Flood stranded Queensland drivers settle their dispute
An ugly dispute over the payment of ordinary wages, overtime and allowances for drivers stranded as a result of floods and other natural disasters in Queensland has finally been resolved.
Settlement was finally reached recently to pay the affected drivers and a deed entered into with the Union to ensure drivers affected by natural disasters in the future wouldn’t be subjected to the same hurdles to gain payment.
Queensland Branch President Cameron Bird said it all came down to common sense.
“These drivers weren’t acting irresponsibly, they were caught out in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said Mr Bird.
“They followed directions, headed out on their run and found themselves stranded, away from their homes and their families.
“Payment to compensate them, just as would be expected by employees undertaking planned travel on official business, should’ve been made immediately - but it wasn’t.
“This common-sense agreement will ensure it never happens again.”
The new agreement provides for the same entitlements afforded to employees undertaking planned travel arrangements such as ordinary time wages, overtime, shift penalty rates and travelling allowances for the duration the employee is stranded away from home.
