Update Report No 7 27/07/2008
Hello Everyone,
WE ARE NOW IN SHUTDOWN MODE
The media blanket has been lifted and the good news is that we will be on Sunrise tomorrow, with coverage from Nine, ABC and Win TV as well, we are receiving news that major carriers in the south will not be loading any freight out on Monday, this kind of support across the country is being reported on a regular basis, the greater the impact the quicker we will achieve results, then everyone can go back to work.
I have to stress that if you’re obligated to carry out a certain freight task in order not to impact on your client or your staff you must give it due consideration, it is not our intention to cause anyone undue hardship.
The purpose of this shutdown is to have minimum impact.
Clare Mildren has been working overtime on our press and achieving great results, (don’t tell her I said that) the next few days will prove very hectic when the shutdown is in full swing.
Peter Whytcross has flown down from MacKay to help, many of you will have spoken to him as he has been take all my calls, he has been carrying two phones around and sending texts to as many people as possible , Also Tom Desmond has been doing a lot of legwork behind the scenes.
John and Viv Couper have allowed us to turn their unit on the Brisbane River into ‘campaign central’ and we owe them a big thank you.
As I finish this update I have just seen the news and the Militants are still getting all the press, Clare is at her wits end, Seven and Nine are not doing us any favours, sensationalism is still the only drawcard.
The updates will continue as we get more news.
Mick Pattel
Sun, 27/07/2008 - 20:28
#1
NRTF SHUTDOWN
IT IS 8.30PM SUNDAY EVENING AND WE LIVE ON THE GORE HIGHWAY SOUTH WEST OF TOOWOOMBA, USUALLY THE TRUCKS ARE NON-STOP ON SUNDAY NIGHTS HEADING FOR BRISBANE. IT IS GREAT TO BE ABLE TO REPORT THAT THE TRUCKS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN TONIGHT - WONDERFUL TO SEE THAT PEOPLE ARE SUPPORTING THE NRTF.
Sun, 27/07/2008 - 21:08
#2
We have a duty to support all
We have a duty to support all drivers for safe and workable enviroment.
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 21:59
#3
If you don't fight ----- you lose!
I agree, drivers definitely need a safe and workable environment with a decent pay rate allowing a proper livable income. There is need for broad community support and we (general public) are prepared to take some hardship with respect to goods not being delivered etc.
Being a retired bloke about 70 and having been on the interstate runs as far back at 1959 and the 1960's, I am worried at the divisiveness I see today. The whole thing is already being manipulated from outside it seems. Truckies are at loggerheads with each other, people on these forums are silly enough to "shoot the messenger" not "shoot the message". Apparently some associations and industry people are behind this lack of unity like a festering wound, and it all weakens the collective stand that should be being taken by ALL drivers in the industry.
You will only get as much justice and fair play as you are prepared to stand up and fight for, This must be done collectively with as broad a base of people as humanly possible. See how this current action goes, but don't give up.
If it becomes necessary to back off for a short, time later on try to get a really broaly based 'whole of the industry' lot of drivers, and the unions together and target the right people, government and oil companies. (maybe pick one company to make an example of?) But don't wait longer than is absolutely necessary.
I am sure then we would not be talking two weeks, not even one. It would probably only take two to four days to FORCE the 'powers that be' and the oil industry to take the matters in question seriously, if virtually EVERY DRIVER stopped. We are all in it together, drivers, general motorists, pensioners and all. We are being screwed in so many ways re the specific trucking problems, fuel and food prices and so on. So how about stiving really hard for commonsence and for unity of action, real meaningful broad based industry and community action. It may not be easy, but it would make a hell of a lot of difference even if we achieve most of this aim.
Remember 1969. They gaoled Clarrie O'Shea of the tramways union and about a million workers went out on strike over the "penal Powers" laws. The matter was resolved in four days and even though the laws stayed on the books they were never used, the government was not game to try it on again. Perhaps there is a lesson in this for us today.
Sun, 27/07/2008 - 21:20
#4
WHO'S DUMB IDEA IS THIS STOPPAGE
IM ALL FOR MAKING A STAND BUT FOR GOD SAKE!!!
MY HUBBY HAS BEEN TOLD HIS TRIP TO TOOWOOMBA TOMORROW HAS BEEN CANCELLED BECAUSE OF THE THREATS OF VIOLENCE AND DAMAGE TO TRUCKS!!!
TRUCKIES STICKING TOGETHER YOUR ALL SAYING...... NOT LIKELY!!! BASHING EACH OTHER IS REALLY GETTING THE RIGHT MESSAGE ACROSS AYE BOYS AND GIRLS.???????????? NOT
HE WAS TAKING ONE OF OUR TRAILORS UP TO BE FIXED. NOTHING TO DO WITH MOVING ANYTHING FOR ANYONE ELSE!!!! AND NOW WERE LOOSING OUT ALOT BECAUSE OF THIS STUPID STRIKE.
