The Transport Workers Union has launched a major campaign aimed at improving pay and conditions for North West truck drivers.

"A lot of drivers on North West routes are being ripped off," said TWU state secretary Jim McGiveron.

"There are many small to medium companies that are cutting the guts out of the industry by underpaying their employees.

"They aren't paying overnight allowances or meal allowances, casual loadings, they're not paying super.

"And a lot of them don't even have their drivers covered for workers compensation.

"Big resources projects such as Gorgon and Pluto at Karratha are providing us with an excellent window of opportunity to sort a few things out.

"We aim to strike while the iron's hot.

"I have assigned two organisers - John Cain and Mick Connolly to the campaign. 

They've been spending a lot of time at Karratha which is currently the boom town of the West.

John can be contacted on 0417 953 642. Or call Mick on 0419 852 438.

The two men have spoken to hundreds of workers up there and many of them have joined the TWU.

We have already been able to sort out quite a few underpayment issues and are also focusing on improving amenities for drivers.

There will be a major feature on the North West situation in the next edition of The Wheel magazine.