Truck drivers threaten to stop work on Melbourne projects due to crippling fuel costs

Hundreds of truck drivers forced to absorb skyrocketing diesel costs have threatened to strike.

The proposed strike would disrupt work on major infrastructure projects across Melbourne if it goes ahead next Monday.

Affected projects include work on the West Gate Tunnel and level-crossing removals.

Tip-truck drivers are paid $1.40 a litre for fuel under the state government cost model, which has soared to more than $2 in the past week. 

Owner-drivers are left with as little as $100 per day, according to Victorian Tippers United secretary Luke McCrone.

Tip-truck drivers are threatening to stop work as the price of diesel soars towards $2.50 a litre

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews now has a week to resolve the crisis and stop the strike from going ahead.

‘Unlike the rest of the transport industry which is paid a fuel levy, tipper owner-drivers who are burning up to 350 litres a day are expected to absorb this cost, ‘ Mr McCrone told the Herald Sun.

‘We expect that a prolonged stoppage will cause significant disruptions on major infrastructure projects across Melbourne … some of these projects may grind to a halt.’ 

The union has called on the Victorian government introduced a diesel levy or revised its cost model.

Otherwise more than 300 tip-truck drivers will strike and be part of a convoy that will drive to state parliament.

More to come. 

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