Truck drivers throughout the nation have taken half in a convoy as they demand higher situations and name for business reform.
Drivers in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and different main and regional cities gathered on Saturday to indicate their solidarity.
The Transport Worker’s Union known as for business reform, citing the collapse of a number of trucking and transport firms, and gig economic system contracts which they are saying place undue stress on drivers.
The union additionally highlighted a spate of driver deaths in latest months.
The TWU described the protest as a “unity ticket” involving employers, business teams, in addition to drivers.
TWU nationwide secretary Michael Kaine mentioned there was “unchecked commercial pressure” from large retailers that was placing trucking firms out of business.
“Scots Transport was a massive company (with) 500 trucks in the middle of retail supply chains but (it) couldn’t keep its head above water,” Mr Kaine informed the ABC on Saturday.
He additionally mentioned there was a necessity for standardised situations for gig employees, who he known as the “heroes” of the pandemic.
“They are being exploited and we need to put standards in place so that they are safe, but so that the industry has fair competition and that is really what today is about,” he mentioned.
Mr Kaine mentioned the business was at “breaking point” after numerous driver deaths.
“People are being slaughtered on our roads under the deadly commercial pressures that lead to unrealistic deadlines, delayed vehicle maintenance, and staying on the road too long,” Mr Kaine mentioned.
He pointed to an important report – entitled Without Trucks, Australia Stops – which was tabled within the Senate two years in the past after a two-year inquiry.
The TWU nationwide secretary accused the Morrison authorities of sitting on the report and urged Anthony Albanese to usher within the laws, having foreshadowed it could quickly be launched.
“Today really is a unity ticket to say to the federal parliament, ‘when that legislation comes before you, sure, do your job reviewing the legislation, but do it quickly, pass this legislation urgently so we can save lives and make this industry more sustainable’,” he mentioned.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
