Bus users across the North Island will have to rethink their mode of transport this week as drivers walk off the job in three different centres.
There will be temporary strikes in Auckland and the Waikato. Wellington bus drivers will begin striking indefinitely on Thursday.
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First Union's Jared Abbott told Newshub the drivers he represents are tired and overworked.
"There were a lot of discussions about stuff being put in place to try and resolve these issues and the reality is that bus drivers haven't actually seen any of these changes take positive effect for them," he said.
Mr Abbott said drivers are at breaking point and want industry-wide standards brought in.
"They're really frustrated about having to work for such a low income in a job that's got a shortage of bus drivers and very demanding in terms of work hours," he said.
Mr Abbott said some school buses will be affected.
Wellington drivers announced their intention to strike earlier in October. Advocates said drivers are frustrated by working conditions following the roll out of a new network in the city.
"The region's drivers are exhausted, they're being driven into the ground by this new bus system," advocate Graham Clarke told Newshub.
"It needs to change."
But Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Chris Laidlaw said there's not much he can do.
"I'd like to have the power to step in, it would be really very productive - then we could bang a few heads together and get something done, but we just can't," he said.
The council said it's up to bus drivers and companies to sort out the issues.
Newshub.
