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Hi all,
The meeting in Wyong also endorsed and added to the list of demands, number 20 is in keeping with the house keeping rules, and does not require the Government to lose ground, simply to maintain the Status Quo, which is in keeping with the intent of the demands.
A motion to support the concept of an industry shutdown was again unanimously passed.
The issue of whether or not Toll and Linfox are on board is a constant inquiry, the simple answer is no, however there is good reason to believe that many of their drivers are shutting down by taking holidays or resigning.
The prospect of better employment is now at a premium and most drivers know that, as a result they are not too concerned about threats of being sacked.
Word that the major meat processors are shutting down is not correct and although Swifts are shutting down for other reasons, Teys Bros have seen fit to continue production, we are also informed that Frasers Transport and Martins Transport will continue to operate to service the Teys works.
I believe that the ATA (Australian Trucking Association) have been putting pressure on the bigger companies to continue operating, it will be the drivers that will determine if that happens and the information I am receiving is that drivers are not happy about this situation and are not going to work, however if they do I appeal to other operators to respect their decision and let them work unhindered.
I will not support any attempts to chastise drivers in any way, that method is being promoted by the other groups.
The shutdown is now at a stage where we can be confident that we have the numbers to create massive concern for the Government, I would expect that a major topic of discussion at the meeting of Transport Ministers on the 25th of July will hinge around this action, I also expect that they will try to head this off in the eleventh hour, only time will tell.
ALDODA and Peter Schuback are still playing games in the background and have an incredible knack of being able to attract all the press, it will be embarrassing for them when they discover that there is no support for their causes from the Government or from the industry, we do need to collectively rebuke their press wherever we can by ringing the talkback programmes and setting the record straight.
I also would like to thank Leeroy Shuttleworth for looking after me in Wyong and for the work he put into organising the meeting and venue, also I ask you to contact your State delegates and support them where you can , they are NSW Leo Fardell VIC Darryl Brown and Russell Borchard their numbers are on the site.
Until next time
Drive Safely
Mick Pattel