Relief for Gold Coast bus users after breakthrough talks on eve of strike action

Gold Coast bus drivers have called off planned strike action after last ditch talks – but news is not so good for bus users in the Tweed. FULL DETAILS

GOLD COAST bus services are expected to run largely as normal on Friday after planned strike action was called off after last-ditch talks.

However the strike is still going ahead south of the border at Tweed Heads.

James Saltmer, General Manager – South East Queensland for operator Kinetic, on Thursday evening told the Bulletin that only minimal disruption was now expected on Gold Coast services after a “productive” meeting with Transport Workers Union (TWU) representatives.

“Following a productive bargaining meeting, by mutual agreement the TWU has advised it will withdraw planned protected action on Friday 17 February,” Mr Saltmer said.

“Some disruption to Gold Coast services may occur however this will be minimised.

“Disruptions to Tweed services are still anticipated with protected action by an independent bargaining representative proceeding.

“Kinetic thanks all bargaining representatives for progressing a new agreement for local bus drivers and cleaner/refuellers, with negotiations continuing.”

PREVIOUS REPORT - FEBRUARY 15

GOLD COAST bus drivers will again strike on Friday after rejecting a pay deal offered by operator Kinetic.

The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) said 77 per cent of drivers had voted against an enterprise agreement proposed by the company.

The strike will be the second in three weeks, with a stoppage on Tuesday January 17 having caused widespread disruption.

TWU QLD Director of Organising Jared Abbott said drivers were standing firm in their demand for a better deal.

“Surfside Drivers have not had a pay rise in two years and Kinetic is not coming to the table to offer workers a fair deal,” Mr Abbott said.

“It’s no surprise that there is industrial action when bus driver wages have failed to keep up with the cost of living and other like-for-like industries.

“The industry is facing massive driver shortages causing delayed and cancelled bus services. We need to invest in drivers’ wages now.”

Bus drivers and cleaners have called another one-day strike as a pay dispute drags on. Picture: Glenn Hampson.

Kinetic told the Bulletin it had put forward an 8.2 per cent pay increase, with another increase of at least four per cent to be applied in October. The company said the two increases would raise the base rate for full-time drivers to $31.21 per hour.

Kinetic’s General Manager for South East Queensland James Saltmer said it regretted that customers would once again be impacted by strike action and was seeking new talks with the TWU “as soon as possible”.

“Following a 24-hour work stoppage on Tuesday 31 January, Kinetic has taken steps to secure a new Enterprise Agreement with its drivers and cleaners, commencing an access period and voting process last week,” Mr Saltmer said.

“Kinetic put forward a 12.2% pay increase across two years with an immediate 8.2% increase backdated to October 2022.

“This offer was rejected by our team and Kinetic has received notification of further protected industrial action being taken by the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) and an Independent Bargaining Representative (IBR) in the form of a 24-hour stop work will occur from 12.05am Friday 17 February to 12.05am Saturday 18 February. This period of stop work will result in significant disruption to Gold Coast and Tweed bus services.

“In the interests of avoiding substantial impacts to students Kinetic will once again prioritise school bus services.

“We regret this impact this protected industrial action will once again have on the local community. Kinetic has put forward a strong financial offer that meets cost of living pressures and will see our drivers some of the best paid in Queensland.

“Kinetic has requested to meet as soon as possible with the TWU and independent bargaining representatives to productively move towards a new agreement.”

Mr Saltmer also wrote to schools across the Gold Coast to alert them to the impending strike action.

In his letter, he said that while the company would run as many school buses as possible to ensure student safety, students, parents and staff using public bus services would need to make alternative arrangements on the day.

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Originally published as Relief for Gold Coast bus users after breakthrough talks on eve of strike action