New Zealand

Auckland bus strike to cause early morning disruptions

05:47 am on 17 April 2018

Commuters in parts of Auckland are being warned to prepare for disruptions to early morning bus services, as some drivers take part in rolling strike action.

Photo: RNZ

First Union members are pushing for fairer pay and work conditions from their employer, NZ Bus.

This morning they begin eight days of industrial action, with drivers based at the Swanson depot the first to attend union meetings to discuss the next steps in their negotiations with the company.

A total of 45 bus services, departing from west Auckland before 7am, are affected.

Drivers based at other depots around the city will take action on subsequent days.

Significant disruption is likely on Wednesday morning, when drivers from the Mount Roskill depot strike.

Graham McKean from First Union said they apologise to commuters who are affected by the disruptions.

"We don't like disrupting services, but we have been in lengthy negotiations with NZ Bus and we simply have no other option so are encouraging commuters to leave home early, or arrange alternative transport," he said.

More information about the affected services is available on the Auckland Transport website.