A massive bus driver strike planned for the Gold Coast tomorrow has been called off after last-minute talks proved successful.
Surfside drivers had planned to walk off the job for 24 hours just after midnight tonight over a pay dispute.
But the Transport Workers Union has this afternoon been able to reach a “tentative agreement” with operator Kinetic, that will see drivers receive an immediate 8.2 per cent pay increase backdated to September.
Negotiations do however continue, with unions not ruling out further strike action if a final settlement cannot be reached.
“It is an excellent pragmatic solution that will see immediate relief for drivers,” TWU QLD Director of Organising Jared Abbott said.
“This arrangement will allow the company time to get the necessary money to reach a fair settlement without disruption to the public in the interim.
“The union will retain its right to take strike action if a longer-term solution and agreement can’t be reached within a reasonable time frame.”
Kinetic has advised some disruption to Gold Coast services may still occur, however, it will be “minimised”.
It’s a different story for Tweed bus commuters, whose services are expected to be thrown into disarray due to other planned strike action.
“Disruptions to Tweed services are still anticipated with protected action by an independent bargaining representative proceeding,” Kinetic South East Queensland General Manager James Saltmer said.
“Kinetic thanks all bargaining representatives for progressing a new agreement for local bus drivers and cleaner/refuellers, with negotiations continuing”.
