TRANSPORT

TRANSPORT 

WORKER 

SUMMER 2013 EDITION 

www.twusant.com.au 

on a bus near you

TRANSPORT WORKERS’ UNION 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA /NORTHERN TERRITORY BRANCH 

25 Chief Street Brompton SA 

NT Office: Roy Avery House, Unit 3/63 

Winnellie Road, Winnellie NT 

All correspondence should be addressed to: 

The Secretary 

Transport Workers Union of 

Australia, SA/NT Branch 

PO Box 137 Welland SA 5007 

Office Holders 

President 

Bryan McIntosh 

Vice President 

Michael Vogt 

Branch Secretary/Treasurer 

Ray Wyatt 

Assistant Secretary 

Ian Smith 

Trustees 

Ian Gonsalves & Matthew Spring 

Branch Committee of Management 

Ian Gonsalves, Romana Hutchinson 

Peter Brammy, Neville Steed & 

Frank Manocchio 

Branch Organisers 

Ian Gonsalves & Matthew Spring 

National Councillors 

Bryan McIntosh, Ray Wyatt, Glenn Watson & 

Romana Hutchinson (Women’s Officer) 

TWUSUPER Liaison Officer 

SA: Ian Gonsalves 

NT: Elise McLay 

Contact Numbers 

SA 

Telephone: (08) 8346 4177 

Facsimile: (08) 8346 8580 

NT 

Telephone: (08) 8947 2194 

Facsimile: (08) 8947 2217 

SA Office 


Darwin Office 

PO Box 39721 Winnellie NT 0821 

TWU website: www.twusant.com.au 

TWU email: info@twusant.com.au 

TRANSPORT WORKER editorial staff 

Editor Ray Wyatt 

Sub-Editor Cherie Baddeley 

Writers Ray Wyatt, Ian Gonsalves, Ian Smith, 

Dannie Relan,Justin Lewis, Matthew Spring, Sam, 

McIntosh, Edward Lawrie and Elise McLay 

Advertising Ken Banfield 

TRANSPORT WORKER contacts 

EDITORIAL INQUIRIES 

Telephone (08) 8346 4177 Fax (08) 8346 8580 

Email info@twusant.com.au 

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 

Telephone (08) 8212 6227 Fax (08) 8212 3982 

TRANSPORT 

W O R K E R 

Inside 

2 

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Regulars 

Comment 

Around the yards 

TWUSUPER 

Andersons 

Year of the Buses 

National Negotiations 

on the cover: 

Summer 2013 edition 

TWU Advertisement 

on Metro Buses SA 

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● COMMENT 

“If there is no struggle there 

is no progress” 

- Abolitionist and former slave Frederick Douglass 

1857 

Ray Wyatt 

As 2013 comes to an end, it’s time to look back at what has been achieved by our Delegates and Members. 

Firstly, over 900 new members joined the TWU SA/NT Branch, a big welcome to all of you – “together we are 

so much stronger”. 

Our organising activities in this past year have seen both Organisers and Delegates involved in negotiations 

at both local and national levels. An agreement covering our members employed by Darwin Bus Services 

saw our forty courageous men and women take up the fight to a hostile country Liberal Party. This included 

a number of stoppages, the non-collection of fares and our members not wearing their uniforms. We knew 

right from the start we were up against it with a public service of over 11,000 represented by a host of other 

unions. It was members of the TWU that led the way, well done to you all. 

More on the buses; the recent announcement by the SA Government declaring bus drivers “Vulnerable 

Persons,” which means the penalties for physically or verbally assaulting bus drivers will be treated as 

aggravated assaults. The TWU’s campaign to build a better bus industry that is safe and secure continues. 

Delegates training has stepped up a gear with activities moving out of the classroom and into the workplace. 

The pilot for this has seen ten delegates, two local organisers and two national officials talking to non-union 

drivers at the Coles and Woolworths DCs for a week in November about the benefits of being union versus 

the big squeeze by the giant retailers that continue to push the freight rate down. 2014 will see us involved in 

a lot more campaigning. 

To the President, BCOM members, organisers, officials, our dedicated office staff, our delegates and all of our 

members and your respective families I thank you all for your continuing support in building a powerful TWU. 

This festive season be careful and courteous on our roads; road safety is everybody’s business. 

Wishing each and every one a Safe and Happy Festive Season. 

