‘More disruptive’ bus strikes planned as pay negotiations collapse

Plans for “more disruptive” bus strikes in Brisbane have been revealed after pay negotiations for drivers fell through.

Services would be stopped on Wednesday, February 26, between 4pm and 6pm – the busiest commuter day of the week. School routes would not be affected.

The industrial action comes after the Rail, Tram and Bus Union turned down a Brisbane City Council offer to increase wages 7 per cent over two years.

“More disruptive” bus strikes are planned next Wednesday in Brisbane. Credit: William Davis

Union representative Tom Brown told Brisbane Times backpay remained the primary concern for his members, with some owed about $900.

“Yesterday’s negotiations can only be described as Groundhog Day. Same old council, same old BS,” he said.

“I’m quite happy to withdraw [the upcoming strike] if there is a significant breakthrough in negotiations today.”

The union says its strikes on Wednesday were a ‘warning shot.’Credit: RTBU

About 90 trips were missed during a strike on Wednesday morning, with more than 200 disrupted or delayed.

“[The earlier strike] was just a warning shot to show the council that we can do this, we can cause more disruption and we will.

“They haven’t heeded the warning. Unless there’s a breakthrough [on Friday], it will go ahead and it will be more disruptive.

“The bus drivers know that we’re fair dinkum and that we will fight for their rights.”

The council accused the union of acting in “bad faith”, and told residents to make alternative travel arrangements for next Wednesday.

“It’s incredibly disappointing [they] notified us of their next planned peak-hour strike just 30 minutes before we returned to the negotiating table with them,” council transport chair Ryan Murphy said.

“Brisbane residents have grown weary of the disruption caused by militant unionism in this state and our council won’t be bullied by these tactics.

“These strikes don’t hurt us. They hurt every Brisbane resident who relies on these important services.

“The RTBU is either tone-deaf or intentionally trying to make commuters pay.”

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.