On 20 June the Transport Workers Union led a vehicle convoy made up of hundreds of trucks, buses and supporters vehicles to the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra to show support for the Federal Government’s commitment to put in place a system of Safe Rates and Conditions for truck drivers.

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Transport Workers Union national secretary, Tony Sheldon, said that truck drivers wanted in place an independent tribunal committed to the road transport industry, so that disputes can be reconciled in an efficient manner.

“The Transport Workers Union, responsible trucking companies and the federal government are coming to an agreement on what a safe and fair payment system for the transport industry should look like and it is now time for action,” Mr Sheldon said.

“The hyper-competitive nature of the industry sees drivers pushed to make a living with no recourse over conditions or rates of pay. Far too often, the only control over the situation a truck driver has is to make up time and their rate of pay through unsafe practices.

“An independent tribunal would allow drivers and companies to come together for conciliation and to get a ruling, and if that tribunal was industry specific, the outcomes would see large improvements in the way the industry is run,” Mr Sheldon said.

The Safe Rates' Advisory Group met with Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard. (see media release - "Safer Road Transport a Step Closer")