Yours in unity 

Ray Wyatt 

SA/NT Branch Secretary 

2 Summer 2013 - Transport Worker

● A YEAR IN PHOTOS 

Transport Worker - Summer 2013 3

● AROUND THE YARDS 

Matthew Spring 

Fuel Industry Issues 

After the tragic events in Sydney where 

two people lost their lives in an accident 

involving a fuel tanker delivering to 

service stations, the TWU is deeply 

concerned about the pressure being 

put on both companies who contract 

this work, and their employees, by 

major retailers such as Coles who try to 

wipe their hands of responsibility for 

accidents such as the one in Sydney. 

Every truck driver knows that wages and 

the amount that companies are paid by 

the major retailers has a direct affect on 

safety. The TWU is conducting a survey 

nationally to find out exactly where the 

issues are and who the major culprits 

are in relation to the major companies 

hiring the companies who transport our 

fuel. The TWU wants to make sure that 

everyone who uses our roads can do so 

safely and without fear. 

CEVA 

Members at CEVA who do work for 

the Holden spare parts operation have 

been told that Holden are taking the 

work back in-house, meaning that 

approximately 30 employees will no 

longer be required. This is a blow to 

those who have been doing a great job 

on this contract for the last 12 years. 

For me, it is also disappointing as CEVA 

is where I worked before I joined the 

TWU and I personally know most of the 

employees, some for the last 10 years. 

CEVA have been in contact with both 

the federal and state governments for 

assistance which will be provided as 

the work done by CEVA members has 

a direct link to Holden and the reason 

for the potential redundancies is due to 

restructuring at Holden. 

Armaguard 

Negotiations at Armaguard are just 

starting with surveys completed and 

a log of claims ready to go. Also there 

are a number of other issues that I and 

the delegates are dealing with. They 

include the company’s position that the 

vehicles should be turned off when not 

being driven to save fuel. While on the 

surface this sounds like a reasonable 

request, Armaguard employees have 

lunch in the truck and are being told by 

management that unless it is 30 degrees 

or over they are not allowed to run the 

truck to have the air conditioning on. 

Also of concern is the condition of the 

vehicles, with many having issues with 

the glass delaminating as it is bullet 

proof. This makes it very hard to see out 

of the windows. The TWU has raised this 

issue with the company who have said 

that they are in the process of fixing the 

problem. 

Alpha Flight Services 

Negotiations at Alpha have started on a 

national basis with a survey being filled 

out by members and employees so that 

a claim can be formulated. This is very 

important not only for those who are 

currently working for Alpha but also for 

those who will be coming to work for 

Alpha next year when they take over the 

work currently undertaken by members 

at Q Catering who will be closing in 

March 2014 after Qantas made the 

decision to outsource the work to Alpha 

two years ago. Alpha has grown over the 

past 12 months from an operation of 15 

people to now employing 50 staff with a 

further 50 to be employed around March 

when they take over the Q Catering 

work. To all those employees at Alpha 

who are not members now is the time 

to join up and fight for good pay and 

conditions. 

AAE Qantas Freight 

Negotiations are about to start at 

Qantas Freight, formally Australian Air 

Express. Members are keen to make sure 

that Qantas is aware that they will not 

tolerate any of the tricks used during 

the negotiations with baggage handlers 

last year where Alan Joyce grounded 

the air line to force the cancellation of 

protected industrial action. 

Marcus Glynn Yard Delegate at Virgin 

Virgin 

Negotiations continue at Virgin Australia 

for a new agreement. The TWU is 

working hard with delegates from around 

the country to achieve an outcome 

that protects and enhances the current 

conditions that are at Virgin. Adelaide 

now has a representative from the work 

group with Marcus Glynn putting his 

hand up for the roll of delegate at Virgin. 

Marcus attended the last meeting for the 

Virgin agreement and will be attending 

future meetings. This is an important 

role as only with the backing and support 

of the staff both on the ground and in 

meetings with management can TWU 

officials and delegates understand and 

fight for what members want in the 

agreement. 

Q Catering 

The sad day is fast approaching when 

the Q Catering centre at the Adelaide 

airport will close forever. Qantas made 

the decision two years ago to close the 

centre. Many of the 150 employees have 

been working for Qantas for decades, 

with the longest serving employee 

having in excess of 40 years service 

and many more having worked for the 

company for in excess of 20 years. It is 

disappointing for everyone involved with 

the centre here in Adelaide that after so 

many years of loyal service Qantas has 

decided to close the centre and also very 

disappointing the way that Qantas has 

handled the closure with the timeframe 

for the closure being extended several 

times out to what now will be over two 

years from the first announcement. It has 

placed unnecessary stress on members 

at Q Catering who have handled the 

situation with maturity and dignity 

despite the actions of Qantas. 



