Today, a larger bus strike will affect tens of thousands of commuters. More than 900 buses under the name of Ventura Bus Lines, the state`s largest bus operator, will be suspended for 24 hours today. About 1000 drivers, threat, say they want strike for better pay.
The company runs the SmartBus line and also provides services to schools, universities and medical centers.
Negotiations between the company and the transport workers` union recently broke down. It is reported that the union hopes to raise wages by 15% over a three-year period. And Ventura didn`t say it was going to raise wages.
The union demanded a 4% pay rise for every bus company in the state, plus an annual 1% increase in pensions.
In August, the union`s successful status as Transdev and CDC Victoria drivers won the pay rise, when the state government intervened in the 11th hour of strike.
To stop the biggest bus strike in Victorian history, Andrews government proposed millions of dollars in taxpayer cash to meet union needs.
It is reported that the bus company employs about 1500 drivers, carrying about 32 million passengers a year.
