Ritchies drivers join Auckland bus strikes

SUPPLIED

The Ritchies driver strike follows a day after Go Bus and Pavlovich picketed outside depots.

Eighty-seven Auckland bus trips will be cancelled on Thursday morning as drivers strike over work and pay conditions.

The strike, by First Union members, will impact south Auckland buses between 6.20am and 9.30am.

The affected suburbs are Ōtāhuhu, Ōtara, Papakura, Manurewa, Manukau, Takanini, Drury, Red Hill, and Pukekohe.

Full details of the cancelled services can be found at AT.govt.nz/metrochanges.

The strike action comes after union members employed by Go Bus and Pavlovich picketed outside depots on Wednesday morning. 

First Union organiser Graham McKean said many bus drivers were being paid "bottom dollar.

"Many of these employees have been driving for decades and they have the responsibility of the wellbeing of hundreds of people a day on their shoulders. Pay them what they're worth."



Train and ferry services are not affected.

Commuters were urged to use the Auckland Transport Mobile app to plan an alternative journey.