By 6pm on Friday, the petition had 18,853 signatures. Announced by Tramways Union on Thursday, the “surprise” strike started at 4am on Friday and would end at 4am on Saturday. But the shutdown could last longer after NZ Bus said on Thursday evening it would lock employees out of the depots until the proposed collective agreement was signed. Several Wellington central commuters expressed their support for bus drivers on Thursday.
KEVIN STENT Nicole Cousin of Newtown felt drivers should “absolutely” be getting the living wage. “They play an important role in getting us all into the city. I think more needs to be done for the drivers,” she said.