DISCIPLINARY action against a bus driver involved in an altercation with a passenger in Christchurch has been dropped.

The threat of a strike by Unite union members in support of Yellow Buses employee Martin Conder has been called off as a result of an appeal meeting.

Hundreds of workers were set to hold a strike ballot but on Friday, November 15, the firm rescinded charges against the senior convenor.

Unite regional officer Janet Wall said: “I am pleased to announce that following the appeal meeting, the company agreed the sanction was excessive and dropped all charges. Martin Conder is a well-respected union representative with an unblemished record. This whole debacle could have easily been avoided because Martin had done nothing wrong. His name has been cleared and the industrial action ballot has been called off."

David Squire, managing director of Yellow Buses, said: “We are pleased that a solution has been found and the prospect of industrial action has been removed.

“It means our passengers can be assured that our services will continue to operate normally.

“We remain committed to the safety of our staff and customers at all times.

“As the police are still investigating the original incident we are unable to comment further about it.”