The Transport Workers Union today placed 287 crosses in Martin Place near to mark the 287 deaths from truck crashes that occurred on Australian Roads in the last 12 months.

TWU NSW Secretary, Wayne Forno, said the TWU has been lobbying for a system of safe payments, which allow truck drivers to receive full cost recovery for their work including flexible payments for rising fuel costs, as well as paid waiting times.

“287 deaths have occurred in the 12 months since a landmark National Transport Commission report was released, which stated that payment systems forced drivers into unsafe practices,” Mr Forno said.

“WE have drivers spending upwards of 22 hours a week unpaid waiting to load and unload their goods at the docks of major retailers. They are tired before they hit the road and have to make it up somehow.

“It is forcing drivers to push themselves and that is causing accidents. It is not good enough and has to stop,” Mr Forno said.

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