Strike averted: buses will run tomorrow

Wellington's buses will run as normal tomorrow after Go Wellington and its drivers reached a tentative agreement on a new pay deal.

Bus drivers walked off the job for one hour during the morning rush hour on Wednesday and Go Wellington retaliated by locking out the drivers on Thursday.

Services were restored to normal on Friday after the Tramways and Manufacturing and Construction unions agreed to withdraw their notice of strike action and to return to the negotiating table.

Further strike action had been mooted for tomorrow.

But after negotiations today, Go Wellington and the unions agreed on a proposed new collective employment agreement.

"We are delighted that all parties are focused on securing an agreement that meets the needs of both our customers and our people," NZ Bus southern region general manager Zane Fulljames said.

The agreement will now go to union members to be ratified.

The ratification meeting will be held next week. As soon as details were confirmed, Go Wellington said it would tell its customers to advise them of the disruption to services.

- with NZPA

- © Fairfax NZ News