Victoria’s bus network likely to be hit with more strike action with union and company at stalemate

Victorian commuters could face more pain as pay negotiations for bus drivers remain at a stalemate.

Victorian bus users could be facing more pain in the weeks ahead with one of the state’s largest transport companies and the union representing hundreds of drivers remaining at a stalemate over an ongoing pay dispute.

After more than 800 drivers walked off the job on a 24-hour strike last month — taking a third of the state’s bus network offline for 24 hours — the Transport Workers Union has returned to the Fair Work Commission applying to extend strike action.

The Herald Sun has confirmed that the union has not attempted to reopen negotiations in the days after the walk off, and organisers are now moving to prepare for more action that could see networks disrupted even further.

Victorian bus users could be facing more pain in the weeks ahead. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

Dysons CEO Andrew Jakab slammed the TWU, saying they had not made a counteroffer after rejecting the company’s generous pay deal, which included a one-off 9 per cent pay rise followed by annual increases in line with inflation.

“It is disappointing that within 24 hours of disrupting passengers on Melbourne’s bus network the TWU wants to extend the period within which it can take further protected industrial action,” he said.

The union is no stranger to strike action in Victoria with drivers having walked off the job in 2022 and 2018 during previous pay negotiations. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Andrew Henshaw

“This is a clear sign they have no interest of discussing our offer which, if accepted, would deliver metro drivers an immediate minimum 13 per cent pay increase over three years, including a 9 per cent rise in year one, plus other benefits.

He added that the company wanted to reach an agreement “quickly” and urged the TWU to come to the table.

However, TWU Director of Organising (Victoria/Tasmania), Sam Lynch hit back saying: “Our phones remain on”.

“We haven’t received an updated position from Dysons since the strike, and look forward to them providing us with an increased offer.

“The message is clear: bus drivers deserve better than what’s currently on offer, and they are ready to fight for it.”

The union is no stranger to strike action in Victoria with drivers having walked off the job in 2022 and 2018 during previous pay negotiations.

Originally published as Victoria’s bus network likely to be hit with more strike action with union and company at stalemate