Wellington is almost half-way through a 24-hour strike that has stopped all trains in the region from running, but this morning's traffic was not as bad as feared.
Trains were not moving this morning at Wellington station. Photo: RNZ / Paloma Migone
The Rail and Maritime Transport Union called the strike in protest at changes the rail operator Transdev wants to make to workers' contracts.
Commuters had been warned to prepare for delays, but it seems many chose to work from home, as motorway traffic was about average.
The Greater Wellington Regional Council said traffic was a little more congested than usual at 6am but delays were not excessive.
Wellington City Council suggested commuters carpool or stay at home because it would be hard to find a parking in the city.
The deserted Wellington Railway Station concourse. Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton
Many people RNZ spoke to in the city said they had got up earlier, carpooled or caught the bus, and had not been impacted heavily by the strike.
"We're encouraging people to think about leaving work a bit earlier today if possible, or delay travel until later in the evening," the regional council said.
The strike ends at 2am on Friday.
The union said unless the company backed down on the proposed changes there would be further strike action.
Despite the threat, Transdev managing director Alan Bannister said the company would be sticking with the proposal that includes bringing in flexible working hours and Sunday work for some train engineers.
He also said they were offering a pay rise.
"It's not about eroding the rights of the workers, in fact they're all about increasing the offer to the workers, which is broadly 2 percent across the board.
"The changes to the terms and conditions are all about productivity, it makes no financial difference to the company."
Union members picket outside the train maintenance depot on Thorndon Quay, Wellington. Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton
Union delegate Howard Phillips said workers were concerned they would lose hours and would be forced to work on weekends and statutory holidays.
He said Transdev was only concerned with making a profit.
"They have come in here with one purpose only, and that is to remit a profit and the only way that they can do that is by lowering the cost of labour. They are labour-hire companies."
He said there had been no meaningful discussion about a pay rise.
"We haven't talked about the pay rise yet, we haven't been able to get past the fact that the employer wants to claw back terms and conditions."
Union member and train driver Roshn Sam outside Wellington railway station. Photo: RNZ / Emma Hatton