The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has released what it calls alarming new evidence from a survey of more than 950 truck drivers across the country that graphically highlights the pressures in Australia’s most dangerous industry and points the finger squarely at big retailers like Coles.
TWU national secretary was speaking on the publication of the 2012 Safe Rates Survey, which was conducted at truck stops, yards, depots and distribution centres across the country, as well as online.
“Road transport is the backbone of Australia and without truckies on the road the shelves would be empty, the petrol pumps dry and the minerals still underground. Truckies are proud of the job they do but the Safe Rates Survey sheds light on an industry where drivers are pushed to edge and beyond by big bullies like Coles.”
Some of the key results to emerge from the survey include:
40% of drivers in the Coles supply chain have delayed truck maintenance because of economic pressures. 73% of drivers carting for Coles said that Coles and other retailers are the major cause of dangerous pressures in the industry. 47% of drivers surveyed are aged 50 years old or older, reflecting the serious aging issues in the industry and the problems attracting young people into an industry with such pressures.
Tony Sheldon said: “These results reinforce what truckies are saying every day and what the research is telling us- it’s the big retailers that are responsible for the squeeze on truckies and Coles are the most ruthless. Coles want their goods delivered for the lowest price no matter what. But when you squeeze truckies day in and day out, forcing them to meet impossible deadlines and paying them dangerously low rates, you have a recipe for disaster. The results of this lethal squeeze are all too apparent – with hundreds of people tragically killed and thousands more injured each year in truck crashes.”
Craig Ballinger, an owner-driver from Western Australia who completed the Safe Rates Survey commented: “It’s the likes of Coles who have so much control over Transport Workers’ Union the industry that are pressuring truckies to push or even break their limits. They’re making the industry more dangerous for everyone.”
Mr Sheldon said: “Coles should be working with truckies and the road transport industry to improve conditions and safety on our roads. Instead they are focused solely on their bottom line and, together with their lobby groups, they are attempting to undermine any progress taken to improve the lot of truck drivers, such as the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal.
“If Coles is willing to come to the table and offer some farmers a fair go then it’s past time they did the same for truckies. These survey results show the scale of pressures in the industry and the sooner Coles choose to act, the sooner we can tackle the carnage on our roads and make sure that truckies get a fair go.”
Survey results
More than 950 truck drivers completed the 2012 Safe Rates Survey at truck stops, depots and distribution centres right across the country as well as online. 73% drivers carting for Coles said Coles and other retailers are the major cause of dangerous pressures in the road transport industry. 40% of drivers carting for Coles have felt economic pressure from Coles to such an extent that either they or their company have had to delay vehicle maintenance. Drivers carting for Coles also said: 46% feel pressure to skip breaks. 31% feel pressure to exceed safe driving hours. 28% feel pressure to speed. 26% feel pressure to carry overweight loads. 11% feel pressure to take stimulants to stay awake. 24% had to wait more than 11 hours when loading and unloading the truck. 32% were not paid for hours spent waiting to load and unload. Almost half (46.29%) of the drivers completing the survey are 50 years old or older. This reflects the serious aging issues in the industry and the problems with attracting young people into an industry with such pressures. (163)
