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Petrol spike: Even the Easter Bunny would struggle to deliver
The recent disparity between local and international fuel prices has prompted concerns from transport workers that a petrol price spike during Easter could cripple small businesses delivering goods over the long weekend.
National Secretary of the Transport Worker’s Union Tony Sheldon said when fuel prices are high, the transport industry and in particular, owner-drivers are hardest hit.
“Most people will rest over the long weekend but the transport industry does not stop, they have to keep driving to make sure our goods are delivered on time,
“Drivers are already under extreme pressure to work longer hours and simply don’t have a choice when it comes to filling up.
“Unless the ACCC can take action to restrain this blatant petrol profiteering, these businesses will suffer and eventually consumers will feel the squeeze.
“Our online petition urging the Federal Government to give the ACCC more power to intervene to stop petrol gouging has attracted hundreds of signatures from concerned drivers,” he said.
Sub-contractor and TWU member Michael Evans said he was already working longer hours to recoup the cost of an increased fuel bill.
“It feels like you take one step forward and two steps back every time the oil giants jack up their prices,
“We bear the brunt of the increases because we get paid hour by hour, not a set wage. It basically means more hours on the roads and less time with the family.
“It’d be nice to have a rest, but I’ll have to work through the Easter break in order to maintain my income. Another increase would be a nightmare,” Mr Evans said.
Tony Sheldon said families who depend on their vehicle to run a small business deserved the support of the Federal Government and the ACCC.
“Transport workers are taking home less pay because of these extreme fuel prices so the more they spend on petrol the less they can spend on vehicle maintenance.
“In an industry already plagued by client pressure and safety risks, there is too much at stake to let these unfair increases continue unchecked.
“I doubt the Easter Bunny could afford to deliver his eggs on the long weekend at this rate,” Mr Sheldon said.
Media contact: Maggie Lloyd 0409 025 259
29 March 2007
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