OPINION FROM DOWN UNDER
Page 24
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The latest UK road haulage news on roadtransport.net confirms I made the right decision when I packed my bags and moved to Western Australia some 20 years ago.
If I was in the UK industry now I fear I might be arrested, because my opinion of Tony Blair and his three stooges is totally unprintable.
This arrogant, condescending team think their view of the world is the only thing that counts; their action amounts to nothing more than political grandstanding. Tony Blair has an identity crisis—he thinks he's Bill Clinton.
People used to say unions used bullyboy tactics, well it is governments also. Now don't get the idea I'm a Conservative supporter, I have voted Labour all my life, but I believe in a fair deal for everyone.
The saying that unions are a necessary evil equally applies to governments, in the UK, Australia and the world over; they look after themselves. it's a case of "bugger you lot, I'm all right Jack", so don't think you Will be better off with the Conservatives.
I'm in the Australian road freight industry and we think we have problems that need sort ing. We also want lower fuel prices, and we also have problems with our Prime Minister, John Howard. But our problems are nothing compared with the UK industry's. We have no vehicle inspections; no enforceable drivers' hours rags; weight restrictions that can be written off by the purchase of a permit; we pull one and two trailers in the city with restrictions, also one, two or three 40ft trailers to the bush (200-1,200km) three times a week with one driver.
Now with my comments on our industry you can see we do need some enforceable regulations to stop unscrupulous companies—and everyone has them—from exploiting drivers and subcontractors by setting ridiculous trip times.
Like I said, I believe in a fair deal for everyone.
Steve Wilms, by e-mail.