TWU organiser says union will "up the ante" against Toll over a dispute involving remuneration for Mackay-based truck drivers
By Brad Gardner | June 27, 2012
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) is threatening “to up the ante” against Toll if it does not act on a demand for Queensland truck drivers to receive a zone allowance.
Organiser Tom Pfund wants drivers at Toll’s NQX Mackay depot to receive an allowance similar to what drivers at Cloncurry, Emerald, Gladstone and Mt Isa are given.
Toll says the allowance is designed to combat high staff turnover due to the mining boom and does not believe it should extend to Mackay.
Pfund says Queensland TWU Secretary Peter Biagini discussed the issue with NQX General Manager Greg Smith where the union was told the matter would be looked at.
A spokesman for Toll has confirmed a discussion took place during regular meetings between the TWU and the company, but denies any commitment was made.
The Toll spokesman says the TWU has presented no evidence to it. He says drivers who move to Cloncurry, Emerald, Gladstone or Mt Isa to live and work will be paid an allowance.
“I find it unbelievable that they can say we’ll give it to NQX in these other places but they don’t see Mackay in the same light,” Pfund says.
“We’re going to up the ante…I’ve been given the green light to go ahead and give them some more stick.”
However, Pfund declined to outline what the union is intending to do.
“We have a plan for Mackay. I’m not saying what it is,” he says.
Pfund previously said in April the TWU may look at working with the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) to publicise its campaign.
“Peter Biagini talked with Greg Smith at length. They [Toll] said they’ll be in touch with you to work out something,” Pfund claims.
He listed the price of renting a home in Mackay as justification for the allowance, saying some members are paying $450 a week for a one bedroom apartment.
The TWU is also ropable mechanics at the Mackay depot received a zone allowance.
In a statement to ATN in April, Toll General Manager of Corporate Affairs Andrew Ethell said a fixed allowance applied to local drivers, yard staff and administration staff working in Toll NQX depots of Cloncurry, Emerald, Gladstone and Mt Isa. Mackay mechanics also received it.
“The allowance helps to combat the traditionally high staff turnover due to the high wages being paid by mining companies in the same areas. The allowance amount varies by zone, and recognises the difficulties faced by businesses in attracting and retaining appropriately qualified staff in those areas,” he said at the time.
