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Coles drivers to receive fair wages

Coles has been pressured by the Road Safety Remuneration to pay their fair share to ensure safe rates for drivers includes provisions for auditing industry supply chains in the final Tribunal ruling on driver rates.

According to TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine, evidence provided by transport operators showed industry clients, like Coles, are increasing economic pressure on operators and drivers by seeking reductions in the amount paid for transport work.

“Holding clients to account for paying enough to operators so all drivers can be paid safely is a vital part of making sure our industry is safer and fairer. Strong auditing provisions will ensure drivers are paid the correct rate for their work,” Kaine said.

Minimum rates for time spent waiting and queuing at distribution centres will be affected by the Tribunal, as drivers are required to be paid for loading and unloading time in addition to servicing and repairing trucks and trailers.

Transport operators admitted in evidence to the Tribunal that economic pressure in the industry would ease if clients were required under the Order to pay sufficient amounts to ensure drivers are paid according to the rates model.

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