Union Calls For Pay Rise For Bus Drivers

TWU general secretary Kamlesh Kumar said that in the last two months more than 100 drivers from the Central Division have joined the union

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has called for a pay rise for bus drivers. TWU’S general secretary, kamlesh Kumar said it was a fact that for many years bus drivers had been dissatisfied with their pay and working conditions.

He said in the last two months, more than a hundred bus drivers from the Central Division had joined the Transport Workers Union (TWU) in a bid to have their employers increase their weekly salary. Union General Secretary Kamlesh Kumar said this stating that it has nothing to do with the recent eTransport system. He referred to a recent statement by the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum who was informed that many drivers had resigned due to low wages because of the recent e-Transport system. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said as we have said to the bus companies, they need to look at the salary rates of the bus drivers also, now that the bus drivers don’t have the opportunity to actually pocket any cash. Using Tacirua Transport as an example, Mr SayedKhaiyum said a lot of people have not realised the whole cost of gathering cash, counting and banking the entire amount with the need for security.

He said with the new system, automatically Vodafone transfers the amount to the individual bus companies’ accounts, the system ensures the money is in the bank without any hassle.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum added that he has been in talks with two bus operators who are looking at increasing the weekly wages of bus drivers by another $150$200.

“So it is good for the drivers.

Some drivers prior to this were getting $200 a week, so a lot of bus companies say pay them $200 because they were taking a 1/3 from our takings,” he said.

He said however, they cannot do that now so bus companies are willing to pay them double. Meanwhile, TWU secretary said “Drivers were never happy, even with this new system, their salary remains the same.

Mr Kumar confirms that so far they have been in contact with bus drivers in the Central Division including Suva and Navua. The Union is expected to visit drivers in the Western Division and Northern Division soon.

Mr Kumar added that the Union is actively involved in getting all the employees of the bus industry to sign up with the Union and drivers can contact him. Parmod Buses Limited General Manager Edwin Chand said the e-Transport initiative has been welcomed as it will ensure a more effective and efficient bus industry.

Mr Chand confirmed he had no idea of the Unions existence, however, until now there have been no complaints from bus drivers nor are bus drivers implying anything.

Nasese Bus Company Ltd manager Rickie Kumar said he also could not comment on the Union or on any matter in-regards to the Union because they don’t know of its existence.