Lock-outs, blockades as bus driver pay dispute escalates
Did anyone try catching a bus today?
A pay dispute between Waikato bus drivers and Go Bus has escalated after 20 months of negotiations.
Buses were running on a Saturday schedule during Monday's protests.
The situation escalated when First Union members announced the wouldn't take fares on Waikato urban routes on Monday.
Go Bus said it would lock out workers and operate reduced services.
Drivers then blocked buses at the Transport Centre and Higgins Rd depot. They've said protests will continue as long as workers are locked out.
Read more here.
Did you submit on the city council's long-term plan?
Hamiltonians have spoken out on the council’s budget plans with the city’s massive proposed rates hike a lightning rod for residents already struggling with rising costs.
With more than 3000 submissions landing on the Hamilton City Council’s Draft Long Term Plan the hot topic is unsurprisingly the proposed 19.9% rise, which itself lands in a cost of living crisis and limping economy.
Have you heard about this Hamilton petition?
A group of Hamilton business owners have started a petition to stop the council from hiking up rates and passing the cost of what they say are unpopular projects on to residents.
It frustrates longtime residents Tom Andrews, a former roading engineer who owns Classics Museum and has property interests and Jo Reeder, to see Hamiltonians facing large bills.
Poll: Does the building consent process need to change?
We definitely need homes that are fit to live in but there are often frustrations when it comes to getting consent to modify your own home.
Do you think changes need made to the current process for building consent? Share your thoughts below.
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the Conversations column of your local paper.
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91.4% Yes
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8.3% No
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0.3% Other - I'll share below!