Up to 600,000 commuters across Sydney and Newcastle were left stranded this morning, after bus drivers walked off the job.
The 24-hour stoppage began at 4am (AEDT) this morning, following demands from the Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) for bus drivers to be given a pay rise without award conditions being taken away.
On Thursday Premier Kristina Keneally confirmed the government would honour an offer of wage increases of three percent backdated from June 12 this year, and a further three percent from June 12 next year.
But RTBU spokesman Raul Baonza described the offer as too little, too late.
State Transit bus tickets will be recognised on CityRail train services and Sydney Ferries during the strike and drivers will be allowed to use bus lanes.
