Pacific National reverses decision to ban truckies

Train operator Pacific National has overturned its decision to ban truck drivers from using its toilets, change rooms and amenities at its depots

In a refreshing move, Pacific National has reversed its decision to lock out truck drivers from its toilets and amenities rooms at its sites.

Pacific National had released a National Customer Advice circular yesterday (April 8) stating that as from today (April 9) “…truck drivers will no longer have access to amenities at Pacific National sites... until further notice. This includes bathrooms, changerooms and kitchens.”

Pacific National had claimed that the action was “…a further action to protect the health of our workforce and to control the risk of COVID-19 exposure…”

The ATA, understandably, came out swinging, claiming the lockout of the truckies was "outrageous".

ATA boss Ben Maguire said that truck drivers needed and deserved to have access to clean facilities.

However a few hours after we reported the lockout, Pacific National put out a statement reversing the ban on truck drivers.

The statement read in part: “Pacific National has been in discussions with the Australian Trucking Association to arrive at solutions to provide suitable toilet facilities for truckies without risking the health of freight train crews and terminal operations in our depots.

"The issue has already been resolved at our key rail terminals in Melbourne and Perth through the provision of separated toilet facilities. Separated facilities will be introduced at other Pacific National facilities across the country by close of business today to maintain strict social distancing practices,”

Ben Maguire was understandably pleased with the result. "As well as efforts from the ATA, Chair of the Western Roads Federation Craig Smith-Gander swung into action to help us sort this out, and was actively engaged in rectifying the issue," Mr Maguire said.

"Truck drivers play an essential role in the Australian freight supply chain. I am pleased that Pacific National recognise this and are now working to demonstrate their support," he said.

"The truck drivers arriving at Pacific National terminals may have been on the road for hours. They are a key part of the chain that links Pacific National to its customers."

Pacific National reverses decision to ban truckies

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