The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions said Fair Pay Agreements could help resolve the country’s bus driver shortage.
Today, Wellington’s bus driver shortage was predicted to increase threefold in the coming years.
NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff said all bus drivers deserved better working conditions.
“We know that bus drivers are often not treated well, despite how essential they are to our cities’ functioning. The problems that bus drivers are currently facing – long hours, low pay, short-staffing and little pay – can all be resolved with a Fair Pay Agreement.”
Wagstaff said FPAs would also make bus driving more attractive to jobseekers.
“FPAs represent a real opportunity for working people, like bus drivers, who provide essential services. It’s a chance for working people to get the conditions they deserve.”
Fair Pay Agreements, which are set to be passed into law at the end of this year, will create new standards in key industries, including security, hospitality, cleaning, and bus driving.
