Bunkers Breakthrough

• General News
• 2nd March 2012

When the current management took over the reigns at Bunkers Freight Lines they inherited a pay system that can be best described as, “a sick dog’s breakie”.

But to their credit they have worked hard with their drivers and the TWU to clean up the mess.

It’s taken a long time and while we would have liked to have done better there have been some major steps forward.

Bunkers are a major player in Australia’s long distance industry and they needed to become more professional in the way they look after their drivers.

The new three-year agreement with the TWU will help achieve this: Some of its main features include:

Driver classifications: All drivers will be classified according to the relevant grading for the vehicle they drive for the majority of their time at work. This was not happening previously.

Rates of Pay: Transparency in entitlements and increases of at least 10% to rates of pay.

Superannuation: Bunkers will increase their super payments from 9% to 10%. And it will be paid in line with the latest ATO ruling. Not at the Grade 4 base rate as had been the case.

Futile loads: If a driver arrives at work and has to commence a long distance operation, or one that is subsequently cancelled, the driver will be paid a minimum of 4 hours.

Passenger Rates: When drivers are transported as passengers pay rates will increase from $25 up to $120 in some instances.

Schedule of Agreed Distances: We now have a schedule of agreed distances which will be monitored by the Consultative Committee.

Held Over Payments: Drivers will now receive $40 payment to cover meal expenses during the first 24 hours held over away from home. If the driver is held over for an additional 18 hours, he/she will receive payment for 7.6 hours. An additional payment of 7.6 hours will apply to each 24 hour period thereafter.

Moree Transfer: Drivers performing the weekend Moree transfer will be paid $60 for this hold over.

Waiting time: If a driver is kept waiting at a customer’s premises for two hours or more past the scheduled departure time, the driver will be paid waiting time from the commencement of the second hour until departure.

Major Deviations: In the event of a road closure or other traffic matter which results in a deviation in excess of 40km, drivers will receive payment for the additional kilometres travelled.

Living Away From Home Allowance: A payment of $33.42 per occasion when a driver cannot return home and suitable accommodation is not provided by the company.

Security of employment: Bunkers will have to fully utilise company employees before they bring in labour hire or contract labour.

OH&S: The agreement contains a clear outline of the obligations upon employees and the company with respect to health and safety.

Casual Conversion: Casual employees to convert to permanent employment after six months.

Pay Slips: The pay slips will provide more thorough and easily understood detail and will identify ordinary time earnings, overtime and allowances separately.