The unions representing hundreds of bus drivers in Auckland will meet on Monday to decide their next step in negotiating a pay rise with the NZBus company.
The unions say that in a secret ballot last week 51% of the drivers rejected a revised pay offer of $20 an hour delivered in three stages.
A First Union spokesperson, Karl Andersen, says the majority of drivers felt that would take too long and that the proposed rise is not enough to sustain them and their families.
He says they - and the Tramways Union - haven't decided if industrial action is the next step and that will be considered on Monday.
NZ Bus is yet to comment.