TWU TO CONTINUE PROSECUTING ROGUE TRANSPORT
OPERATORS
Transport Workers Union of New South Wales State Secretary, Tony Sheldon, has made clear that the TWU will continue to pursue rogue transport operators who put all road users in danger by breaking the law and underpaying their staff.
TWU State Secretary Tony Sheldon said:
"The TWU has a responsibility and an obligation to our members and to every other road user in this state to ensure that rogue transport companies do not break the law.
"The union has the legal right under OH&S laws to inspect the records of transport operators and principal employers/clients who are suspected of breaking the law.
"An ongoing investigation into a north coast NSW transport operator has uncovered at least 400 breaches of driving hours between January and June 2007.
"This investigation was initiated as a result of a complaint by a family member of a suicide victim who believed that excessive driving hours, and the associated drug usage, to meet unreasonable demands from clients/principal employers was a reason for their death.
"These breaches are a threat to every single person who shares the road with these rogue transport companies.
That's why there is an urgent need for the creation of a tripartite body,
represented by government, industry and unions, to enforce the laws,
complement the work of the TWU's Training, Education & Industrial Right Fund
and all other (limited) positive initiatives already occurring in the transport
industry from governments and responsible employers.
"The lives of too many families have been destroyed as a direct result of heavy
vehicle incidents."
In the financial year 2006/2007 there were 228 fatalities resulting from heavy
vehicle incidents across Australia. Furthermore, in 2006 there were 1203 injuries
in NSW alone as a result of heavy vehicle industry.
"That's why we won?ft be deterred from this important work by person/s peddling
false allegations in an attempt to shakedown the Union for personal gain."
Media Inquiries Josh McIntosh 0408 463 199.
16 March 2008
|
PROTECTING AUSSIE JOBS 
