Hordes of underpaid and overworked truck drivers will crawl their rigs through Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth on Sunday.
The Transport Workers’ Union has organised a slow-motion stampede of big rigs to bring state capitals to a snail’s pace as they fight for safer remuneration conditions or “Safe Rates” as they are being called.
Sydney’s Minchinbury, Lane Cove and Port Botany will be the first three strike areas; Webb Dock Drive in Port Melbourne will begin Victoria’s revolt; in Brisbane, trucks will trundle from Larapinta to Murarrie; Adelaide’s version will roll out from 10am local time in Brompton; and in Perth it’ll be a return loop from Glouster Park through the city.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine says drivers are pushing for solutions to the major problems in their industry.
Michael Kaine, TWU.
“Drivers are sick and tired of working hard with long days away from their families and seeing little return for it,” he says.
“They are tired of struggling and watching their businesses go under, and even if they work for good companies they know the risks on the road are great, given that they are only as safe as other drivers on the road are,” Kaine explains.
Drivers are determined to stand up and demand change on Sunday, Kaine continues.
“Many employers and transport industry bodies are supporting us on our day of action because they too are struggling,” he says.
“They are behind us in calling for wealthy retailers, manufacturers and oil companies to pay their way and ensure fairness and safety on the roads,” Kaine adds.
“It’s time to tell the public the truth about what goes on in our industry,” he adds, calling on drivers to bring their truck, van or even their car and, “show the politicians that we mean business and we want change”.
