Union leader describes the state market as 'the wild west', with contractors routinely ripping off owner drivers
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has called on the NSW government to investigate the state’s tip truck industry.
It says the sector is under-regulated, and rife with small contractors and subcontractors “phoenixing” their company assets into new entities to avoid existing debts and liabilities.
President of the union’s tip truck owner driver section Phil Ramondino says the issues are translating into safety concerns for drivers and other road users.
“Sub-contractors phoenixing their companies to avoid paying owner drivers is commonplace and it’s causing chaos in the industry,” he says.
“When guys don’t get paid for the work they do, they are forced by intense economic pressure to take jobs at rock bottom rates.
“This is leading to unsafe practices like overloading, speeding and trucks not being properly maintained.”
TWU state secretary Michael Aird is urging the state government to investigate practices across the market.
“We need the state government to shine a light into this industry by launching an urgent review of tip truck industry regulations and safety,” he says.