THE TRANSPORT Workers Union claims the ATA’s call for truck driver depression checks fail to address the root causes of the problem.
The ATA has called for truck drivers to be screened for depression as part of medical checks for their driver’s licence, TruckSafe or fatigue accreditation.
According to the TWU, the ATA is only looking at the symptoms of the problem, and its comments place the blame on the drivers, and serve to drive the problems of depression and anxiety underground.
The TWU claims drivers become depressed because of various industry-related factors, including client pressures, unpaid waiting times, long hours and unsafe payments.
The union claims that under the proposal, drivers will not discuss their problems with depression, since they stood a chance of losing their livelihoods.
The TWU claims real improvements in the safety and mental health of truck drivers can only be achieved with a system of safe rates, where drivers can receive full cost recovery, including waiting times, maintenance costs and fluctuating fuel prices.
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