TWU: campaign for safe rates

South Australia is shaping up as a potential flashpoint in the campaign for safe rates.

The Transport Workers Union has warned it could disrupt traffic over the coming months in Adelaide to secure rate increases for couriers and owner-drivers working for Aceit Couriers.

The TWU argues sub-contractor Bob Geary is being "starved out" for trying to organise a better deal for drivers.

TWU South Australian Secretary Ray Wyatt claims drivers are being forced to push themselves to break even because Aceit will not negotiate on rates.

"Drivers are being forced to work for $15 to $19 an hour with fuel taking up a good 15 percent of that – and that has risen in recent years," Wyatt says.

"Bob has been working for this company for the best part of a decade and he, and all couriers, deserve better treatment from their bosses. Safe rates legislation is the way to get that to happen."

Geary says petrol prices have risen considerably in recent years but income has dropped at the same time.

"For a trip from Adelaide to Victor Harbour, you used to get about $100 for the return trip. That has dropped to $60," he says.

The TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon wants a tribunal system set up that is capable of ruling on pay rates for different transport sectors.

The Federal Government last year released a discussion paper on possible reform options, including expanding the powers of Fair Work Australia and establishing a tribunal.