Aviation Security Screening 

Members at ISS Adelaide airport 

who perform the screening duties 

of passengers are nervous with the 

contract going out to tender. This 

comes after the hard fought win that 

members had two years ago to get the 

TWU to be able to represent them and 

then the fight for the agreement which 

gave members a 25% increase over the 

four years of the agreement. The four 

companies who originally put in bids 

for the contract were ISS, who are the 

current holder of the contract, G4S, MSS 

security and Sydney Night Patrol (SNP). 

MSS has now withdrawn their bid. The 

TWU has made it clear that members 

will not tolerate losing any conditions 

because of a change of provider. Both 

the TWU and our members are firm 

on this position that at no time should 

wages or conditions be considered to be 

part of the negotiations between AAL 

and those bidding for the contract but 

it should be based on the service to be 

provided. The TWU and our members 

will fight for the conditions they have 

won if the winning company tries to cut 

conditions in any way. 

Ian Smith 

Well the end of the year is near and 

what a year. The TWU has been 

out in force. It has been an honour 

representing all members. I wish to 

thank all of our members that have been 

giving us a hand throughout the year 

in our fight for better wages conditions 

and safety in the workplace, our work is 

never done. 

Wishing members and their families a 

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New 

Year. 

Agreements Finalised 2013 

• TOLL 

• Wridgways 

• DTM - DTM agreement made real 

inroads to the wage parity issues 

that they have with the K&S rail 

members. 

• TPI Wingfield - our members stood 

up there as well and got a much 

better outcome because they 

were prepared to say no until the 

company changed its position. 

Toll Heads of Agreement 

Toll Members have the best transport 

agreement in the world. What an 

agreement, it is fantastic. It will secure 

more jobs at Toll, jobs will be safer and 

well paid. Members of the TWU will 

have much better lives when they retire 

through increased super benefits. 

Now that the agreement has been 

finalised the real work begins. As a union 

we need to find leaders in the Toll group 

who want to stand up and get involved 

in campaigns that improve standards 

around the industry. 

So all members of the TWU should 

watch this space. The TWU is on the 

march to a company near you, with the 

blueprint for success. 

Agreements underway 

K&S 

K&S offered our members a wage freeze 

in the first instance which was rejected 

unanimously by our members. 

The TWU negotiating committee and 

members stood their ground and have 

achieved our goal with the company 

agreeing to 4% claim broken down to 

two 2% increases over the 12 months 

and recommencing negotiations by 1 

July 2014 as well as an increase in the 

over dimensional allowance to $10 per 

day and some words that will assist 

members with the processing of their 

Workcover claims. 

Qube 

Qube negotiations are underway as 

well. Qube is a company that has 

been growing extremely quickly, with 

acquisitions all over the country. Their 

balance sheet also states a pretty 

respectful position. They are playing 

hard ball at this stage, it will be another 

fight. MacKenzie Hillenbrand and the 

Qube agreement are coming together 

and we have a good delegate structure 

in place, so time will tell, but members 

will need to stand together to get a good 

result. 

Negotiations about to begin: 

• Scotts Gillman 

• DGL 

• Screenings 

Linfox 

The national negotiations are in full 

swing with state delegates Tony Bell 

and Jamie Fenwick attending the three 

rounds of report back meetings. 

Tony Bell is spending time in Olympic 

Dam and Port Augusta talking to 

members and non members about 

what’s going on in the agreement 

negotiations and what is important to 

our members. 

Linfox members: it is time to stand as 

one. We need to take control of our 

yards and make Linfox take us seriously. 

SA Country 

BIS Industries 

As this goes to press the final draft 

document is ready to go out for a vote 

with increases of 2.1% in year one of the 

agreement then around 3% in years two 

and three. 

The TWU believes the company’s 

position is unsatisfactory. If it goes as 

a no vote we will not have too much 

choice but to head down an industrial 

campaign to resolve the issue. 

Steel City Cranes 

SCC have awarded a wage increase to 

members of 5% this year but we still are 

now negotiating the conditions in the 

agreement. 

