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Safe rates and unpaid labour: Non-driving pay and truck driver work hours

Author

Listed:
  • Takahiko Kudo

    (Creativ Ceutical (Tokyo Office), Luxembourg)

  • Michael H Belzer

    (Wayne State University, USA)

Abstract

In the trucking industry, truck drivers’ duties include not only driving trucks but also non-driving labor. However, non-driving work is not necessarily paid. This article analyses how the payment for non-driving duties (non-driving pay) affects truck drivers’ work hours. Using the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Long-Haul Truck Driver survey, the study finds that remunerating drivers for non-driving duties decreases drivers’ work hours. Drivers who are paid for their non-driving labor may reach their target earnings in fewer work hours, leading them to refrain from working extremely long hours and more willingly comply with working time regulations. The policy implication is that paying for non-driving labor can prevent drivers from working excessively long hours, mitigating fatigue, and consequent accidents. Thus, pay for non-driving labor may enhance their safety and health. JEL Codes : J33, J28, J31

Suggested Citation

  • Takahiko Kudo & Michael H Belzer, 2019. "Safe rates and unpaid labour: Non-driving pay and truck driver work hours," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 30(4), pages 532-548, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:ecolab:v:30:y:2019:i:4:p:532-548
    DOI: 10.1177/1035304619880406
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Quinlan, 2020. "Five challenges to humanity: Learning from pattern/repeat failures in past disasters?," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 31(3), pages 444-466, September.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Truck drivers; piecework; remuneration; safety; working time; unpaid labor time; wage rates; target earnings; fatigue; compensation;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • J33 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Compensation Packages; Payment Methods
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J31 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Wage Level and Structure; Wage Differentials

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