Bus drivers in Brisbane have returned to work after taking industrial action early this morning as their pay dispute with the Brisbane City Council rages on.

The RTBU wants 9 per cent over 2 years, the Council is offering 7 per cent across the same period.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner told Peter Fegan on 4BC Breakfast, “This has to be paid for by our ratepayers so we’ve got to be responsible, and for us, it’s about finding that fair balance.”

“Our wages bill in council makes up about a third of the entire council budget, so if you have a significant increase in pay that flows onto rates.”

“There’s no other magic,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said.

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