9 Nov 2009

Bus driver unions seek common ground for talks

8:29 pm on 9 November 2009

The four unions representing Auckland bus drivers have healed a rift which saw two of the unions approach their employer with a separate wage offer.

The drivers last week rejected the latest deal from NZ Bus.

Members from the National Distribution Union and Akarana wanted to accept it and made another approach to the employer.

At a meeting on Monday the separate action was cancelled in favour of the four unions continuing to work together.

Negotiations with NZ Bus will continue through a mediator.

Auckland Tramways Union represents more than 600 bus drivers, while the Akarana union represents 200 drivers and the NDU about 30. One driver is represented by the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union.

Industrial action in October caused disruption for tens of thousands of commuters.