Bus strike looms after vote by Adelaide*s SouthLink drivers (ABC)

Some Adelaide bus drivers have voted to strike next week but the South Australian Government is keen to mediate to settle the issue.

The Transport Workers Union says SouthLink drivers have voted for a 24-hour strike over their pay and conditions claim.

The union says drivers voted by text message over the weekend and 75 per cent backed industrial action, either on Tuesday or Wednesday next week.

The union has had lengthy negotiations with bus operators over issues of wages and driver security.

Union official Ian Gonsalves says there is a chance the action might be timed to disrupt the Royal visit to Elizabeth in northern Adelaide on Wednesday next week.

"That's just the way it goes, if that's the day that we've picked so be it. If they get tied up in that well we're sorry but that's the most important thing for us," he said.

Deputy Premier John Rau says it is time the parties returned to the negotiating table and he has offered to mediate.

"If they are unable to be grown-up enough to sit down together and have a chat about this and nut it out I'm happy to talk with them as some sort of mediator if that would be of any assistance, but that's purely in the event that they aren't able to do it themselves, but I sincerely hope they are," he said.

Mr Gonsalves says the union is prepared to meet SouthLink management and Mr Rau on Wednesday.

"It's more for conditions than pay and that's the big sticking block at the moment," he said.

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