Gotta watch Ch7 tonight they will do an expose of the trucking industry,
***
(Goondowindi Roadhouse as seen on ABC Lateline), drugs (cigarettes are
still
legal but so many drivers smoke its a disgrace), rock & roll (the
condition
of the roads).
They work (but dont get paid) far too many hours, just like public
hospital
doctors (but they get paid).
Australian Trucking industry was the largest user of AWAs (according to
Howard's watchdog on (un)fair pay), so now we pay for the results of a
system of contracts where employers stipulated transit times with "no
excuse" clauses and fines for late arrivals.
I've now seen two owner driver contracts which stipulated that the truck
must arrive by 6am in an interstate city but no penalty for late departure
caused by the company - the forklift drivers knew this and demand $200 to
get the truck loaded and away on time.
And now the trucking industry wants to bring in Chinese and Korean truck
drivers on 457 visas because they cant find Australian slaves who will
work
for $10 an hour.
