Hundreds of Torrens Transit bus drivers are pushing for industrial action after negotiations broke down over a proposed agreement that would see drivers and the industry go backwards.

The Transport Workers’ Union SA/NT Branch (TWU) have successfully applied for a Protected Action Ballot Order for the right to take industrial action at Torrens Transit.

If the ballot is successfully voted up, over 1000 Adelaide bus drivers could take industrial action over the Christmas period and into the New Year, including strikes and overtime bans.

Torrens Transit - part of the Kelsian Group - services over 80% of the bus network across Adelaide. Industrial action would cause widespread disruption.

TWU SA/NT Branch Secretary Ian Smith said bus drivers don’t want to take industrial action, but Torrens Transit have left them no choice.

“Strike action is a last resort and not a decision the workforce takes lightly, but our hardworking bus drivers have been given no choice. Torrens Transit have put a completely unacceptable and inadequate offer on the table, which will do nothing to turn our industry around and will only see our drivers go backwards,” said Smith.

“Driving a bus used to be a good and sought after job, but that’s not the case anymore. Bus drivers are leaving the industry in droves. Make no mistake - this isn’t happening for no reason. Safety, pay and conditions are in tatters, and instead of seizing this opportunity to deliver an agreement that attracts and retains drivers, Torrens are hanging their drivers out to dry with a deal that falls well short of what they deserve.”

“These drivers aren’t asking for the world. They just want a fair deal that will see the bus industry move forward, not backwards. It comes down to this – what kind of industry do drivers and our community need? These brave drivers are taking a stand for a better bus industry for all South Australians.”