Public relations is all about getting the right message out at the right time.

A missive from Mana Coach Services was dumped on Private Bin recently – 'Warnings for union,' its stern headline declared.

That dramatic declaration made Private Bin sit up and take notice.

The union, the press release spouted, had lost the trust of the bus company.

What the press release DIDN’T say is that the bus company had lost a case it took to the Employment Relations Authority against the New Zealand Tramways Union.

While the ERA did suggest the union was being a bit dodgy, it didn’t actually do anything wrong, per se.

Costs are reserved. Generally that means the guy who brought the claim (the buses) will have to pay the other guy.

That’s gotta smart.