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Road toll expected to increase under new visa
Australia’s roads will become more dangerous, warned National TWU Secretary Tony Sheldon, if the 457 visa is expanded to include truck drivers.
While the 457 visa scheme is not yet open to truck drivers, the Australian Trucking Association is lobbying the Federal Government to extend the program.
Temporary drivers brought in under the program will be paid nearly $20,000 less than the industry average. see site
In such a highly competitive industry, this will force all companies to lower their rates of pay to match those hiring international drivers on 457 visas, which will see more drivers leaving the industry. (There are currently 113,000 Australians with Heavy Vehicle licences who don’t use them)
On Saturday, trade unionists in more than 100 countries remembered those killed in workplace incidents across the world, on the International Day of Mourning, held annually on April 28th.
Last year in New South Wales alone 98 people were killed in truck incidents on the state’s roads.
“The federal government is failing to look after truck drivers who will be expected to work for longer hours and lower pay under the proposed 457 visa,” said Mr Sheldon, “Foreign workers who can be deported will work for less money, meaning safety standards are compromised putting every road user at risk,”.
Mr Sheldon is demanding the Federal government act now, by making all major retailers including Coles introduce a safe rate of pay and taking accountability for everyone transporting groceries.
This is a highly competitive industry, said Mr Sheldon, and safety standards are being reduced to win big business contracts, meaning the carnage on our roads will continue.
Tony Sheldon joined other TWU members and their families at the International Day of Mourning Service, held at Reflection Park, Little Pier Street Darling Harbour tomorrow on April 28th 2007.
Media Contact:
Zoe Arnold (02) 9912 0732 or 0408 463 199
28 April 2007
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