ARE ANY OF OU GOING TO PAY RENT, OUR FOOD OR OTHER BILLS?? NO IS THE ANSWER. AND YES I HAVE HEARD THE BLAH BLAH BLAH IF YOU DONT STOP YOU WONT BE ABLE TO AFFORD THEM IN THE FUTURE BUT WHO ARE THE BAD TRUCKIES TO SAY WE CANT WORK BECAUSE THEY WANT TO MAKE A POINT THAT NO ONE UNDERSTANDS IN THE REAL WORLD????
GIVE ME 3 MONTHS AND WE WILL ORGANISE SOMETHING DECENT INSTEAD OF THIS SHAMBLES!!!
WE ARE NOT GOING TO LAY DOWN AGAINST THESE LAWS BUT THREATENING THE PEOPLE WHO ARE SUPPOSE TO BE BANDING TOGETHER AND MAKING THEM FEEL UNSAFE IS THE WORST IDEA EVER!!!!!
Sun, 27/07/2008 - 21:41
#5
shutdown
im sorry your hubby wont be going to workbut if you think that this (SHUTDOWN) not a strike is going to hurt you that badly that quickly you are stuffed anyway.generally the people who are putting their name and reputation and money on the line wear it in the neck from people like youfor having the guts to say enough is enough this will destroy an industry most of us are passionate about. if this works and with a bloke like mick pattel leading the way are you going to send a personal thank you to this man for making a difference for the betterment of the industry ? unfortunatly a shutdown is the only couse of action left when unions and beaureacrats dont recognise our existance apart from our financial contribution. Stick it up them mick!
Sun, 27/07/2008 - 21:57
#6
SHUTDOWN.......
GROW THE HELL UP. MAKE A POINT OF BLOCKING IN THE ACT OR SOMETHING, NOT JUST TAKING A HOLIDAY.
YOU ALL WANT TO MAKE A POINT BUT ONLY 20% OF PEOPLE KNOW WAT ITS ABOUT AND THEY ARE THE TRUCK DRIVERS
NOW REALISE PEOPLE CAN HAVE OPINIONS AND DONT BE AND IDIOT OR PEOPLE WONT CARE
Sun, 27/07/2008 - 23:30
#7
You must not get news in your
You must not get news in your part of the world I have nothing to do with the trucking industry and I know what their doing this for. I also have a small business and their actions will cause me problems but I do support them It is high time someone to a stand.I dont think most people realise how bad things really are.
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 07:39
#8
Wake up girly
If your Hubby was getting the fraight rate he should be he would have money to feed his kids 4 a week or 2 if he is under cutting the rate to get work its his problam.And if the goverment pass all the new rules its going to be harder to put food on the table.
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 09:54
#9
COWARD THE SEQUEL
ARE U SERIOUS
I BET YOUR THE FIRST BLOODY FAMILY TO PUT OUT THERE HAND WHEN WE GET SOME SATISFACTION AND OUR DEMANDS MET.
AND ALL YOU DID WAS BITCH ABOUT IT
YOU HAVE HEAD PROBLEMS LADY
LOVE TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR 3 MONTH PLAN
I BET ITS DOOZEYYYYYYYYYYYYYY
SHAMELESS COWARD
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 14:03
#10
Dumb Idea
Lady in 3 months these laws will be underway and the goverment will be raking in the loot.The time to make a stand is NOW! Keep up the good work Mick
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 16:00
#11
WHAT PLANET DO U LIVE ON LADY
IF YOU PERSONALLY THINK U CAN COME UP WITH SOMETHING BETTER THAN MICK PATTEL AND PULL IT OFF IN 3 MONTHS WHY DIDNT YOU DO IT 6MONTHS AGO OR A YEAR AGO WHY ONLY WAIT TILL NOW???
I FIND YOUR COMMENT TO BE EXTREMELY PATRONIZING AND WHAT IS THE GOOD TRUCKIE/BAD TRUCKIE CRAP??
PEOPLE LIKE U DRIVE ME INSANE-U HAVE NO IDEA AND AS FOR WAITING FOR U TO COME UP WITH SUMTHING BETTER IN 3 MONTHS-GET REAL....
FROM ONE WOMAN TO ANOTHER WAKE UP TO YASELF!!!!
Sun, 27/07/2008 - 22:01
#12
Who's dumb idea?????????????????????????
If you managed to read through all these blogs, put two and two together and get your facts straight you would learn that mick pattel has tried to run this as a gentleman to the public the best he could with a not very nice situation.There is on the other hand the ALDODA group who have created the hugest amount of confusion by trying to hijac the NRTF's serious attempt to try and fix a mess that has been allowed by the union,ATA and the NTC.Right from the start mick pattel made it absolutely clear there would be no blockades or thuggery.Stay at home and rest,holiday or do maintenance.Take your truck to the mechanic or what ever you need to do.
Lyn Bennets & Co of ALDODA in all their wisdom have made a total mess of the situation with threatening possible blockades and a lack of safety for drivers who continue to work.The media take to this hype, they get the publicity and somehow mick pattel gets the blame.Mick is now making some progress with authorities and wants a quick resolve so everyone can commence full production once again.Getting the true message out there with limited funding and deaf ears I think has made it hard for the nrtf.I don't know for a fact, but I'm guessing mick pattels truck hasn't turned a wheel since he started this campaine for the better outcome of the industry.If this is the case he would have to be feeling the sqeeze by now,and yet he powers on.Mick, you are a proud example of what a true australian is.
