"Best offer" currently on the table - NZ Bus

Auckland's largest bus company is adamant it's put its best offer on the table.

NZ Bus met with unions and a group of drivers yesterday, to discuss the deal which has already been turned down by workers, despite being recommended by the unions.

Half of the drivers voted in favour, but to be ratified, 60 percent need to support it.

NZ Bus spokesman Shane McMahon says it's a full and final offer:

"The question was put to us whether we'd be increasing our offer. What we stated there is that the offer that we made two weeks ago to avoid industrial action was our best offer and that offer would have seen our drivers the highest paid in Auckland."

He says the dispute is panning out in a strange way.

"First and Tramways unions have twice now said that the offer is a good one and taken it out to members and recommended it and 50 percent of members have voted in support of it. Hopefully common sense prevails."

Mr McMahon is urging drivers to accept the deal, to prevent any more inconvenience to the public.

Photo: NZ Herald