I'd like to make it clear that the TWU has no axe to grind with those small fleet-owners who employ drivers and pay them their full entitlements.
We know there are good operators out there who try hard to do the right thing. Some of these people are respected members of our union.

However, we receive far too many complaints from drivers who are being badly exploited by fleet-owners

Drivers are being ripped off in many ways:

• No award pay rates and overtime.
• No superannuation contributions made to a complying fund.
• No meal allowances, overnight allowances, shift loadings, etc.
• No workers compensation cover as required by law.

Often, the offending fleet-owner gets away with the rip-offs because the underpaid driver fears for his job and doesn't want to be named.
However, as part of sweeping changes to our industrial laws the TWU will be able to inspect the records of any employer - even if their employees are not union members.

The employee will not have to put themselves in the firing line by revealing they have complained to the union.
These new laws will help us flush out fleet-owners who have been able to undercut good operators by underpaying drivers.

If we suspect underpayments we will simply make application to inspect the time and wages record of the employer (fleet-owner).
And after offenders have been taken to court and dealt with we will publish details of their convictions and penalties.