Bus passengers to get free ride as drivers step up campaign

SOME Geelong commuters will travel for free from Saturday as CDC bus drivers step up industrial action.

It is not clear how long the latest round of action will last as about 70 drivers in Geelong and 600 across the state will stop turning on Myki machines and taking fares from passengers.

CDC Victoria has offered its drivers a three-year average wage and superannuation increase of 2.66 per cent but the Transport Workers Union is calling for a 5 per cent increase.

The parties are yet to set another date for mediation at the Fair Work Commission after talks on July 13 failed.

TWU Victorian branch secretary John Berger said the wage growth index had determined bus driver pay increases for at least 15 years. “We have stopped the buses three times now (during the dispute with CDC Victoria) and have the option to do that again next week, so that is certainly not off the table.

“We will simply continue to campaign and consider using any and all tools available to us until a fair agreement acceptable to our members is reached,” Mr Berger said.

CDC Victoria chief executive Nicholas Yap said discussions with TWU were ongoing.

“We want to find a resolution, and we are exploring every channel and option,” he said.

A planned strike today will not go ahead. CDC Victoria services will operate as normal.

Deakin University to North Shore Station, Corio to Lara Station, Lara East to Lara Station, Lara West to Lara Station,

Geelong Station to Corio, Geelong Station to North Shore Station, Corio to North Shore, Geelong Station to North Geelong Station, Geelong Station to Bell Post Hill, Geelong Station to Deakin University

CDC GEELONG ROUTES Route 1: Route 10: Route 11: 12: Route 20:

Route 22: Route Route 23: Route 24: Route 25: Route 43: