http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2017/05/concern-over-nationwide-bus-driver-shortage.html

This appears to be a straightforward case of market forces - the
obvous answer is to make the jobs more attractive and people will seek
to do the training and be employed.

But naturally, the industry wants the government to help by upping
immigration to fill the jobs. But the major emplyers are funded
largely by local government rather than central government as was the
case for the aged-care workers, so National has little sympathy:

"The Bus and Coach Association says immigration rules are making it
even tougher.

Around a third of driver are from overseas - many are on temporary
work visas.

"What we're seeing is Immigration New Zealand not renewing these
visas, drivers resigning from positions, creating another vacancy,
which we're struggling to fill," Mr Kidd says.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse says bus drivers aren't part of
the skilled migrants category and that's not going to change.

"If it can be demonstrated that there are New Zealanders available to
do that job or be trained to do that job, it is possible that those
temporary visas won't be renewed and those workers would be required
to return to their home countries."

But for Mr Ritchie, finding local drivers is easier said than done.

Companies have been working with the Ministry of Social development to
train unemployed people, but they say that won't fix the shortage -
they want Immigration New Zealand to help."

Perhaps the employers will just have to pay more, and accept either
lower profits or seek higher payments from cuncils the next time
contracts come up.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/330917/bus-service-delays-for-wellington-commuters-next-week
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11591209

and for a different perspective on employment conditions effectively
set by government (local or national), see:

https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/the-price-of-labour-and-the-value-of-work

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: Agency HUB, Dunedin - New Zealand | Fido<>Usenet Gateway (3:770/3)

Rich80105 wrote:

http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2017/05/concern-over-nationwide-bus-driver-shortage.html

This appears to be a straightforward case of market forces - the
obvous answer is to make the jobs more attractive and people will seek
to do the training and be employed.

But naturally, the industry wants the government to help by upping immigration to fill the jobs. But the major emplyers are funded
largely by local government rather than central government as was the
case for the aged-care workers, so National has little sympathy:

"The Bus and Coach Association says immigration rules are making it
even tougher.

Around a third of driver are from overseas - many are on temporary
work visas.

"What we're seeing is Immigration New Zealand not renewing these
visas, drivers resigning from positions, creating another vacancy,
which we're struggling to fill," Mr Kidd says.

Immigration Minister Michael Woodhouse says bus drivers aren't part of
the skilled migrants category and that's not going to change.

"If it can be demonstrated that there are New Zealanders available to
do that job or be trained to do that job, it is possible that those
temporary visas won't be renewed and those workers would be required
to return to their home countries."

But for Mr Ritchie, finding local drivers is easier said than done.

Companies have been working with the Ministry of Social development to
train unemployed people, but they say that won't fix the shortage -
they want Immigration New Zealand to help."

Perhaps the employers will just have to pay more, and accept either
lower profits or seek higher payments from cuncils the next time
contracts come up.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/330917/bus-service-delays-for-wellington-commuters-next-week

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11591209

and for a different perspective on employment conditions effectively
set by government (local or national), see:

https://www.pundit.co.nz/content/the-price-of-labour-and-the-value-of-work

I agree, they should meet the low supply of workers by paying more.
--
"From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs."
creates the incentive to minimize your abilities and maximize your needs.

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: Agency HUB, Dunedin - New Zealand | Fido<>Usenet Gateway (3:770/3)