Brisbane residents are being urged to plan for bus interruptions on Thursday as the Rail, Tram, and Bus union (RTBU) plan strikes to demand higher wages despite the Brisbane City Council’s offer of a 7 per cent increase over the next two years.
The stoppages will likely affect up to 436 services for up to two hours between 4am and 6am, though flow-on impacts are expected to affect morning commuter traffic.
No school bus services will be affected by the industrial action, and drivers undertaking a service are required to complete the route before they stop work.
The council met with unions last Friday, February 14, to offer a final pay increase of 7 per cent over two years, well above the current national inflation rate of 2.4 per cent.
Friday’s pay offer also follows about a 30 per cent increase in Brisbane bus driver pay since 2012.
However, the RTBU is demanding a 9 per cent pay rise over the next two years.
“Brisbane bus drivers do a fantastic job and we have a fair and reasonable pay offer on the table that is above inflation,” said Brisbane Transport Chair councillor Ryan Murphy.
How much train drivers are paid across Australia
“Unfortunately if union bosses continue to drag this out they will only force Brisbane bus drivers to wait longer for a pay rise, and hurt the travelling public.”
Brisbane bus drivers are among the highest paid in Australia, with an average wage of $76,573 ranging up to $150,436.
“Regardless of union threats, we will continue to negotiate a fair and reasonable pay rise in good faith for our hardworking council staff,” said Murphy.
Bus drivers not participating in the strike will be engaged by the Council to help minimise its impact on commuters.
