The TWU and ARTIO, which represents transport employers, will apply to the Fair Work Commission to shield gig workers, owner drivers and transport businesses from surging fuel prices, by requiring transport clients to pay for increases.
Drivers and transport companies already running on razor-thin margins cannot afford to absorb the huge increases in fuel costs, and struggle to recover those costs from their clients. After years of extensive industry consultation on how to deal with increasing industry pressure in road transport, the TWU and ARTIO's application will encourage industry clients and gig companies to provide meaningful relief for drivers, gig workers and transport businesses.
Previous fuel crises have shown dangerously low profit margins pressure drivers and transport businesses to delay vital vehicle maintenance, stay on the road longer and take fewer breaks to make ends meet. Already this year, 24 people have died in truck crashes on Australian roads, including 7 truck drivers.
In the last financial year, 734 transport businesses went under - a 48% increase from the year before.
Without action, as well as the increased risk of deaths on our roads and business insolvencies, critical freight tasks involving delivery of essential items including groceries, or the performance of critical services such as waste removal, will be deeply impacted.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said:
"Gig workers, owner-drivers and transport operators are being squeezed by rising fuel prices. If they can't pass those on to clients with healthier balance sheets, that increases deadly pressure to delay vital vehicle maintenance, push longer hours and skip breaks.
"Transport already suffers from razor thin margins and safety is the first thing put under strain. We need transport clients to step up and be part of the solution to keep our critical supply chains running safely and sustainably. This keeps both drivers and the public safe on our roads.
ARTIO Secretary Peter Anderson said:
"This application to the Fair Work Commission encourages the whole industry to share the burden of sky-rocketing fuel costs, rather than shunting it on to those at the bottom of the chain. It brings together workers, transport companies, gig platforms and transport clients to drive a fair solution for all."
