Bus driver strike action from northern Tasmania moving further south, service disruptions expected

After going on strike earlier this week in the north of the state, Hobartians should expect disruptions to bus services as drivers take stop-work action.

A Metro Bus in Elizabeth Street, Hobart. Picture: Linda Higginson

The union representing the Metro bus drivers going on strike on Friday expect disruptions to public transport services due to the stop-work action.

Bus drivers will take stop work action between 5am and 7am before doing the same again between 5pm and 7pm.

Metro workers went on strike in Launceston and Burnie on Wednesday.

“The stoppages were great,” Rail, Tram and Bus Union Tasmania Secretary Byron Cubit said.

“Our members love coming off the road, love getting out — particularly in Launceston — in front of peak hour traffic and waving their signs.

“We had a lot of support from the public, which is fantastic — a lot of cars beeping their horns, so that’s always great to see.

“Burnie was a little bit different because it was raining a lot, but it was still good.”

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

Mr Cubit said he was certain there would be disruptions to bus services.

“The drivers don’t take these types of decisions lightly.

“However, the proposed enterprise agreement that has been put in front of the drivers is unacceptable — and this is their opportunity to express their frustration and demand a better deal.”

Metro confirmed there would be disruptions to services due to the industrial action.

“Customers can contact the Metro Hotline on 13 22 01 if they need assistance with their journey planning,” a company spokesperson said.

“It will be difficult to determine a specific number of services that would be disrupted because of the stop work action, which is why Metro encourages its customers to consider their travel needs during the stop work.”

Tuesday, November 26: The public transport system in Tasmania’s major cities is set to be plunged into chaos as Metro bus drivers plan to go on strike.

The Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU) has confirmed that Metro workers will go on strike in Burnie between 9.45am and 11.45am on Wednesday.

Launceston bus drivers will also strike between 5pm and 7pm the same day.

On Friday, Hobart Metro employees will take stop-work action twice – first between 5am and 7am and again between 5pm and 7pm.

RTBU Tasmania Secretary Byron Cubit said the organisation was frustrated with the state government amid its dispute with Metro.

“Transport Minister Eric Abetz and Treasurer Guy Barnett are completely missing in action,” Mr Cubit said.

“The State Government is so preoccupied with staving off no-confidence motions and covering over the Spirit of Tasmania fiasco that it has simply given up governing.

“Metro bus drivers deserve better, and the people of Tasmania deserve better.”

Minister Eric Abetz in Parliament on Tuesday 19th November 2024. Picture: Linda Higginson

Mr Abetz said his government had taken measures to improve Metro.

“We have invested $14.1m over four years into Metro as part of this year’s Budget to support recruitment and retention,” he said.

“This is in addition to the $8.4m package we introduced last year to increase driver wages, introduce safety measures and support rostering and timetabling improvements.

“We encourage all parties to continue to negotiate in good faith to deliver a new agreement that is fair, reasonable and affordable.”

The union says Metro’s current offer will see them receive a “measly” two per cent pay rise for what they believe would be longer hours.

However, Metro says its offer is an 18 per cent increase over three years, which it believes is “ fair, reasonable, and affordable.”

“This dispute has been dragging on for months, and now we are fast running into the busy Christmas period – just as industrial action is escalating,” Mr Cubit said.

“Metro Tasmania lost $3.4 million in the most recent financial year. There is a clear need for extra funding to enable Metro to provide competitive wages and conditions for its drivers.

“Without more bus drivers, there is simply no chance that Metro will be able to restore the services which we ‘indefinitely suspended’ last year – let alone cater for future events at the new Macquarie Point stadium.”

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

A Metro spokesperson said it had advised customers of the upcoming strike.

“Though Metro has undertaken work to minimise any disruption, some services will be affected as a result of the work stoppage,” the company said.

“Metro has advised its customers via its Facebook page and website of the action.

“Customers can contact the Metro Hotline on 13 22 01 if they need assistance with their journey planning.

“It will be difficult to determine a specific number of services that would be disrupted because of the stop work action, which is why Metro encourages its customers to consider their travel needs during the stop work.”