Trucking is one of Australia's deadliest industry - 330 people are killed each year. As well as the untold human cost - trucking related accidents and deaths cost the economy over $2.7 billion every year.
A 2011 survey carried out by the TWU showed that:
- 48 per cent of drivers report almost one day a week in unpaid waiting time
- For delivery drivers this increases to more than 10 hours a week
- An alarming 56 per cent of owner-drivers have had to forego vehicle maintenance because of economic pressure
- 27 per cent of drivers felt they had to drive too fast
- Nearly 40 per cent felt pressured to drive longer than legally allowed as a result of client pressure
The government’s decision to introduce this legislation will mean an independent tribunal will be established, which will determine and maintain enforceable rates and related conditions for truck drivers and create binding obligations, as necessary, on transport supply chain participants such as Coles.