Waikato bus drivers are striking on Tuesday demanding increased pay and safer vehicles.
First Union Transport and logistics organiser Jax Oldham says drivers deserve better, telling Newshub they have "obvious reasons and valid reasons" for asking for more hours and a living wage of $20.55.
Ms Oldham says drivers have been asked to jam brooms in irregularly opening doors, duct-tape steering wheels, and to drive buses they have refused to drive due to electrical and mechanical faults.
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The union has questioned Waikato bus drivers' "unsafe" work conditions. But New Zealand passenger transport business GoBus said it provides safe and reliable public transport.
Chief operating officer Nigel Piper said in a statement the company has been committed to working with the union to find a reasonable agreement that will benefit all parties.
An increase of between 1.5 and 5.6 percent was offered to drivers, Mr Piper said, which was in addition to a 6.7 percent increase offered earlier this year. But the union has decided to extend the duration of what was to be a six hour strike to an all day strike.
"We have clearly reached the point where the parties need assistance to progress this matter," said Mr Piper.
Passengers in Hamilton, Te Awamutu and Otorohanga will be impacted by the strike.
They can check www.busit.co.nz to see if their service will be affected.
Newshub.
