On the 28th of May Victoria will face major public bus disruptions as industrial action stops services.
Dysons and CDC Bus services across metropolitan Melbourne and regional areas such as Geelong, Ballarat and Mildura will halt for a full 24 hours as over a third of the state’s bus drivers strike. The two companies make up approximately 700 bus services across the state, making them some of the largest transport providers.
The strike will be coordinated by the Transport Workers Union as negotiations continue to be stalled in regards to fair pay for employees by Dysons and CDC. An overwhelming majority of union members voted in favor of the strike, in which TWU director of organising Sam Lynch described to Australasian Bus and Coaches as ‘patience running out’.
Lynch continued the statement with “We’re standing together to lift the standard across Victoria’s bus network and improve wages, conditions and safety for every driver.”
In response, Dysons commented to Australasian Bus and Coaches saying the strike is ‘disappointing’ due to its impact on Victorian commuters. The company mentioned that its proposal for a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, expected to be implemented in March, will deliver “significant wage and benefit outcomes for drivers – including a nine per cent year-one wage increase.” However, in early May 60% of TWU drivers voted not in support of the EBA.
As negotiations halt, service changes will commence across Victoria from 3am Wednesday morning to 3am Thursday morning. Impacted services include CDC’s 150-192, 400-543, 600-630 and 900 alongside Dysons 301-390 and 503-609.
This strike will not affect train, tram and other bus routes. School buses will also not be impacted.
For more information about your affected services visit PTV to plan accordingly.
Sophie Janusko 