Emergency Fair Work Commission hearing to address skyrocketing fuel costs threatening Australian trucking businesses
Owner drivers, small trucking businesses and transport workers are set to tell the Fair Work Commission tomorrow that they are just “weeks away” from collapse unless fuel costs are urgently addressed.
The hearing, which begins at 10am on Wednesday at the Fair Work Commission in Sydney, comes after the Federal Government passed the Fairer Fuel bill, which steps up emergency enforcement in the road transport sector.
Representatives from the Transport Workers Union (TWU), Australian Road Transport Industry Organization (ARTIO), National Road Transporters Association and affected drivers will speak about the “unprecedented” financial hardship caused by rising fuel prices.
TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said owner drivers, small business owners and gig workers will tell the Fair Work Commission they are “weeks away from going out of business”.
“Motorists who have been in this industry for decades have never seen it this hard. As truck drivers and businesses struggle to hang on, it is critical that we see that fuel costs are being paid by the top tier of the supply chain – retailers, manufacturers and mining giants that are already driving up costs for customers,” Mr. Kaine said.
The emergency application calls on major transport customers, including retailers, manufacturers and mining companies, to conduct weekly fuel reviews linked to Australian Petroleum Institute prices and ensure costs are passed through the supply chain.
The group warned that fuel bills for many operators could rise tens of thousands of dollars above normal by April 21.
ARTIO National Secretary Peter Anderson said transport businesses both small and large were “weeks away from closing shop if they haven’t already”.
“We urgently need to see customers undertake weekly fuel reviews to ensure national supply chains operate sustainably and businesses remain operational,” Mr Anderson said.
The group emphasized that 45 people, including 14 drivers, died in truck accidents this year and that transportation company liquidations increased by 48 percent compared to last year.
Tomorrow’s emergency hearing is expected to reveal the human and economic cost of the fuel crisis; drivers and businesses are seeking emergency intervention to avoid widespread closures.
