Economy
Metro mediator Lennon ?
Paul Lennon by Geoffrey Dyer
Former premier Paul Lennon may be called in to try to broker a resolution to an increasingly bitter pay dispute between Metro Tasmania and angry bus drivers.
Bus drivers were stood down without pay yesterday and until 8.45am today, causing mass inconvenience for schoolchildren, workers and families.
During yesterday’s lockout, the Rail, Tram and Bus Union met with the state-owned company.
The two parties have agreed to meet again on Tuesday with an independent facilitator.
Mr Lennon has been named as a possible mediator.
However, the union’s national secretary Bob Nanva was doubtful the meeting would achieve anything unless the government directed Metro to negotiate in good faith.
Bus drivers want a 3 per cent annual increase, but Metro is refusing to budge from an offer of 2.1 per cent.