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GO Wellington's decision to lock out more than 300 low wage bus drivers from 5.30am tomorrow morning is a disgraceful act of bullying, says the Wellington Tramways Union.

The lockout comes after union members took a one hour strike action this morning to protest the company's refusal to provide a decent pay increase to drivers who are currently on just $12.72 an hour.

Wellington Tramways Union secretary Kevin O'Sullivan says the company's lockout threat is a clear attempt to intimidate union members into submission.

"GO Wellington's decision to lock out our members after just an hour of strike action is a gross overreaction that is clearly designed to bully our members into backing away from their claims for a fair deal.

"Wellington bus drivers earn close to minimum wage and in recent years have seen their hours cut and their real incomes fall by up to 19%. All we're asking for is a fair wage so we can afford to live decent lives and provide for our families.

"The fact is $12.72 an hour doesn't stretch very far these days, and the company knows the offer they've given us will barely even compensate for recent increases in the cost of housing, petrol and food.

"GO Wellington's decision to lock us out means we are now literally locked out of the workplace without pay until the company decides to let us back, and they know that on the poverty wages they're paying this will hit us and our families hard.

"This is a disgraceful act of bullying against low wage workers but we are determined to stand strong together and fight for decent pay. We hope the public will see this situation for what it is and support us in our actions."

GO Wellington has advised the union that the lockout will begin at 5.30am tomorrow and continue indefinitely.

The lockout notice means GO Wellington can bar union members from the workplace without pay until they submit to the company's demands.