Tasmanian bus drivers have been forced to take desperate measures due to the Hodgman Liberal Government’s failure to undertake meaningful wage negotiations.
Shadow Minister for Roads and Infrastructure, David O’Byrne, said the Premier must take the blame for today’s disruptions to bus services.
“More than 500 bus services in Tasmania’s south will be affected because drivers have been forced into a corner by this heartless Liberal Government,” Mr O’Byrne said.
“The Premier is blaming everyone else and is trying to turn the Tasmanian public against desperate public sector workers who are fighting for a pay rise that keeps up with the cost of living.
“Make no mistake, this is the Premier’s fault. He must take the blame for those thousands of commuters who will today be affected.
“The Premier can easily resolve this by backing down from his ignorant refusal to undertake meaningful wage negotiations.
“Why is it that workers at other Government Business Enterprises are able to negotiate wage increases outside of the 2 per cent cap?
“Workers at Sustainable Timbers Tasmania received an increase of four per cent last year, TT Line staff enjoyed a pay rise of 2.45 per cent this year increasing to 2.95 per cent for the next three years and Tas Networks employees will receive up to three per cent.
“This is highly unreasonable and all public sector workers should be treated with the same respect.”
David O’Byrne MP
Shadow Minister for Roads and Infrastructure
