Pressure being placed on road transport companies by the big players has turned into a David vs Goliath battle, says Labour’s Associate Transport spokesperson Darien Fenton.
“Half a dozen tanker drivers employed by Toll have begun picketing BP stations in an attempt to highlight how lowest price contracting manifests itself at the other end with unfair wages and pressure on drivers,” says Fenton.
“While the employment relationship is between Toll and the drivers, BP sets the price and the terms of the contract. In this case, it has resulted in the Toll tanker drivers being paid substantially less than other tanker drivers,” she says.
“This situation plays out day in and day out on New Zealand roads, where transport operators and drivers face unfair rates and struggle to make a living. It also has a more personal impact, with at least one truck related death every week on our roads.
“Labour has been calling for an inquiry into the contracting arrangements, supply chains and remuneration in road transport for some years now.
“It is past time the Government took it seriously.”
The Road Transport Forum CEO Ken Shirley declined the opportunity to comment on the situation to DieselTalk, and we are waiting for a response to questions from BP and Toll Holdings.
