Today's bus driver strike - what YOU need to know
Auckland commuters could face chaos on their way to work today as 345 bus services in South and West Auckland are disrupted when bus drivers walk off the job for 24 hours. About 100 Auckland bus drivers who are First Union members employed by Ritchies Murphy and Pavlovich are striking from 4am today until 4am tomorrow over better pay and allowances such as overtime and sick leave. The strike will disrupt or cancel 245 of the 940 weekday services operated by Ritchies Murphy in South Auckland and about 100 of the 964 weekday services operated by Pavlovich in West Auckland for Auckland Transport. The routes affected in South Auckland are 372, 362, 365, 378, 377, 373, 371, 368, 376 and 33. The West Auckland routes affected are 66, 131, 132, 133, 134, 138, 141, 142, 143, 146, 152, 154, 111, 112 and 114. All school buses will run as normal and commuters should use the AT Mobile app to find an alternative journey.
Q + A
How many drivers are striking?
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One hundred bus drivers employed by Ritchies Murphy and Pavlovich in Auckland, and 100 Go Bus drivers in Hamilton.
Why are they striking?
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They want a Fair Pay Agreement introduced to limit the cuts to pay and allowances such as overtime and sick leave. They say they are overworked and cannot afford to pay their bills or go on holiday.
When are they striking?
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Auckland, 4am today to 4am tomorrow; Hamilton, 5am-9am.
How many services will be affected?
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Around 245 services operated by Ritchies Murphy in South Auckland will be reduced or cancelled. Routes affected are 372, 362, 365, 378, 377, 373, 371, 368, 376. Also, around 100 services operated by Pavlovich in West Auckland will be reduced or cancelled. Routes affected are 66, 131, 132, 133, 134, 138, 141, 142, 143, 146, 152, 154, 111, 112 and 114. This represents 3 per cent of all bus services in Auckland.
What alternative plans are in place?
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Use the AT Mobile app to find an alternative route.
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Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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5.1% Second half of November
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44.3% 1st December
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16.9% A week before Christmas
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32.3% Whenever you wish
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1.3% Other - I'll share below
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