The Sunshine Coast’s main public transport network will essentially be shut down today when bus staff go on strike for 24 hours.
The Transport Workers Union notified Sunbus, the main bus operator in the region, that drivers and cleaners will take protected industrial action.
James Saltmer, General Manager – South East Queensland for Sunbus operator Kinetic, said they would suspend services.
“Without a clear understanding of how many members will participate in this action, we are unable to guarantee reliable services and have no safe alternative other than to suspend all bus services on Wednesday, 24th of November,” he said.
“We understand this will have a significant impact on passengers who rely on our services, and families of school children who use our buses every day, and we apologise sincerely in advance.
“No bus services will operate on this day, and we advise passengers to seek alternative travel arrangements.”
Mr Saltmer said the company was seeking to resolve the matters.
“We have shown genuine care for the wellbeing of our team – and with the support of the Queensland Government we are proud that there have been no job losses or lost hours during the COVID pandemic,” he said.
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“Over the last 12 months we have invested more than $1.4 million into enhancing our vehicles and depot facilities, additional security, and in supporting our community engagement program including our Customer Service Officers which has been a tremendous success to date.”
“We have agreed to 30 of the claims put forward by the TWU and other bargaining representatives and we are offering a generous wage increase which is among the best in Queensland.
“It has become clear that the TWU are trying to align the expiry of as many Enterprise Agreements within Queensland as they can, to pave the way for state-wide industrial action which could cause mass disruptions to the public transport system.
“It is now impacting on our passengers, and we have no desire to engage in protracted negotiations. We are seeking to resolve their claims without impacting on members of the public.”
