By Bill Mason
BRISBANE — Bus drivers employed by Brisbane City Council (BCC) walked out for 24 hours on March 26.
A Public Transport Union statement released on March 25 noted: "[The strike] is in response to BCC's claims for an increase in working hours from 38 hours a week to 80 hours a fortnight, attempts to lower penalty rates on broken shifts, reductions in sign-off times, proposals to reduce annual leave, proposals to extend unpaid meal breaks to 90 minutes, [and] the Arbitration Commission's decision to allow the council to engage casual bus drivers."
The strike was the culmination of a year-long battle with the BCC following ALP Lord Mayor Jim Soorley's announcement of sweeping changes to cut the bus system's costs by 30%.
At a 600-strong meeting on March 26, PTU members strongly endorsed the stoppage and condemned the council's attacks, including restrictions on the role of delegates. The drivers also endorsed a decision to take defamation action against Soorley for accusing them of rorting the system.
A statement apologising to Brisbane commuters for traffic congestion and explaining that strong action was forced by Soorley's "unsatisfactory stance" in negotiations was issued. Further negotiations with the council will be held.