Torrens Transit bus drivers will be striking on Monday 9 January, as negotiations regarding the workers’ Enterprise Agreement begin to sour.
As Torrens Transit controls over 80 per cent of the bus contracts in SA, it’s expected the Adelaide metro bus routes will be significantly disrupted for 24 hours.
Transport Workers Union SA/NT Branch Secretary Ian Smith has advised the media that taking strike action was “a last resort”, but has been necessitated as bus drivers continue to leave the industry in “droves”.
Mr Smith continued to say that the action is not only advocating for “a fair deal and a better bus industry”, but also for “building a better bus network” for SA.
Mr Smith concluded his statements by thanking the community for its understanding and apologising for the inconvenience that may be caused on Monday 9 January as the drivers “lead this crucial fight”.
A spokesperson for Torrens Transit issued a statement today (4/1/23), stating the company is “disappointed the union is proceeding with strike action”.
“We have already committed to a first-year wage increase of 5.75%, and offered an additional 0.25% to the national superannuation guarantee rate for each year of the agreement. We believe we are offering above market rates and conditions for our staff,” said the spokesperson.
“We are working to determine the level of services that we can provide for the public. However, we anticipate some service disruptions will occur on Monday 9 January.
“We hope to reach a resolution with the union at our planned Tuesday meeting.”
Department of Transport CEO Jon Whelan has also advised the media that the department is in discussions with both the workers and Torrens Transit to see if the dispute can be resolved quickly. A meeting between both parties is scheduled for Tuesday 10 January.
For now, Mr Whelan says substitute buses on select routes and additional train and tram services will be organised, but commuters should “consider alternative transport options”.
Strike action will impact bus services across Adelaide’s eastern and western suburbs, as well as the outer north-east (O-Bahn) and outer north.
For regular updates on which commuters will be affected, visit the Transport Department website.
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