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Toll and ALC reinforce RSRT message

Company and representative body underline their opposition to measure

 

Toll and the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) have move to tackle any perception that they have backed the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT) or its ‘safe rates’ remuneration order.

And the ALC has flagged a campaign to urge MPs and senators to back the Road Safety Remuneration Act’s repeal.

After large logistics firms came under sustained negative media commentary on their relationship with the TWU, Toll sought to remind observers it had “urged the Tribunal not to make any order in the Long Distance sector.

“Many of the issues highlighted in our submissions are now being echoed by other operators large and small.”

It went on to recount its opposition to the tribunal when it was in its formative stages during the Gillard government.

“The issues being discussed now are the same ones Toll raised in 2010 and 2011 at the time the RSRT was being setup,” the company’s statement, which notes its involvement in seeking a delay in the Federal Court, reads.

“This Order brings those issues to the surface; it appears simple, but leaves open a maze of complexity that will not easily be implemented by Toll, let alone smaller companies.

“We have continued to make that argument since 2010 and it appears in our most recent submission.

“On the road, overly complex regulation is an impediment to safety.

“We strongly believe Owner-Drivers are no less entitled to legal protection against unconscionable conduct by those with more market power than any other worker.

“In addition, Toll believes that the RSRT minimum rates order is not a fair outcome for the industry and that it would cause significant issues for transport firms of all sizes.

“The order sets minimum rates which are far above that required to provide a fair and sustainable safety net.

“There are too many variables in long distance transport for this to be financially viable for big and small companies alike – this is not a space that can be served by a one-size fits all approach. While disagreeing with it, in light of yesterday’s Federal Court decision, we will of course use our best endeavours to follow the law and implement the order.”

Both pointed to other means of ensuring safety that would be less disruptive and more efficient than the RSRO if enforced rigorously, including chain of responsibility (COR).

Toll also pointed to mandatory telematics, or ‘black boxes’ in all heavy vehicles, with live reporting back to base.

Linfox has been approached for a response.

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