Brisbane residents should prepare for potential bus service disruptions this Thursday due to planned strikes by the Rail, Tram, and Bus Union (RTBU), which are motivated by demands for increased wages. The Brisbane City Council has proposed a 7 per cent pay rise over the next two years, exceeding the current inflation rate of 2.4 per cent. However, the RTBU is insisting on a 9 per cent increase.
The strikes are expected to impact up to 436 bus services for a duration of two hours, from 4am to 6am, with subsequent delays likely affecting morning commuters. It is important to note that school bus services will remain unaffected, and bus drivers who are on duty will complete their routes before halting work.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, council representatives assert that Brisbane bus drivers, who have already seen around a 30 per cent wage increase since 2012, are among the highest paid in Australia, earning an average of $76,573, which can reach up to $150,436. Council representatives emphasise their commitment to negotiating fairly and in good faith for their staff, while promising to deploy non-striking drivers to minimise disruptions for commuters.