Truck Drivers Need Relief from Cost of
Fuel
The Transport Workers Union has today announced that it will seek
changes through the Industrial courts to allow for cost recovery for
owner-drivers in the transport industry.
TWU Secretary Tony Sheldon: “There is a need for owner drivers to
receive cost recovery because of the extraordinary spike in the cost of
fuel.
“Simply put, the safety of all drivers and every other road user is being
put at risk because of the cost of fuel.
“We have already seen 228 people lose their lives in heavy vehicle
incidents in the last financial year, and the extreme rises in fuel costs will
only lead to further carnage on our roads.
“As the price of fuel sky rockets, drivers are forced to absorb these costs
and that means they will not be able to afford to safely maintain their
vehicles and have to spent more time on the road just to make ends
meet.”
The TWU will be putting an application to the NSW Industrial Relations
Commission to allow for owner-drivers right across the industry to receive
a fuel levy to be paid for by the principal employer. This will be directly
linked to the cost of fuel and will allow drivers to recoup the costs of fuel.
“Drivers need a system of safe enforceable rates that allows for cost
recovery. This will ensure that the economic pressure on drivers is
relieved and it is the transport clients – the major retailers like Coles and
Woolworths who are held responsible for the spikes in fuel prices.
Owner-driver Paul Dewberry, who has over 20 years in the industry
believes that this plan will begin to relieve the pressure on drivers
currently hurting from the cost of fuel.
“The cost of fuel is getting out of control and we are seriously considering
whether we can stay in business. I know guys who are losing money
simply because of the rising costs”, said Mr Dewberry.
“This change would go towards helping drivers deal with the impacts of
the rising cost of fuel. This is about being able to stay in business,
operate safely and provide for our families.”
The TWU will tonight host a mass meeting of owner drivers to discuss the
ongoing campaign of safe rates for drivers to relieve the pressure on
drivers caused by the soaring cost of fuel.
Media contact Josh McIntosh 0408 463 199
24 June 2008
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