Metro Tasmania warning of disruptions to bus services across Hobart as drivers take industrial action over a pay dispute

UPDATE: THE Rail, Tram and Bus Union says school services will not be affected by this Thursday’s bus driver industrial action.

Metro Tasmania bus services will be affected by a four-hour stop work meeting on Thursday. Photo: MATT THOMPSON

UPDATE: THE Rail, Tram and Bus Union says school services will not be affected by this Thursday’s bus driver industrial action.

More than 500 bus services will be affected by a stop work meeting which will be held from 10am-2pm at the Springfield bus depot.

RTBU Tasmanian secretary Jody Nichols said the action had been timed to minimise the disruption to the public.

She said it should not affect school children or the morning and afternoon peaks.

Mr Nichols said 92 per cent of bus drivers voted against the proposed Enterprise Agreement in a ballot last week.

“Metro has offered a meagre 2 per cent pay rise, at a time when inflation in Hobart is running at 3 per cent,” he said.

“In other words, drivers have been asked to cop a 1 per cent pay cut in real terms.

“Bus drivers are absolutely determined to get a fair and reasonable deal on their pay and conditions.

EARLIER: METRO Tasmania is warning of serious congestion across Hobart as bus drivers prepare to take industrial action over a pay dispute.

A statement from Metro said the Rail, Tram and Bus Union stop work meeting scheduled for between 10am and 2pm on Thursday would prevent more than 500 services from operating.

Metro chief executive officer Megan Morse said the action would disrupt the travel plans of thousands of Tasmanians and create significant local traffic issues.

“We hope passengers can travel outside this period and urge intending passengers to check their service availability at metrotas.com.au before travelling on Thursday,” Ms Morse said.

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“We recognise this action will cause significant inconvenience passengers, and cause serious congestion around the Springfield depot and Main Rd throughout the day, especially as afternoon peak buses depart at much closer intervals than normal.

“As a state-owned company, our wage offer is consistent with government policy, a clear message we have delivered in good faith over an extended bargaining period.”

The disruption to services will begin as early as 8.30am through to 2.45pm.

All services scheduled to depart between 10am and 2pm will not operate.

Details the affected services can be viewed online at metrotas.com.au.

Earlier this month bus services in Launceston were disrupted when about 60 drivers took industrial action.