NEWCASTLE GETS BEHIND 20 JUNE TRUCK CONVOY TO CANBERRA TO STOP ROAD DEATHS
Newcastle truck drivers are leading the local community in rallying
behind the TWU Convoy to Canberra for Safe Rates on 20 June, following
reports that 431 people died in truck crashes in 18 months.
Newcastle and Central Coast truck drivers will join the convoy to Canberra and have spoken out in support of Safe Rates, urging the wider Hunter community to get behind the cause.
“431 people died on Australian roads in 18 months in truck crashes,” said TWU State Secretary Wayne Forno.
“This is a national tragedy. If this was the mining industry there would be a royal commission into these deaths. These are hard working people with families – and no one should have to die to make a living.
“Deaths in the transport industry make up 25% of all workplace deaths.
“We call for change now – for Safe Rates of pay in road transport to be legislated federally and enforced throughout the supply chain: from the head of the chain of responsibility – eg large corporate Client – to the end of the supply chain where multiple levels of contracting out at lowest cost with no safe rate lead to truck drivers being pushed to their limits, ‘dying to earn a living’ and unsafe roads for everybody.
“Safe rates must be legislated urgently – for the sake of the whole community. This will make the road safer for everybody.”
The Federal Government via Industrial Relations Minister Julia Gillard are in support of Safe Rates -however the time has come to make sure urgent action is taken now for the sake of the whole community to bring this legislation in. “We urge Federal Parliament to support Safe Rates now for the sake of all Australians who use our roads,” Mr Forno said.
The TWU is leading a truck Convoy to Canberra on Sunday 20 June to call on the Federal Parliament to urgently implement Safe Rates now.
The Convoy is a family friendly community event and everybody is invited to Canberra to show their support. There will be activities for the kids, and a BBQ at the rally.
For more information on Safe Rates and Convoy to Canberra visit www.nswtwu.org.
“431 people died on Australian roads in 18 months in truck crashes,” said TWU State Secretary Wayne Forno.
“This is a national tragedy. If this was the mining industry there would be a royal commission into these deaths. These are hard working people with families – and no one should have to die to make a living.
“Deaths in the transport industry make up 25% of all workplace deaths.
“We call for change now – for Safe Rates of pay in road transport to be legislated federally and enforced throughout the supply chain: from the head of the chain of responsibility – eg large corporate Client – to the end of the supply chain where multiple levels of contracting out at lowest cost with no safe rate lead to truck drivers being pushed to their limits, ‘dying to earn a living’ and unsafe roads for everybody.
“Safe rates must be legislated urgently – for the sake of the whole community. This will make the road safer for everybody.”
The Federal Government via Industrial Relations Minister Julia Gillard are in support of Safe Rates -however the time has come to make sure urgent action is taken now for the sake of the whole community to bring this legislation in. “We urge Federal Parliament to support Safe Rates now for the sake of all Australians who use our roads,” Mr Forno said.
The TWU is leading a truck Convoy to Canberra on Sunday 20 June to call on the Federal Parliament to urgently implement Safe Rates now.
The Convoy is a family friendly community event and everybody is invited to Canberra to show their support. There will be activities for the kids, and a BBQ at the rally.
For more information on Safe Rates and Convoy to Canberra visit www.nswtwu.org.