A Ritchies Transport bus. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSONBus drivers for Ritchies Transport in Dunedin are reporting an increased amount of sick leave taken, as the company grapples with losing contracts, theunderstands. A Ritchies bus driver, who declined to be named, said it had been an incredibly stressful time as drivers waited on whether they would still have a job. The driver said many at Ritchies were long-term contract-holders and were drawing on their sick leave as a protest. In New Zealand, employees are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave per year after six months of continuous employment.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 16, 2026 17:26 UTC