Thousands of Auckland commuters will have to find an alternative way to work this morning

NZ Bus has suspended drivers without pay after they refused to collect fares, in a push for better pay and working conditions.

Thousands of routes will be cancelled, affecting about 70-thousand people.

First Union transport secretary Jared Abbott says it's also hard for the drivers, who won't be paid until a resolution is reached.

He says the people deciding to suspend these drivers aren't showing any empathy with the position they're in.

Jared Abbott hopes a resolution can be reached soon.