TWENTY-EIGHT Pacific Transport Ltd bus drivers went on strike on Monday when they learnt the company had contracted their services to Classic Buses Ltd.

Classic Buses Ltd purchased 35 routes from Pacific Transport and the drivers claimed they were unaware of the new working arrangements.

One of the drivers on strike, Mahendra Prasad, said the drivers did not know what their conditions were with the new company.

“We did not know that we were going to be working for Classic Buses and we were only told when we came to work on Monday,” he said.

In a letter issued to the drivers on November 1, Pacific Transport Ltd general manager Nitesh Chand said the company had handed over its rural and city operations to Classic Buses, effective from November 2.

“You will be advised of the working terms by the management of Classic Buses Ltd and you will be engaged by them under their contract,” the letter said.

“Pacific Transport will process your final pay together with accrued annual leave and remit the funds to your bank account by November 6.”

Classic Buses Ltd owner Karam Mohammed said only four drivers turned up to their new stations on Monday.

“We were very disappointed because we were struggling to service the new routes without the drivers,” he said.

“If they had a problem with the new arrangement then they should take it up with Pacific Transport and not affect our work.”