Kevin Harkins
Unions Tasmania is calling on Metro Tasmania passengers to support drivers by refusing to pay for fares on a Thursday.
Union secretary Kevin Harkins said the proposal - "No Fares Thursday" - would sent a message to both Metro management and Sustainable Transport Minister Nick McKim.
"Bus drivers desperately want to avoid causing the community any inconvenience and strike action is always a last resort for them," Mr Harkins said.
"This measure hits Metro management and transport minister Nick McKim where it hurts, and hopefully avoids the need for further stoppages."
Mr Harkins said that drivers could face disciplinary action for refusing to accept fares that are offered, but that doesn't stop the public from showing support by refusing to pay.
He said that "No Fares Thursday" would continue every Thursday until the dispute was resolved.
Metro drives are striking today between 1 and 2pm in a bid to secure a 3 per cent annual wage increase.
A meeting between Metro and union leaders yesterday failed to resolve the impasse.
Metro suggested a 2.1 per cent wage increase - up from 2 per cent - after rebudgeting in light of proposed productivity gains.
However, Rail, Tram and Bus Union secretary Sam Simonetis, herself a Metro bus driver, said the offer was not satisfactory.
Mr McKim said he believed that the issue should be resolved between Metro management and the union.
He also said that a 2 per cent increase was in line with previous public sector wage increases.