News Release Acting Premier John Rau Minister Stephen Mullighan

Attorney General Minister for Justice Reform Minister for Planning Minister for Housing and Urban Development Minister for Industrial Relations
Monday, 14 April 2014

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Minister Assisting the Minister for Planning Minister Assisting the Minister for Housing and Urban Development

Parties must act now to resolve bus dispute

The State Government is urging the Transport Workers Union and SouthLink to go back to the negotiation table and sort out their issues before a 24 hour strike proposed for next week goes ahead. Industrial Relations Minister John Rau said the two parties must carefully consider the consequences of this escalation. It is very disappointing that both parties have yet to resolve their dispute, he said. This is a matter between the union and the bus company. The State Government is not a party to the issue. However, we are concerned about the impact this further escalation will have on commuters. The Government has already increased the pay offer from SouthLink by an additi onal .3 of a per cent, taking the pay offer to 3 per cent. We have also increased the number of officers in the Transit Services Branch by a further 12 over three years, to address safety concerns from the Union. I understand the current issue in dispute is related to rostering. This is not a matter the State Government can fix, and I am asking the parties to return to the negotiating table and sort this out. Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said contingency plans were being developed to minimise the impact of any strike on commuters. Passengers on affected Outer North and Outer South routes are encouraged to make alternative plans if possible, or plan their trips with information and assistance available via the Adelaide Metro InfoLine and website, and social media channels, Mr Mullighan said SouthLink advise they will aim to cover services where possible using non-union drivers. As we will be in school holidays and the period between Easter and ANZAC Day, patronage will be lower.

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W e will do all we can to minimise disruption to passengers. With respect to substitute bus services for partial closures of the Seaford rail line, we will engage other contractors to deliver these services, which is an option under our contract arrangements. For more information, commuters are encouraged to contact the Adelaide Metro InfoLine on 1300 311 108 and stay tuned to www.adelaidemetro.com.au for further updates.

www.premier.sa.gov.au

Twitter: @sa_press_sec