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TWU takes swipe at ATA again over RSRT

Sheldon takes yet another opportunity to go on attack national body

 

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has unleashed another broadside at the Australian Trucking Association over ‘safe rates’.

In what is becoming a regular blast against the organisation that is supposed to represent the industry as a whole nationally, TWU national secretary lumped the ATA with NatRoad and cast both as employer stooges.

The vituperation began in earnest when the ATA backed the federal government’s abolition of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT).

But the latest invective was hung on the ATA and NatRoad backing the National Transport Commission (NTC) option that would see an immediately grounding of heavy vehicles if they are caught driving 15km/h or more above the speed limit.

“These employer groups are disingenuous and hypocritical,” Sheldon says.

 “For years, the TWU has highlighted the appalling pressure forced upon truck drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines. Yet, NatRoad and ATA have been conspicuous in their silence.

“Economic pressure in the trucking industry has contributed to 2,548 deaths on Australian roads in a decade.  

“The one mechanism that could address this economic pressure was the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal.

“NatRoad and ATA aided and abetted the Liberals as they pulled the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal apart.

“Enforcement of laws on our roads is important. But to make this industry safer we must address the root cause of why truck drivers are racing to meet a deadline.”

An ATA response has been sought.

 

 

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