Lockout ahead of strike

NZ Bus says it has been left with no option but to issue a lock-out notice to drivers in response to strike action planned for Wellington. Tramways Union advised the bus drivers will be on strike for 24 hours, from 4am today, affecting 26 bus services in the capital. Union members voted in favour of strike action after what they said was a breakdown in pay negotiations with NZ Bus. It's understood the company wants to move Wellington drivers to a collective agreement similar to its Auckland employees, where the base rate is higher but trade-offs are made, such as lower penal rates.