Major bus disruptions as drivers launch fourth strike
More than 1500 bus drivers will strike on Thursday over pay and working conditions, causing significant disruptions to services across Geelong as talks between the Transport Workers Union and major operators break down
Geelong
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More pain is on the way for bus passengers across Geelong, Ballarat, Melbourne and Mildura with major disruptions expected due to a fourth round of strike action on Thursday.
Negotiations between the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and bus operators CDC Victoria and Kinetic have hit another roadblock, with the union saying it has “been left with no choice but to ramp up the pressure”.
TWU director of organising Sam Lynch said, “It’s a disgrace that after months of negotiations, these highly profitable bus companies are refusing to come to the table with a reasonable offer for drivers. They’d rather cause significant disruptions to Victorian commuters.”
“We’re calling on these multinational giants to step up, and make sure bus drivers get the dignity, safety and wages they’ve earned.”
The union claims bus drivers are “pressured to work to unrealistic timetables, take breaks without access to on-road facilities like bathrooms, and are faced with daily passenger violence and abuse”.
More than 1500 union members are expected to march on parliament.
Ahead of the last strike on July 1, bus driver Jason Holmes – a driver with 20 years experience – said the current offer was a “slap in the face”.
“We don’t like disrupting our passengers. But unfortunately, we’ve been pushed to this point to make CDC listen,” he said.
Bus services will run less frequently in Geelong, Melbourne and Mildura, with the Department of Transport saying they will run to a Saturday or Sunday timetable where possible, but some routes will be cancelled.
No buses will run in Ballarat.
Services run by other bus operators including Dysons, Ventura and McHarry’s will not be affected.
Passengers are advised to visit the PTV website to check if their bus routes are impacted and consider alternative transport.
Originally published as Major bus disruptions as drivers launch fourth strike
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