After weeks of tough pay negotiations and stop-work action, union truckies at the car carrying business Autocare have got the result they were after.
The Transport Workers’ Union announced today that drivers were back behind the wheel after securing an undisclosed interim pay rise, along with commitments to weekly cost model meetings.
“These wins will keep them safe on the roads and their businesses sustainable,” said Mike McNess, TWU Victoria and Tasmania secretary, in a media statement to Big Rigs.
“These owner-drivers have secured conditions that give them the important power to address operating costs throughout the life of their contract.
“It is outcomes like this that set the benchmark for owner drivers while simultaneously highlighting how overdue and critical regulation is for owner drivers across the country.”
BREAKING: TWU Owner Drivers at Autocare have returned to the back of the wheel following an all out attack on their businesses. After weeks of pain, we are proud each one of these local and interstate members for winning a remarkable outcome. #TWUproud pic.twitter.com/rt8qTRRcY7
— TWU Vic/Tas (@TWUVicTas) May 9, 2022
On April 26 more than 100 Autocare drivers in Queensland and Victoria had parked up and walked off the job to attend urgent stop work meetings following attempts to slash their pay to $1.65 per kilometre.
Drivers said the current rate of $1.70 per kilometre doesn’t meet the costs of their work and were asking for $1.94/km in order to recover costs and pay wages.
The union called on major car brands to stop using the car carrying service until proper pay was secured.