Frustrated truck drivers have put the Andrews government on notice, giving it one week to fix the state’s soaring diesel fuel prices.
Victorian Tippers United has threatened to go on strike next Monday, which would disrupt work on infrastructure projects like the West Gate Tunnel and level-crossing removals.
The state government’s cost model pays tip-truck drivers $1.40 a litre, but diesel prices have risen above $2, with tipper owner-drivers expected to absorb the cost.
They also arexjmtzywn’t paid a fuel levy, with VTU secretary Luke McCrone telling the Herald Sun on Monday that owner-drivers are being left with “poverty wages”.
“Once fuel, maintenance and repayments are factored in, owner-drivers are left with as little as $100 per day,” Mr McCrone said.
“It is difficult to understand how a Labor government could condemn workers to building government infrastructure with poverty wages.”
VTU wants the state government to change its cost model or bring in a diesel levy, while it also wants to meet with Transport Industry Council, which sets the rates paid to drivers.
If the issue is not fixed by next Monday, the union will go on strike.
Mr McCrone said at least 300 members would assemble around Melbourne and drive in convoys towards parliament, stopping the transportation of dirt, rock and contaminated soil from construction sites.
“We expect that a prolonged stoppage will cause significant disruptions on major infrastructure projects across Melbourne … some of these projects may grind to a halt,” Mr McCrone said.
Fuel price tracking data from the RACV showed diesel cost as much $2.45 a litre in some parts of Melbourne on Sunday.
