The Transport Worker Union has had a significant win in NSW today that will see couriers receive enforceable pay rises between 36 and 46 per cent over three years and further protections - including for Amazon flex drivers in a world first.
The TWU led industry wide consultation with ARTIO, Ai Group and the NSW Business Chamber, and major transport companies such as FedEx, Global Express and Toll, that resulted in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission determining that owner-drivers of vans with a carrying capacity between 1.5 and 3 tonnes will be entitled to an enforceable rate of $43.74 an hour.
Amazon Flex drivers are also captured in the ruling and for the first time will be entitled to an enforceable rate of $37.80 an hour. It's a world first that Amazon Flex drivers in NSW will have enforceable rates of pay along with rights to dispute resolution, union representation and collective bargaining.
This win comes off the backs of thousands of couriers who fought for years on the Fight for 40 campaign, and is a momentous achievement for couriers, their families and road safety.
Vehicle operating costs have skyrocketed in recent years but pay hasn't changed, leaving some drivers earning below minimum wage after costs. Today's decision is the first significant pay rise many drivers have had in 15 years.
Quotes attributable to ACTU Secretary Sally McManus:
"Gig economy employers have been put on notice today - Australians will not tolerate his business model that relies on poverty wages and worker exploitation.
"While today's decision is a substantial win in NSW, the national crisis will remain unless the Morrison Government takes a stand and regulates the gig economy to ensure that workers have basic rights.
"Today's decision will be the first significant pay rise that many drivers have seen in 15 years, over which time operating costs have increased dramatically, leaving many drivers earning below minimum wage.
"The TWU are the first workers in the world to win the right for Amazon Flex workers to have enforceable rates of pay along with rights to dispute resolution, union representation and collective bargaining - they have shown that workers standing together can take on the biggest companies in the world."
