Press release: National Distribution Union

Thursday, 3 July, 3.10pm

NDU calls for talks on road transport issues

The National Distribution Union is calling for talks between the Government, employer organisations and unions on issues affecting the road transport industry.

The NDU represents truck drivers, and expects many of its members will be encouraged to take part in tomorrow’s planned blockade by their employers.

Karl Andersen, NDU Transport Secretary, says that the industry needs to address its problems in a comprehensive way.

“If the industry is saying that other taxpayers should be subsidising its activities with lower road user charges then it has to be prepared to open all its activities up to scrutiny and debate,” said Mr Andersen.

“Cut throat competition has driven down both wages and owner-operator incomes. Rather than train new people into the industry and pay them decent wages, organisations like the Road Transport Forum want to bring in migrant workers to drive their trucks on the cheap.

“The people hurting most are the truckies – whether on wages or contracts – who can’t pass their rising costs onto their employers or customers.”

ENDS

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