By Jerram Watts
Auckland bus drivers have rejected the pay rise offer from their employer, NZ Bus, meaning negotiations for a new Combined Employment Agreement will continue.
Bus drivers and cleaners for Metrolink, GO WEST, Waka Pacific, Link, City Circuit Buses and North star rejected a three-year, 11.5 percent raise offer today (4.2 percent, 4.0 percent and 3.3 percent respectively).
Drivers currently earn between $14.05 and $16.75 an hour depending on how long they have been working for.
The 11.5 percent offer amounted to a $2 an hour increase over three years.
NZ Bus and unions representing about 900 drivers and cleaners reached an agreement last Friday and put the offer to members today - which they promptly declined.
NZ Bus general manager Zane Fulljames says the drivers' decision "beggars belief".
"It is immensely disappointing to our customers, our people and the business."
Mr Fulljames says NZ Bus will now take some time to consider its position.
NZ Bus are the largest bus company in Auckland, with a fleet of 656 buses covering more than 90 routes.
Bus services were disrupted today between 10am and 1:30pm when the drivers and cleaners met with their employers.
However, this was a small disruption compared to the tens of thousands of commuters who were affected for several days by the lock-out last month.
The negotiations which have lasted for months now look set to continue with no end in sight.
3 News