Bus dispute ends as drivers lock in 20.5% pay rise

Metro bus drivers lock in a pay rise that is set to end a drawn-out negotiation filled with industrial action.

A metro bus at Elizabeth Street Mall. Picture: Linda Higginson

Metro bus operators have agreed to withdraw industrial action after locking in a 20.5 per cent pay rise over three years.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union and Metro Tasmania have reached in-principle agreement on a new enterprise bargaining agreement with the government-owned public transport operator.

The deal includes a pay rise of 13.5 per cent in the first year, followed by 3.5 per cent in the second and third years.

There is also a $500 sign-on bonus once the deal is formally accepted.

Drivers have held multiple stop-work meetings in support of their campaign for new an agreement and were expected to hold more on Friday.

The major sticking point was the status of a 10 per cent out-of-cycle pay rise granted last year and whether that was counted as part of the new agreement.

Rail, Bus and Tram Union official Byron Cubit speaks to the media during a stop-work action at Glenorchy on Friday November 8, 2024.

RTBU Tasmanian branch secretary Byron Cubit welcomed the agreement.

“It’s been a long and difficult negotiation, but we now believe we have reached a proposed Enterprise Agreement that is worthy of being put to bus drivers for their consideration,” he said.

“We set out to achieve three things with these negotiations: lock-in the 10 per cent temporary pay rise provided in 2023, build on that with incremental pay rises over the next three years, and improve working conditions.

“The proposed Enterprise Agreement delivers on all three of those objectives.

“We believe improved work conditions will help Metro Tasmania to recruit and retain staff.

“Ultimately, the RTBU wants Metro Tasmania to succeed, and to get back into a position where it can deliver more frequent and reliable services to the community.”

Mr Cubit said bus drivers would also have access to Critical Incident Leave – a first for the Australian bus industry.

Metro has been struggling to maintain services as recruitment is hit by a national shortage of drivers.

The deal is expected to go to a full vote of drivers in the New Year.

Originally published as Bus dispute ends as drivers lock in 20.5% pay rise