Bus Drivers Reject Offer

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32359, 27 July 1970, Page 1

Bus Drivers Reject Offer

By Our Industrial Reporter!

Christchurch Transport Board drivers yesterday rejected the board’s offer of a 3c margin above the national award rate of $1.13, but showed a willingness to negotiate by lifting their ban on voluntary overtime.

After a three-hour meeting of union members, the executive issued a statement saying that, as a branch of the national union, Christchurch should have its complete wage structure brought into line with that of Wellington and Auckland.

Mr F. Langrish. president of the Christchurch branch and a member of the national council of five, agreed that this statement was not clear and said it was not meant to be. So far Christchurch has been asking for a margin of 7c an hour, compared with 5c in Auckland and, with a new

(agreement in the capital, 9.6 c in Wellington. Yesterday's statement, however, suggests that the branch is not sure what amount to press for now. and is waiting for more information from Wellington and for any Auckland reaction to the Wellington increase.

The Christchurch Transport Board is presumably in much the same position, and its general manager (Mr J. F. Fardell) said yesterday that the board would have a close look at the union’s reply but would [not make any further statement until tomorrow. The union has not withdrawn its decision to hold a 24-hour strike once a week until a settlement is reached, but there is no intention of striking during the next day or two.