Archive, Industry News

Work diary falsification and truckie underpayment taken to Fair Work

Under an award review focused on the transport industry, the Transport Workers' Union (TWU) has called for a range of changes surrounding unpaid overtime and work diary pressures.

Truck drivers today told the Fair Work Commission about concerns with sub-par payments and pressure to falsify work diaries.

According to the TWU, drivers are also concerned about working 13-hour days but having employers flip them onto a different award during their shift, so they don’t get overtime for any local work.
 
The testimony about chronic underpayment is part of the TWU’s application for changes to the transport awards.
 
“These drivers work hard and they must be paid fairly for all their work,” TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon said.

“Not paying employee drivers undercuts other parts of our industry, including owner drivers.

“This pushing down of pay and rates must stop.”
 
Driver Max Bird gave evidence, reportedly saying the lack of paid overtime is a big problem for drivers.

“I have driven long distance and then do local work,” Mr Bird said.

“Because of this I have been flipped onto a different award.

“My working day can be up to 13 hours but I do not get any overtime for the local work.

“We have families to feed and that’s just not fair.”

“I have been asked by a previous employer not to put down all the time I have spent loading and unloading.

“I have also been asked to do jobs which would push me over the permissible driving hours.

“This is not right and it’s not safe.”
 
The TWU’s has requested the Fair Work Commission offer the following:
 
– Ensure employers give drivers a copy of their safe driving plan, so that drivers can work to a realistic schedule that takes into account rest breaks and time spent loading and unloading.
 
– End the practice where employers can flip drivers onto different transport awards from long-distance to local work to avoid paying overtime
 
– Ensure drivers who relocate trucks are included on the transport awards – and not forced onto minimum wages as currently happens
 
– Refuse NatRoad and AI Group demands to curb meal allowances for drivers
 
– Refuse NatRoad and AI Group demands to stop paying drivers more wages when they perform higher duties

An outcome is expected within the coming months.

Previous ArticleNext Article
Send this to a friend