Bus drivers employed by Konectbus are demanding action to end a long hours culture of 14-hour days and short breaks, causing fatigue and exhaustion. Their union Unite is calling on the company’s management to enter into meaningful negotiations on working hours, and to reach an agreement to secure union representation for the workforce.  It notes many drivers work 14-hour days, often driving for five and a half hours before getting just the legal minimum break of 30 minutes. The union says it has been calling on Konectbus for many months to work with the union to address long hours. It adds some workers have reported that the long hours culture has been taking a toll on their physical and mental health, as well as their work life balance. Konectbus is owned by the Go Ahead Group PLC which had a turnover of £3.8 billion last year, with profits after tax of £75.1 million. Speaking ahead of a 10 March union protest outside Norwich Bus Station, Unite regional officer Mark Walker said: “Hardworking bus drivers providing an essential service to the people of Norfolk face long hours behind the wheel with very short breaks. This protest is taking place because it’s time for Konectbus to respect the driver and address the problems of fatigue and exhaustion.” He added: “Konect’s parent company Go Ahead made £75.1 million last year, so clearly the funds are available to invest in better working conditions for staff. It’s time for the company to sit down with the union to agree union recognition and negotiate working time which respects the driver and is in the interests of passengers.”
Eastern Daily Press. Norwich Evening News.