News from NZ Bus
NZ Bus, the Tramways Union and First Union are very pleased to announce that following a last ditch meeting this morning they have reached a proposed settlement for the Collective Employment Agreement covering bus drivers and service staff in Auckland.

All planned Industrial action including the strike on Monday 24th September has been called off and all Metrolink, North Star, Go West, Waka Pacific and LINK bus services including school bus services will now operate as normal.

“This agreement will see NZ Bus drivers amongst the highest paid in the industry” said Shane McMahon, Chief Operating Officer, NZ Bus.

“We are delighted that agreement has been reached and changes to the ratification process agreed. NZ Bus is committed to continue to invest in our people and resources to see public transport in Auckland grow” continued Mr. McMahon.

“We welcome this development and are pleased that the buses will be on the road to carry the travelling public this Monday” said Gary Froggatt from Tramways Union.

“Today’s meeting was positive, and we can see a way forward with some unity between the bus unions and the CTU, and NZ Bus,” said Karl Andersen from First Union.

Press Release – Auckland Transport
Auckland Transport advises that the bus strike is off. The planned action by LINK, Metrolink, North Star, Go West and Waka Pacific drivers for this Monday has been lifted. Future strike action is also cancelled.

Earlier Press Release – Auckland Transport
Auckland Transport advises the following NZ Bus services will not operate on Monday due to strike action. Services on Metrolink, North Star, Go West, Waka Pacific and all LINK services including school bus services operated by these services will not operate.

All other bus operators including Ritchies, Northern Express, Birkenhead Transport, Bayes, Howick and Eastern, Murphy Buses, Urban Express, Waiheke Island Buses, Tranzit, Airbus Express services and their school bus services will be operating as usual as will train and ferry services. Limited additional bus and ferry services will be available.

Auckland Transport expects all transport services operating on Monday will be busy and asks commuters to be patient as increased congestion and delays on services may occur.

Auckland Transport suggests commuters may want to consider the following options; is carpooling an option www.letscarpool.govt.nz; can you cycle or walk to your destination, consider using the ferry, train or bus services other than those provided by NZ Bus.