TRUCKIES TAKE ACTION OVER FUEL
210 heavy vehicles, and many small cars, today participated in an F3 “GO SLOW” protest over the rising cost of fuel.
Transport Workers Union NSW and National Secretary Tony Sheldon said:
“Drivers are being pushed longer and harder by transport clients and the recent explosion in fuel costs are hitting transport companies and owner drivers hard.
“Drivers continue to fight for national legislation that allows for a system of safe enforceable rates and cost recovery from the major retailers.
“Drivers are currently having to absorb the spikes in fuel prices. A system of cost recovery would allow drivers to safely maintain their vehicles and spend less time on the roads.
“The major retailers like Coles and Woolworths increase the costs of goods for every member of the public and use the rising fuel costs as an excuse, yet this money isn’t passed down the transport chain to the drivers.
“This is an important issue for every motorist. This action is about ensuring that we have safer roads for truck drivers and other road users.”
| Alan Jones speaks about the Go-Slow |
 |
 |
 |
The transport industry is already a shockingly tough industry with 228 people losing their lives in the last financial year as a result of heavy vehicle incidents.
With rates of pay in the transport industry spiralling down by 5.6% last year (ABS, non-unionised transport sector) and owner drivers struggling against client pressures this is about protecting road users.
Owner driver Phil Greenwood from Sydney, has been in the industry for 20 years and has three children:
“This latest fuel spike is literally pushing us over the edge.
“We are already operating in a hyper-competitive environment with very low margins without having to worry about paying for these fuel hikes.
“I’m not asking for anything special. This is about getting the clients who we deliver goods for to carry some of the burden so that I can keep a safe vehicle on the road and keep my business afloat.
“I hope that all the motorists who we inconvenience tomorrow understand that we are taking these action for our own safety and the safety of others on our roads.”
Media contact Josh McIntosh 0408 463 199
1 July 2008
| 
