Truck drivers are planning a national strike if demands for changes to new transport reforms are not met by the federal government. Drivers from NSW, Victoria and Queensland will take action from midnight on July 27.
Truck drivers are planning a national strike if demands for changes to new transport reforms are not met by the federal government. Drivers from NSW, Victoria and Queensland will take action from midnight on July 27.
The strike has been prompted by a number of road law reforms adopted by the federal government. The new National Transport Plan and Policy Framework include tougher penalties for driver fatigue and increases in registration charges. The laws will require replacing log books with "work diaries" and will increase the costs for professional drivers significantly.
"The unprecedented fuel prices we are facing at the moment [are] adding unimaginable hardship to many in the transport industry", organiser Mick Patell wrote on the Southern Cross Party blog. "[Then you have to] add the new registration charges, fuel excise increases and driving hours regulation."
Drivers will also be campaigning for a wage rise, calling for the current $1.66 per km Brisbane to Melbourne wage to be increased to $2.45 per km.
Patell estimates 70% of workers will take part in the action.
Demands include rolling back new demerit point penalties, unfair driving hours regulations and implementing improved safety measures. Pattel said the truck drivers were prepared to continue the shutdown until all their demands are met.