BLUE COLLAR WORKERS TO MEET WITH MICKEL

Half a dozen Transport Workers will meet with Transport Minister John Mickel today in a bid to improve their industries.

To date 35 people have been killed in heavy vehicle accidents on QLD Roads this year, 13 more than this time last year and over the last 12 months there has been a significant increase in assaults on bus and taxi drivers.

TWU Branch Secretary Hughie Williams says, "The Transport Workers' Union and it's members welcome the chance to be able to tell the Minister what is actually going on in the long distance and public transport industry."

Mr Williams says, "By hearing the grass roots of the problem the Government and Transport Authority Bodies should be able to come up with ideas and plans to help make our roads and the transport industry safer."

The TWU also plans to discuss with the Minister the amendments to the Transport Legislation Bill allowing truck drivers to work 16 hour days.