On Tuesday the Transport Workers' Union (TWU) held a protest and blockade in South Fremantle, demanding Aldi end the 'financial squeeze' on transport companies and drivers. The retailer later hit back at the Union, categorically denying suggestions of underpayment and unfair treatment of workers.
The protest saw more than 150 TWU members and supporters block Hampton Road in South Fremantle, outside an ALDI store.
The TWU was demanding the retailer “end the financial squeeze on transport companies and truck drivers, which is leading to deaths on our roads”.
“Aldi needs to take responsibility for what is happening in its supply chain,” said TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon.
“Cutting transport costs and underpaying truck drivers has massive consequences on our roads.
“This financial pressure leads to trucks not being maintained and drivers forced to speed, drive long hours and skip mandatory rest breaks.”
The retailer responded denying claims of unfair treatment and financial pressure placed on drivers, standing by its safety focus.
“ALDI categorically denies any suggestion that Transport Operators are underpaid, or that our drivers are classed as Warehouse Operators and not as drivers,” an ALDI Australia spokesperson said.
“ALDI also denies any suggestion that we place pressure on transport companies or truck drivers to operate unsafely.
“We work with our suppliers to set realistic and safe delivery deadlines, and waiting times at our Distribution Centres are minimal, due to the efficient booking and delivery arrangements we have implemented.”
Sheldon also called out the Federal Government for abolishing the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT), in the process citing ALDI as an example of the “wealthy clients” the tribunal was aimed at holding to account.
“The Federal Government is also to blame for this problem,” he said.
“Last year it tore down an independent tribunal which was holding wealthy clients like Aldi to account for the financial squeeze on transport that kills and injures people.”
ALDI insists transport operators are employed under legal conditions, and says they aren’t pushed to meet deadlines or drive fatigued.
“Drivers do not need to speed to meet deadlines and our rostering arrangements support safe driving hours and sound fatigue management,” an ALDI spokesperson said.
The retailer told Owner//Driver that operators are also given access to a driver trainer and healthy snacks while on the road.
ALDI outlined that it participates in the National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS), adhering to the initiative’s fatigue and maintenance requirements.