PLEASE, to all those who aren't sure, don't confuse the two parties.The NRTF(mick pattel and supporters) & ALDODA(gate crashers with unrealistic demands)Micks number is on this site if you truely want a well informed insite to the NRTF SHUTDOWN.
Hope none of this is out of line Mick, Cheers!
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 08:10
#13
WE'LL SUPPORT MICK AND HIS EFFORTS ALL THE WAY
Maybe a few of you should stop and think about how the new laws will effect YOU! At the end of the day all the work done by Mick Pattel and his dedicated crew is to benefit not only the trucking industry but the end consumer. As the new associated costs are introduced to the industry THEY will have to be passed on, how much do you think your groceries will cost then. The producer is not getting anymore for his product yet the cost are past on to him to get the goods to market. WHY be in a business when it cost you more to produce the product than what you receive for it??? Maybe it's because we beleive in what we do and being Australian WE don't give in to pressure! If everyone threw the towel in WE would not have an industry..which means no need for trucks and no food on the table. WE ARE AT THE BEGINNING AND IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CHAIN SO I KNOW WHO IS MAKING ALL THE MONEY....THE GOVERNMENT AND THE BIG COMPANIES.
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 09:05
#14
WE'LL SUPPORT MICK AND HIS EFFORTS ALL THE WAY
Truckies are important, farmers are important , small business is important, the GOVERNMENT and BIG COMPANIES are important BUT they shouldn't be all powerful in contolling , demolishing and reducing the rest of us to be mindless robot workers or dependent on Centrelink in a police state.
Its time for more empathy and consideration for ordinary people and stop this ruthless march of greed for greater and greater profits for big buisness.
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 12:42
#15
Bruce highway
Hello Mick and fellow truckies, I am sitting beside the Bruce highway at Bowen and since about 7am there has been a steady stream of trucks both northbound and southbound and both essential an d non essential. I support you on most issues as I am a company driver not an owner driver. I was an o/d years ago and was involved in the 1979 blockades at Razorback near Picton NSW. I hope you have more success and unity than we did then. Get that stupid bitch Lyn Benndetts out of the way and you will be going a long way towards that unity. She is a female version of "Greendog Stevens" and he stuffed that up by getting rid of roadtax BUT poured it straight into the fuel tank by way of a fuel tax which far outweighed the original roadtax.
IF WE ARE ALL UNITED WE WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 14:34
#16
IF WE ARE ALL UNITED WE WILL NEVER BE DEFEATED
Yes truckies are doing us a brave and wonderful service trying to get some democracy back into our system. The government and government bodies will not take any notice of the people they are supposed to serve.
It is VERY HARD for truckies to have to do this but this country is on the edge of being fully controlled by a handful of big corporations backed by the government.
A million thanks to truckies for attempting to take back some power.
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 14:36
#17
go home or go hard
go home or go hard
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 15:42
#18
I work for Big W/Woolworths
I Work for the Big W distubution center in Warwick Qld! We distibute to all Big W stores from Sydney to Cairns. We are one of the biggest in Australia and definately the biggest on the eastern half!
I just talked to my boss about this and was I informed "THIS TRUCK DRIVER STRIKE THING IS A JOKE. IT WONT AFFECT US IN THE SLIGHTEST. I DONT KNOW WHO THEY'RE FOOLING BUT WE WON'T BE TOUCHED."
I just wanted to say that this really annoyed me as i have family members in the trucking industry! And i understand the crap they have to go through!
Good luck guys! I think its time you deserved better!
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 14:27
#19
It never ends!!
I just looked at the Daily Telegraph website and found this article
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24086859-5006009,00....
Now Morris Lemma wants to ban container trucks from Sydney motor ways during peak hour. Sorry guys peak hour has just started so you have to wait here until it is over before you can do your deliveries... What a joke!!!
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 16:23
#20
Hey Fella,
We need to keep
Hey Fella,
We need to keep things going and the ones that are stuck on the fence will join in. It may take a couple of days but they will realise that it affect everybody on the road.
Keep the spirits up boys and hold your chin HIGH
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 16:31
#21
right on trucka
right on trucka
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 16:50
#22
GO TRUCKIES - STRIKE AS LONG AS YOU NEED
Lots of great supportive comments at "The Courier Mail"
http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24081892-952,00.html#co...
Seems like the public largely are very happy that someone is standing up to State and Federal governments and their trans-national corporate controllers.
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 20:51
#23
How's it all going?
Does anyone know how the "SHUTDOWN" is going so far? I really hope it's a sucsess.
Mon, 28/07/2008 - 21:46
#24
media doesn't like talking about it
ABC TV and SBS are very keen to down play it - they do not like it at all - they cannot control it so they arn't happy.
SBS had one line about it saying the truck strike had collapsed in Western Australia.
ABC TV had a little bit about it saying it was all about fuel prices.
I really hope it's a success too or we are in big trouble.
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