NZ Bus industrial action to cause disruptions

NZ Bus says there will be disruptions from the latest round of industrial action over pay.

Drivers in Auckland will 'work to rule' from today where they'll adhere to all principles of their employment contracts such as checking the bus for lost property after a shift - which might slow down the process.

NZ Bus chief operating officer Shane McMahon says they'll be trying to minimise the disruption.

"There will be, I'm sure there will be isolated incidents of disruption and we will just respond to that accordingly on the day."

Mr McMahon says their latest offer is fair to drivers, and they're disappointed they've gone down the road of more industrial action.

FIRST Union assistant general secretary Karl Andersen says they'll 'work to rule' until an agreement is reached.

"It's unspecified, it will continue until such time as NZ Bus are prepared to talk to us again."

The company and unions have negotiated for 14 days without coming to a compromise.

He says that means they'll be adhering, to the letter, road rules and principles of their employment contracts.

"They could include things like defects sometimes. They're not to drive a bus that's got a defect but sometimes if the defect is not a major issue, then in fact they will drive a bus."

Mr Andersen says public transport users shouldn't be too inconvenienced, but there might be some delays.

Photo: NZ Herald