Strikes work

After a seven-month industrial battle and several disruptive strikes, it looks like Auckland's bus drivers are finally going to get the pay increase they've been fighting for. While there are questions about overtime rates, Stagecoach has basically caved and will meet the drivers' demands. It's not a done deal yet, but there's a far greater chance that this offer will be accepted by union members - unlike the last one. OTOH, given the militant feeling shown at that rejection, they could dig their heels in and demand a wage increase with no attempted clawback. But regardless, it's a far better offer than the one they voted on a month ago, and it's all down to one thing: industrial action. The strike has worked. People might want to think about that when their own contracts come up for renewal.