Australia: Unionized bus drivers in Adelaide to stage industrial action Jan. 17-18

Event

Bus drivers affiliated with the Transport Workers Union (TWU) in Adelaide plan to take additional industrial action Jan. 17-18 following the collapse of negotiations with management. Organizers have warned that they will not collect fares from passengers Jan. 17 and will not work unscheduled overtime Jan. 18. It is unclear how many drivers will participate in the action, but around 800 Torrens Transit bus drivers took part in a related 24-hour strike earlier in January that affected close to 80 percent of bus services across the city.

Reduced bus service is likely Jan. 17-18. Increased demand for alternative means of travel, including taxis and private vehicles, could prompt traffic congestion, particularly during morning and evening rush hours. Drivers could stage protests near bus depots during the action, which could prompt localized disruption.

Advice

Confirm the status of bus services before traveling in Adelaide Jan. 17-18. Plan for additional travel time if traveling by bus or alternative transport, particularly during rush hour.