TWU members have been guaranteed a win from the federal government, with Julia Gillard announcing the commitment to a system of Safe Rates.

Safe Rates is about ensuring owner drivers and subcontractors can recoup all costs involved in running their truck, including waiting times and fuel spikes. Safe Rates is also about making the cowboys in the industry accountable for paying their employees good wages and conditions so they cannot undercut TWU members jobs by driving illegal hours and speeding.

The commitment to Safe Rates by the federal government gives momentum to fix the appalling safety record in the heavy vehicle industry, as it is one of the most dangerous professions in Australia, with a high rate of occupational death and injury.

Safe Rates will mean there is no incentive to drive excessive hours, speed or break road laws in order to get a job done. Safe Rates is also about making sure that the people who make the money off your hard work, companies like supermarkets and manufacturers, pay transport operators fair contract prices so they can pass on the increase in conditions