TWU Secretary Wayne Forno said that the Union is leading the campaign for safe rates.
“I am sick of seeing people in our industry killed because of the pressure drivers are put under from clients. We need to make a stand on safe rates now,” said Mr Forno.
The Summit meets amidst a safety crisis in road transport industry that claimed 281 people in 2008. Last year a National Transport Commission report determined that excessive client power and poor pay and conditions for truck drivers were a major cause of the high levels of deaths and injuries on Australian roads.
The report found that a Safe Rates system, which included industry clients and could enforce minimum rates and conditions for employees and owner-drivers, was necessary to begin addressing the epidemic of death and destruction plaguing Australian roads.
Key Summit Speakers include:
* Senator Mark Arbib – Federal Minister For Employment Participation
* Professor Michael Quinlan – University of New South Wales
* Professor Mike Belzer – Wayne State University, Michigan, USA
Other attendees include NSW Minister for Roads, Michael Daley, Senator David Feeney, Senator Glen Sterle, Secretary of the ACTU, Jeff Lawrence, Secretary of Unions NSW, Mark Lennon, CEO of the National Transport Commission, Nick Dimopolous and senior personnel from industry and clients.
TWU National Secretary, Tony Sheldon, said that “evidence will be discussed about stimulant abuse in the industry due to client pressure. It is a clear indication that too many industry clients are pressuring transport companies and drivers through the hyper-competitive nature of the industry.”
“The need for a safe rates system is urgent. With over 280 people perishing on our roads, this summit is the start of the reform process so necessary if we are to make our roads safe for all who use them.”
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Media contact: Seth Tenkate 0408 463 199.