The win is the result of industry wide negotiations led by the TWU which will see the minimum hourly rate for owner-drivers of smaller vehicles increase by approximately 45% between March 2022 and July 2025, after 15 years of wage stagnation.
Couriers will finally get what we’ve been fighting for so long to achieve – minimum rates of more than $40 per hour.
Today’s decision harmonises minimum rates in the General Carrier Contract Determination and Courier and Taxi Truck Determination, ensuring all classes of vehicles are covered by both determinations.
For 15 years many couriers have been left earning below minimum wage whilst dealing with significant increases in operating costs such as fuel, registration, insurance and Transurban tolls in the time since the rate was set.
Owner drivers of vans with a carrying capacity between 1.5 and 3 tonnes will be entitled to a minimum rate of $43.74/hour by July 2025, phased in from 1 March 2022.
Small vehicles with a carrying capacity of up to 750kg will also be captured in both Determinations, meaning Amazon Flex drivers will be entitled to a minimum rate of $37.80 to be phased in over the next 3 years.
Amazon will no longer be allowed to get away with exploiting workers and undercutting the transport industry in NSW. This decision will guarantee minimum rates & conditions for Amazon Flex drivers.
This is a great victory for the thousands of couriers who have been a part of the TWU’s campaign for fairer rates over many years.
The TWU knows there’s a direct link between sustainable rates of pay and road safety. Drivers who aren’t getting fair rates of pay are more likely to speed and cut corners on safety to make more deliveries just to make ends meet.
Congratulations to the thousands of couriers who stood together and fought for years as part of the TWU’s Fight for 40 campaign. This is a magnificent achievement for couriers, their families and for road safety and we will continue working with you for a better courier industry in the future.