WA: Snap strike to be heard in IRC

AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-2001
WA: Snap strike to be heard in IRC

A snap strike by Perth bus drivers which has disrupted thousands of commuters will
be heard in the West Australian Industrial Relations Commission this morning.

More than 200 drivers from the privately-run Perth Bus, which services central Perth,
walked out from last shift last night, forcing about 20,000 commuters to find alternative
ways to work today.

The indefinite stoppage -- affecting 15 per cent of bus commuters -- is expected to
widen tomorrow to cover 85 per cent of bus patrons, with two other private companies set
to join their Perth Bus colleagues.

The Transport Workers Union members say 350 drivers have left Perth Bus since the government-run
bus services were privatised in July 1998.

TWU spokesman PAUL ASLAN says the privately-run companies -- Perth Bus, Path Transit
and Southern Coast Transit -- had constantly ignored a range of safety issues, including
fatigue management and driver stress.

He says working conditions had led to nervous breakdowns and marriage break-ups and
said three drivers committed suicide in a two-week period last year.

Mr ASLAN has told ABC radio drivers are not seeking more pay but are angry about unresolved
issues.

AAP RTV sd/jtb

KEYWORD: BUSES (PERTH)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.