Aldi on notice: "Drivers are being slaughtered"
Aldi has been accused of encouraging poor work practices by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), which says pressure from the supermarket giant to speed, skip breaks and ignore road rules is leading to drivers being slaughtered.
TWU spokesman Tony Sheldon believes companies are forcing drivers to work “long and dangerous hours” and this has culminated into increased road fatalities nationwide.
Transport workers united will NEVER be defeated. Hey @ALDIAustralia, we demand Safe Rates. #ausunions #auspol #springst #taspol #ShameAldi pic.twitter.com/AlQ7mDi3Hv
— John Berger (@TwuJohn) February 28, 2018
“Drivers are not getting a proper rest breaks and that means fatigue,” Mr Sheldon said.
“We’ve seen a 92 per cent increase of road fatalities in NSW alone and more across the country.”
But Aldi has hit back, saying the TWU doesn’t have evidence to back up claims.
Hundreds of truck drivers and union supporters are protesting outside Aldi outlets in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth in a push for safer working practices.
“One in 10 drivers are working over 80 hours a week,” Mr Sheldon said.
“Aldi is not dealing with these issues in the trucking industry and a spike of road fatalities across the country.
“Between watching loves ones being killed on the road and watching truck drivers being slaughtered because of pressure from trucking companies as a result of these low cost contracts ... we’re going to escalate this dispute and we’ll find more and more protests at Aldi stores.
“We won’t be bullied by them, we’re going to stand up to them and save lives.”
An Aldi spokesperson responded to News.com.au.
“Aldi shares the Transport Workers Union’s (TWU) goal of a safe transport industry in order to prevent truck driver deaths,” the statement read.
Tony Sheldon: @sallymcmanus is right - we must have the right to strike against companies like @ALDIAustralia #ShameAldi pic.twitter.com/v2JnmxnSwL
— TWU Australia (@TWUAus) February 27, 2018
“However, Aldi strongly denies the allegations made by the TWU that our business is placing pressure on the transport industry leading to accidents and deaths.
“Despite Aldi’s repeated written requests to the TWU for specific information about alleged issues within our supply chain, the TWU has not provided any evidence to support their claims.
“We remain open to dialogue with the TWU in relation to any specific information they have.”
What are your thoughts? Do you think truck drivers are put under unnecessary pressure?