Archive, Industry News

Aramex NSW drivers take industrial action

Drivers have stopped working at Aramex over unfair rates and conditions

Contract carrier drivers at logistics and courier company Aramex are stopping work over unfair conditions and parcel delivery rates in New South Wales.

The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) NSW branch says members at Aramex have taken a stand for fair wages and basic rights.

Aramex couriers deliver for some of Australia’s largest retailers and are currently paid an average of $2.10 per each parcel according to the TWU.

TWU NSW president Tony Matthews visited the drivers protesting against Aramex who were forced to take action following months of discussion with management.

The TWU says Aramex drivers attempted to renegotiate franchisee contracts with Aramex management but couldn’t get them back to the table to discuss fairer rates.

“Aramex’s model is nothing short of modern slavery on wheels,” Matthews says.

“How can this company defend a model that results in couriers working 50 or more hours a week for just a few hundred dollars after costs?”

The TWU says it is the Amazon effect at work, where companies use unregulated platforms such as Amazon Flex to lower pay and conditions across the industry.


RELATED ARTICLE: TWU protests for driver safety in Hobart


These companies then sign contracts with the very companies they’ve been undercutting to deliver Amazon’s packages for them.

The TWU says that Aramex, with a 2020 global revenue of more than $2 billion and a $600 million gross profit, are able to fairly share the profits with drivers, but are unwilling to do so.

“For years, the TWU has been fighting to raise the minimum rate to $40 per hour for drivers in the Fight for 40 campaign,” the TWU says.

“The recent massive victory in the Industrial Relation Commission means courier drivers can finally get access to fair remuneration, which they deserve.”

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