Early Edition with Kate Hawkesby

Tramways Union drivers in Wellington have accepted a fourth pay offer from NZ Bus, bringing an end to months of wrangling over their collective agreement.The long-running saga has resulted in stop-work meetings, a strike, and a lockout.This afternoon NZ Bus confirmed in a statement a new collective employment agreement has been settled on with its Wellington drivers.Chief Operating Officer Jay Zmijewski said the agreement secures a fair and equitable outcome for existing staff and gives NZ Bus greater ability to recruit more full-time drivers."This is a great outcome. We want our drivers to be the best paid and have the best conditions in the industry, and this deal achieves that."We look forward to attracting more drivers to the industry to provide safe and secure public transport services to the people of Wellington."Tramways Union has been approached for comment.Zmijewski acknowledged the role Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) has played in the pay talks."We look forward to partnering with council