Canberra’s bus drivers have voted to recommence negotiations with the ACT Government following an in-principle decision to accept the Government’s latest pay offer, but have rejected the proposed workplace agreement.

The decision was reached today during a meeting which saw hundreds of drivers head to Canberra Stadium to meet with the Transport Workers Union (TWU), whilst commuters had to make alternative arrangements between 10am and 2pm with buses off the road.

Drivers agreed to accept a pay increase of 2.5 percent, as well as a $650 sign-on bonus, but rejected the proposed changes to part-time driver rostering. The drivers’ union is confident an agreement can be reached with the Government, but has not ruled out further industrial action if negotiations fail.

“We are hoping though with a fresh minister with a cool head, that a far different approach is going to be taken by the ACT Government, and that we’ll be in a position to announce a final agreement within a fortnight,” said TWU representative Ben Sweaney.

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This page was last updated on 26 April 2021

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