Pavlovich drivers join bus strike

Pavlovich drivers are the latest to take part in strike action as disputes over bus driver pay and work conditions continue to heat up.

Around 60 drivers will strike between 7 am and 9 am tomorrow (19th April) and will instead be picketing their workplace at Pavlovich Coachlines, 58B Carr Rd Mount Roskill. Media are invited to attend.

It’s all part of a collective push back from members against a wearing down of driver pay and work conditions, largely brought on by a council tendering process instigated by the previous government (the Public Transport Operating Model or PTOM). Further strikes are expected to follow today’s picket.

FIRST Union Organiser Graham McKean says Auckland bus drivers want an alternative to the PTOM, and the issues that it has caused to be settled. For Pavlovich this means a focus on lifting the pay bar. He says there’s a reason the company has many of Auckland Transport’s contracts – the company is one of the lowest payers in the industry.
“There’s a reason they have all the work, they pay bottom dollar. They’re dragging the whole industry down. Many of these employees have been driving for decades and they have the responsibility of the wellbeing of hundreds of people a day on their shoulders. Pay them what they’re worth.”