Truckies unhappy with new load rates

WHY OWNER-OPERATOR TRUCKIES ARE UNHAPPY

THE ROAD SAFETY REMUNERATION TRIBUNAL

* Established by the Gillard government in 2012, ostensibly to create "safe" rates of pay for road transport drivers.

* Critics say it substantially increased the power of the Transport Workers Union.

WHAT THE TRIBUNAL DECIDED

* New minimum payment rates for full or part trailer loads driven by contractor drivers to take effect from April 4.

* Owner-operator drivers say the new rates threaten their livelihood because they don't apply to big transport companies that employ their own drivers.

FEDERAL COURT INTERVENTION

* Dismisses an application to stay the new rates, a decision that could lead to a High Court challenge.

WHAT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROPOSES

* To abolish the tribunal if re-elected, with funds redirected to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

* Introduce legislation to parliament in mid-April that delays new rates until 2017.