Trucker Blockades

Petrol protest blockade 'not the answer'

A nationwide blockade of major Australian highways by hundreds of truck drivers protesting against fuel prices is not supported by the Australian Trucking Association, although it understands the frustration.

The ATA today said the blockades were not the best way for drivers to draw attention to their plight.

"The ATA has no involvement in the blockade and does not support the use of blockades to achieve political objectives," ATA chief executive Chris Althaus said.

Emphasis Mine

The ATA does not put forward what they would consider an appropriate way would be for drivers to draw attention to their plight. If you are a motorist stuck in a traffic jam or a customer with goods being delayed by a blockade, I would imagine you would quickly take notice of what the blockaders are saying. You might not agree with all or some of their demands, but you would want to know what all the fuss is about. And it would be in your interest for the matter to be resolved quickly. The manner in which the blockade is resolved can be either through negotiation or force.

In their Friday Fax, the ATA was

...also deeply concerned that the blockade was not cleared until 7.15am this morning [23 Sept 2005], over eight hours since the protest began. The ATA has written to NSW Roads Minister Joe Tripodi highlighting the serious safety and productivity implications of the blockade, and seeking an assurance that future action by his government will be much swifter.

Emphasis Mine

This would appear to an endorsement of force being used against blockaders. Both of the highlighted quotes are indicative of the liberal ideal of not confronting those who are oppressing you. The attitude appears to be one of appealing to their sense of decency. If they were decent, they would not be the big business people or government ministers that they are. Yet, these liberals think that any oppression is merely the result of a misunderstanding or ignorance of the oppressors. Be nice and you will be heard. Bullshit! If you play by their rules, you will lose every time.

In 2001, Truckies blockade Brisbane depots and won their demands.

BRISBANE — Long-distance truck owner-drivers have blockaded major transport depots on Brisbane's southside, and have forced major companies to sign up to improvements in payments and conditions, according to Transport Workers Union federal president Hughie Williams.

"The reason we started in Queensland is because this state has had the lowest rates", Williams told Green Left Weekly.

Several major companies have already guaranteed "sustainable, safe rates," he said. Another eight companies have not yet agreed, but if they refuse to sign up will face similar action.

The main demands of the owner-drivers have been for the increased freight rates, an industry code of conduct and a system of payment within 14 days.

The blockades have been successful with the support of other TWU members within the depots, who refused to cross the owner-drivers' picket lines.

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Back in 2000, Labor cons truck drivers on fuel prices

MELBOURNE — Just as Melbourne service stations were beginning to run out of petrol on September 26 [2000], Labor Premier Steve Bracks' state government stepped in and persuaded truck drivers to end their 48-hour blockade of Melbourne's Mobil-BP, Shell and Caltex oil refineries.

Under heavy pressure from the federal government to use its essential services legislation, and with oil giant Caltex preparing to take legal action against individual blockaders, Bracks brokered a deal with the Victorian branch of the Transport Workers Union (TWU), which had not joined the protest for fear of litigation.

The Premier has agreed to the tanker drivers' demand for the implementation of a state code of conduct which will guarantee a minimum freight delivery charge of $1.47 per kilometre, a 47c increase on the current rate, as well as safety protocols.

The drivers' demand for a full royal commission into fuel pricing was dropped after Bracks promised to raise the issue at the next commonwealth heads of government meeting, scheduled for November.

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And, of course, there was the famous 1988 trucker blockade at Yass, NSW.

All in all, the truckers have used blockades in the past to put their demands and get results.

Without Trucks, Australia Stops!