The bus drivers say that the pay is OK, but the working days are extended to more than ten hours due to the cut-off hours.
Wednesday morning’s sun was shining brightly in front of Koivisto Auto’s depot in Lahti. There have been almost no buses in the depot. About 20 AKT strike guards and drivers had gathered at the gate.
The Automotive and Transport Workers’ Union AKT, which represents the employees, is primarily looking for improvements to working conditions in collective bargaining.
Being tied to work means that the driver starts his day at, for example, six in the morning and the day ends after five in the afternoon. In the meantime, the actual driving – and thus the salary – is paid for an eight-hour day.
During breaks, for example, drivers move from one line to another or take breaks. The employee side wants improvements to this in the collective bargaining negotiations.
– A ten-hour working day would be a dream, says Miia Ranta.
The bus driver’s job is enjoyable, the drivers say.
The strike will stop a large part of bus traffic in major cities from Wednesday. The strike started at three o’clock in the morning.
If no result is reached in the collective agreement negotiations, the bus strike will continue until Friday next week, i.e. until March 10.