Concern reopening borders could trigger bus driver exodus

Some Auckland Transport (AT) operators are concerned border reopenings could trigger a bus driver exodus, with migrant workers keen to return home to see family – exacerbating an existing shortage, Stuff reports. First Union Auckland organiser Gem Pritchard said there was already a driver shortage in Wellington and Auckland due to privatisation and the Government’s tender process which encourages a race to the bottom for wages. “The wages are so low, the levels of responsibility are literally through the roof, and they are policed to the nth degree. There are cameras on them all day, they are at the mercy of the general public,” Pritchard said.