Former truck drivers and TWU members will stage protests against supermarket giant in four states
July 24, 2012
Former truck drivers will come out of retirement tomorrow to wage a new campaign against supermarket giant Coles over the influence it exerts on the supply chain.
Organised by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the campaign will target Coles stores in Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney.
Drivers will hand out flyers accusing Coles of using its economic power to drive down safety standards in the transport industry and to squeeze its suppliers.
“The transport industry’s the backbone of the economy. Coles is making it so hard on drivers that too many drivers now say they wouldn’t recommend it to their kids. We’re taking this action to turn that around,” retired truck driver Peter Cooley says.
ATN has sought comment from Coles.
The union will hold its Sydney rally on George Street at 9.30am. The Brisbane protest will take place at Coles New Farm at 9.30am, with action to kick off in Melbourne at 11am on Elizabeth Street.
The TWU says a protest will be held at 9am outside Coles Welland on Port Road in Adelaide.
