Commuter chaos expected as 1500 bus drivers strike across Melbourne

Melbourne commuters are being warned to brace for severe disruptions today when 1500 bus drivers stop work for 24 hours over pay and conditions.

The industrial action comes as the Transport Workers Union negotiates new bargaining agreements with two of the state's leading public transport operators, Ventura and Dyson.

The 24-hour strike beginning Friday will affect Melbourne's eastern, southern and north-eastern suburbs, including some school buses and routes that service schools which may not operate.

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However, all Department of Education specialist school buses and night buses will operate on schedule, as will regional services.

TWU Victoria and Tasmania Branch secretary Mike McNess said drivers were seeking improved conditions and fair wage increases.

"We have a situation where two major bus operators in Victoria have shut the door in the face of loyal bus drivers who the Victorian public rely on," he said.

"The operators' refusal and inaction on important improvements to work-life balance and fair working conditions tells these bus drivers that their working conditions are not important to the operators."

McNess said drivers were forced to make the "tough decision" to withdraw their services.

All services affected can be found here.