network from 3am Monday to the same time the following day, forcing thousands of workers to seek alternative travel plans.

Drivers and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) want their average hourly rate to immediately jump from about $25 per hour to $32.

They are also demanding a 15 per cent loading for working outside of 7am to 7pm, plus improved penalty rates on weekends and safer working conditions.

Torrens Transit said it had offered drivers a 5.75 per cent pay rise in the first year of the proposed deal, with annual Wage Prince Index increases thereafter.

While the union insists bus drivers had no choice but to strike, the decision has drawn criticism.

Australian Hotels Association SA CEO Ian Horne said it was other workers who would feel the pain of the strike.

“It’s going to have an impact in both the city and suburban hospitality industry as our workers and patrons would predominantly use public transport,” he said.

“These disputes are designed to put pressure on the employer to seek an outcome, but the brunt of this decision is going to be felt by the wider workforce on this occasion.”

Opposition transports spokesman Vincent Tarzia said the union’s demands went too far.

“Everyone deserves fair work conditions, but most South Australian would think a 24 per cent pay rise demand is unrealistic,” he said.

Independent Lifestyle, Adelaide Metro Bus. Supplied: Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

“As a former union boss, Peter Malinauskas should be well versed in these kind of negotiations and we urge him to help both parties work together to find a speedy solution.”

Mr Malinauskas said the government had limited options because the dispute involved a private company and its employees. “It’s one of the consequences of privatisation of a public service,” he said.

He said the government would do what it could to ease the burden on commuters, but recognised the challenge.

“This affects such a substantial amount of the bus network, it’s almost impossible to replace or replicate.”

Torrens Transit said its offer and previous increases has delivered a 15.5 per cent wage boost between 2018 and 2023. It said the deal sought by bus drivers equated to about a 24 per cent pay rise in the first year of the new deal.

A Torrens Transit spokesman said a meeting with the union was planned for Tuesday, the day after the strike.

“We had hoped to negotiate in good faith and work collaboratively, however, this industrial action from the union does not demonstrate these principles and aims to inconvenience the public,” he said.

The union has argued bus drivers haven’t received a pay increase since 2021 and their demands would bring their members’ pay more in line with interstate colleagues and Adelaide tram drivers.

“Some of these drivers have not had a pay rise for three years... they’ve been abused, spat on, and kicked. It’s not good enough,” TWU SA/NT branch secretary Ian Smith said.

He also called for security on buses to keep workers safe.

“Bus drivers are leaving the industry in droves.

“We need a full driver-protected system in place.

“This fight is not just about our bus drivers, it’s also about building a better bus network for our community.”

Department of Transport CEO Jon Whelan said the government was in talks with both parties and “strongly encourage” them to work together to resolve the dispute quickly.

“We will run substitute buses as a sweeper service on selected routes (on Monday), as well as additional train and tram services,” he said.

“However commuters are encouraged to consider alternative transport options on Monday or to work from home if possible,” Mr Whelan said.

The Transport Department will be providing regular updates to commuters who will be affected.