Bus drivers of Lautoka company demand increases

People hoping to catch an early morning ride in areas of Lautoka were left stranded after six drivers of the bus company, Lautoka General Transport, refused to turn up to work.

The drivers are demanding an increase in their wage of up to $350 per week.

The drivers stayed home in protest over what they claimed was the failure by owner of the company to keep to his promises of increasing their wages. Owner Pyara Singh denied this saying he was waiting for revenue increases to be paid to his company before he could implement an increase on the wages of the bus drivers.

“I will give them pay increases when the revenue builds,” Mr Singh said. Two other drivers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, claimed some other drivers sat outside the company premises yesterday morning but were back driving after Mr Singh promised them pay increases.

Mr Singh again denied that drivers were on strike outside the company’s premises.

“Only six drivers did not turn up to work and these caused transport problems in the areas we serviced,” Mr Singh said.

The areas affected were Buabua, Naikabula, Vakabuli and one trip to Nadi. “When they did not come, I arranged for the drivers to service these routes and by 8am everything was normal.” One driver said they wanted a pay increase of up to $350 as they were only being paid $150 for working six days a week. Mr Singh said most drivers in the country were paid $3.45 an hour, but his drivers were receiving $3.50.

“I can confirm there was no strike here this morning by any drivers. They do not even belong to a union so they were not following any law if they wanted to strike.”