Union concerned about potential sale of Citibus

The NZ Tramways Union is concerned about speculation in the Media regarding the potential sale of the Dunedin City Council owned Citibus and the impact on its members.

Bill Simpson President of the Dunedin Branch of the NZ Tramways Union said that Citibus is owned by the ratepayers of Dunedin who should be seriously concerned about the loss of this public asset and the effect this will have on passenger services.

The National Council of the Tramways Union, currently meeting in Dunedin, is also concerned about the negative impact on wages and conditions caused by the competitive tendering process.

Bill Simpson said privately owned companies have won tenders by undermining wages and conditions as happened recently in Dunedin and Christchurch.

The National Council of the NZ Tramways Union is opposed to wages and conditions being undermined by the tendering process and is in discussion with the Dunedin Branch.

Other potential buyers are Infratill owned NZ Bus who operate Auckland and Wellington bus services, Souter Holdings, Ritchies and Go Bus.