The transport union wants the new government to implement an independent industry tribunal
In the wake of rising fuel prices and the removal of the fuel tax credit, the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) is calling for the establishment of an independent transport tribunal.
The TWU says the industry needs to act after the former federal government slashed the fuel excise in half for all motorists but removed the rebate system, meaning truckies only have a four cents per litre fuel reduction.
The TWU says the decision to remove the fuel tax credit was “a slap in the face” for the transport industry and is calling for members to band together and establish its own independent tribunal.
“Decades of research demonstrates the link between sustainable operating costs and income as well as truckie safety,” the TWU says.
“When truckies’ thin margins are smashed by rising operating costs, the pressure is on to speed, drive fatigued, overload and cut back on truck maintenance to make ends meet.”
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The TWU says truckies need support now and is urging the new federal government to implement an independent body with the power to set enforceable standards such as effective cost recovery for truck drivers.
The union says by holding wealthy supermarkets, oil companies, manufacturers and retailers at the top of supply chain to account for truckies’ operating costs, the industry can save lives and livelihoods.