THE FURORE around the
planned national truck shutdown by owner driver groups has been ratcheted up to the next level, with unions warning of legal action if any drivers suffer losses from the action.
According to the
Australian Trucking Association (ATA), the organisers of the industrial action circulated an email stating the Australian Long Distance Owners & Drivers Association (ALDODA) would not take responsibility for the safety of drivers who defy the shutdown.
The email allegedly warned some drivers would be targeted if they drove during the action.
According to the ATA, industrial action organisers had a moral imperative to ensure its actions did not lead to violence. The
Victorian Transport Association (VTA) has also decried the ALDODA’s actions.
It further warned the fringe association of the potential for legal pursuit of damages if transport companies suffered losses because of illegal actions. It cited the legal right of drivers and businesses to go about their daily business without hindrance, intimidation or harassment.
The association urged owner-drivers to work with customers and contractors to review contracts and fuel levies, while rejecting outright any
attempts to lower the safety laws for truckers.
