Fine for trucking firm prompts calls for better protections
Fine for trucking firm prompts calls for better
driver protections
A significant fine
handed down to a truck operator this week has prompted calls
for the government to better regulate truckies’ working
conditions, and to stop blocking a UN protocol on long work
hours.
This week Dibble Transport was
fined $21,000 in the Te Awamutu District Court after
admitting its drivers broke laws regarding hours of work and
rest breaks.
FIRST Union represents workers in
transport and logistics, including truck drivers, and its
General Secretary Robert Reid said that this week’s court
decision reinforced the need for action on truck driver
safety.
“Many truck drivers are owner-operators
and their margins are constantly squeezed, leading them to
take risks and compromise the safety of themselves and
others on the road.”
“New Zealand needs to
follow Australia’s lead, which last year brought in
stronger laws to make sure truck drivers do not have
remuneration-related incentives to work in an unsafe
manner.”
Robert Reid welcomed comments this week
by Road Transport Forum CEO Ken Shirley that fatigue was a
core issue for drivers.
“New Zealanders work some
of the longest hours in the world. Fatigue is the silent
killer and maimer of workers across many industries,
including very dangerous ones such as road transport and
forestry.”
Robert Reid said the union was
disappointed to
hear this week that the government was unwilling to
consider maximum work hours rules to improve workplace
safety, despite a call 8 months ago from the United Nations
for this.
“Action on long hours and fatigue is
desperately needed, and we are calling on Acting Labour
Minister Chris Finlayson to reconsider the New Zealand
government’s stance on this issue,” Robert Reid
said.
ENDS