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Statistics released on the 15th of  October by the Office of the Victorian Small Business Commissioner show that it is resolving 85.2% of owner driver disputes at mediation.  These disputes are referred to the Small Business Commission (SBC) under the Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors Act.  The Union was appointed as the bargaining agent by the owner driver in the majority of these cases.  

From time to time, owner drivers have disputes with hirers regarding various issues, including the right to have a written contract, insurance charges and administration charges.  If you are unable to resolve a dispute directly with your hirer, you can now use the mediation service offered by the SBC.  The Act also provides for the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to deal with matters that cannot be resolved by the SBC.

If you are a financial member of the TWU, the Union can provide you with advice and representation regarding owner driver issues.  In order for the Union to represent you in a dispute, you will need to complete a bargaining agent form (available from the Union Office or web-site) enabling the TWU to represent you through all stages of the dispute resolution process.

For more information regarding dealing with an owner driver dispute call the Union office on 1300 727 614.