EMERGENCY FUEL LIFELINE MUST BE REINSTATED TO DELIVER RELIEF TO TRANSPORT INDUSTRY
With drivers and transport operators once more pushed to the brink by soaring fuel prices, the TWU is calling for the reinstatement of a lapsed emergency order to provide a lifeline to the industry, with a hearing in the Fair Work Commission today set to decide.
The order, which remained in place until diesel prices fell below $2 a litre for a short period across June and July this year, required clients of transport—retailers, manufacturers and mining companies—at the top of the supply chain to conduct fortnightly fuel reviews and pay enough for owner drivers and transport businesses to cover skyrocketing fuel prices.
It was the first order of its kind under laws passed by the Albanese government, which were amended in April to allow for emergency orders in the midst of the fuel crisis.
It was also the first time transport clients had been held to enforceable standards for the transport services they use to cart their goods.
With fuel prices now soaring again, and diesel in some areas almost $3 a litre, the transport industry is urgently calling for the order to be reinstated to provide a lifeline to thousands of owner drivers and transport operators struggling to keep business going.
TWU national Secretary Michael Kaine said:
“Earlier this year the transport industry saw an historic lifeline that enabled them to keep their wheels turning and supply chains going. With diesel costs now ratcheting up again, it’s critical this lifeline is reinstated so drivers and transport operators can continue their vital work without being worried whether they can pay their next fuel bill.
“The Fair Work Commission has recognised that the top of the supply chain—wealthy retailers, mining giants and manufacturers—should pay its fair share for skyrocketing fuel costs.
“Many responsible clients in the industry have already stepped up and made sure the transport companies and drivers carting their goods are paid enough to cover these soaring fuel prices. But we must ensure this is carried across to the whole industry to ensure all parts of the supply chain remain sustainable and viable.”
Notes
– The TWU, as well as peak transport employer body ARTIO, and NRFA, jointly called for action to assist drivers and transport operators:
March 15: Initially called on Fair Work Commission to urgently bring the transport industry together
March 23: Then called on Federal Government to pass laws to allow urgent Fair Work Commission orders in road transport, to expedite the process
April 2: Once laws were passed, TWU and ARTIO (supported by NRFA) made an emergency application in FWC to call for fuel costs to be paid by the retailers, manufacturers and mining companies at the top of the supply chain, calling on Workplace Relations Minister Amanda Rishworth to use new emergency powers to expedite the process
April 7: Minister Rishworth makes declaration to allow process to be expedited as an emergency application
April 20: Fair Work Commission makes emergency order