The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has added its perspective to the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal’s (RSRT) packed agenda.

The TWU wants the authorities to address perceived failings in the courier and parcel delivery sector.

The TWU provided its view after the RSRT requested submissions ahead of its fourth annual work program, telling it what to focus on for 2016.

The union says urgent action must be taken to address “serious and dangerous exploitation” of courier and delivery drivers.

“The work schedule of the Tribunal is already substantial; the TWU submits that the work already underway should be the focus of the fourth annual work program,” the union’s submission states.

“However, if the Tribunal is of the mind to augment that schedule, the fourth annual work program provides an opportunity to deal with the hyper-competitive downward spiral of standards in the courier and parcel delivery sector and take a snapshot of compliance strategies in the industry with a view to making recommendations about best practice.”

The TWU claims that the courier and parcel delivery sector has been hit by unfair contracting practices for owner-drivers, combined with pressures on drivers to speed and skip breaks to make unrealistic delivery deadline.

Specifically, the TWU wants the tribunal to look at claims that Australia Post contractors are paid just $1.50 per parcel.

“After covering fuel, running costs, van repayments, tax and insurance many drivers are lucky to come out with $300-$400 a week,” TWU assistant national secretary Michael Kaine says.

“Starting work at 4am and working long hours means the pressure is intense. This is leading to safety issues and is putting drivers and the public at risk. It is a sector the tribunal must urgently investigate.”

The union is calling on the RSRT to look at potentially abusive franchising models, delivery and cost pressures, the lack of minimum rates and conditions for owner-driver couriers.

The TWU says that without sustainable remuneration practices owner-driver couriers have no safety net.

“The Tribunal’s powers in relation to inquiries are broad and would readily encompass this subject matter,” the TWU’s submission states.

“The focus of such inquiry would be to assess current enforcement strategies and regimes in road transport and then make recommendations regarding ‘best practice’.”

The TWU claims that the RSRT’s current enforcement and compliance practices are rendered ineffective by a lack of resources and funding, a lack of coordination between jurisdictions and the culture of competition between some agencies.