Bus commuters across the Gold Coast and Tweed are being warned of major disruptions to services today with drivers walking off the job.
They’ve launched 24-hour strike action over a long-running dispute over what they claim is low wages, driver shortages and a lack of investment in public transport.
It kicked off at 4.01am this morning and is expected to go until 4:01am Thursday, with more than half of all scheduled services expected to be impacted.
South East Queensland Kinetic general manager Martin Hall said the company passed on an 8.2 per cent pay increase to Gold Coast and Tweed bus drivers in February in “recognition of current cost-of-living impacts”
He confirmed they are also currently negotiating additional pay increases on the Gold Coast, but the Transport Union says it isn’t good enough.
“Low wages in the bus industry are exasperating existing problems with driver shortages,” TWU QLD director Jared Abbott said.
“We need a real investment in a pay correction for bus drivers to retain the existing workforce and attract drivers in the future.
“The Government needs to take some responsibility here… bus driver wages have fallen behind as a result of how Government contracts are structured to suppress wages.
“Our dedicated members have overwhelmingly endorsed a protected action ballot, reflecting their unwavering commitment to rectifying these pressing challenges within the sector.”
“We need to invest in our public transport in order to ensure that we have a safe and sustainable network now and in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.”
Kinetic says school services will be prioritised today, but parents are being warned delays and cancellations may still occur.
“We strongly encourage passengers to make alternative transport arrangements where possible and to check the Translink Journey Planner for the latest information,” Mr Hall said.
“Kinetic apologies sincerely to our passengers and community for the substantial impact this will have on Gold Coast and Tweed commuters.”