TPI Industrial Solutions 

The TWU negotiating committee ran 

a extremely strong case during the 

negotiations. The difficulty we have with 

TPI in Whyalla is the workforce has a 

high number of casuals and turnover 

of staff. Members have achieved a 9% 

increase over the life of the agreement, 

and a meal allowance regardless if you 

were notified of the overtime the day 

before, which will deliver significant 

benefits to our members along with 

an improved living away from home 

allowance. 


● YEAR OF THE BUSES 

It really has been the year of 

the buses at the TWU. 

With almost all of our major bus 

agreements expiring in 2013, there 

have not only been many negotiation 

meetings for officials and delegates to 

coordinate but also scores of new bus 

drivers from across the industry joining 

our union. 

To all of those drivers that have recently 

joined us, welcome aboard! 

Torrens Transit – South Australia 

Torrens Transit was the first of the South 

Australian bus companies to have their 

agreement expire this year. It’s been a 

tough campaign for a fair deal at Torrens, 

and our delegates have done a great job 

of building real power at their depots. 

An agreement was ultimately voted 

up by the majority of the workforce 

that secured a pay rise. Although the 

agreement that was approved didn’t 

contain all of the conditions that our 

membership had been campaigning 

for, we’ve made significant gains as a 

collective. Our delegates and members 

showed how well they can perform 

in difficult circumstances and deserve 

enormous credit for standing up for their 

rights at work. 

With the agreement process now behind 

us, members at Torrens have the chance 

to continue their workplace organising 

and building power. 

Light City Buses - South Australia 

All year, our delegates have been 

working together exceptionally well at 

Light City Buses – and it’s starting to pay 

dividends. 

With the LCB agreement expiring at 

the end of the year, our delegates have 

been very prepared for the start of 

negotiations. Not only did our delegates 

regularly come together to draft a ‘log of 

claims’ based on survey results from the 

membership, but they’ve been asking all 

of their workmates to join the union. 

LCB delegates are currently meeting 

before every negotiation meeting to 

refine their claim and they are reporting 

the results of each meeting back to the 

membership. An important part of the 

claim are the TWU ‘power building’ 

clauses that we’re fighting to win – 

clauses that will mean increased rights 

for TWU delegates to achieve wins in the 

workplace every day. 

LCB delegates also got active around the 

important Indian Diwali celebrations in 

November. An all-day event was held at 

the Morphettville depot, with a feast put 

on for all drivers and sweets also taken 

around to the St Agnes and Wingfield 

depots. The Diwali celebrations were a 

huge success: all drivers had the chance 

to sit down and have a fantastic meal 

and full credit must go to the delegates 

involved. 

We look forward to reporting on 

the outcome of the LCB agreement 

negotiations in our next journal! 

SouthLink – South Australia 

It’s been a challenging but rewarding 

year at SouthLink so far. We’ve got a 

battle on our hands to win a strong 

TWU agreement, but it’s one that our 

delegates and members are certainly up 

for. 

With the current agreement expiring at 

the end of the year, delegates are busy 

surveying the membership and building 

a strong TWU ‘log of claims’. We’re 

also getting all drivers at SouthLink to 

sign a petition calling on the company 

to pay TWU delegates average wages 

to attend negotiation meetings. As we 

all know, it’s critical that our delegates 

lead the charge in all areas and we’re 


● YEAR OF THE BUSES 

committed to making sure that our 

delegates at SouthLink have their voices 

heard loud and clear. It’s outrageous that 

the company has taken such a negative 

stance, but at the same time it’s been 

very encouraging to see our membership 

rallying around the issue. 

We need more and more SouthLink 

drivers to come on board and join our 

TWU if we’re going to have the win we 

need. Watch this space! 

Darwin Bus Services – 

Northern Territory 

What a year it’s been at DBS! 

DBS drivers are covered by the Northern 

Territory public sector agreement, which 

expired earlier this year. There are over 

11,000 employees that are part of the 

Northern Territory public service, and 

DBS drivers account for just over 40 of 

that number – making them a very small 

minority. 

During negotiations, the Northern 

Territory government were trying to 

play hard ball with the public service, 

offering inferior conditions and wages 

that were below the rate of inflation. But 

just because they were in the minority, 

do you think our members at DBS were 

going to stay quiet? 

Not a chance. 

With every driver at DBS a member 

of the TWU, the group was able to 

take industrial action for weeks on 

end. We kicked off with a 24 hour 

stoppage – which included a hugely 

successful community BBQ and march 

on Parliament that got wall-to-wall 

media coverage – and then settled in to 

not wearing uniforms or collecting fares 

from the public. 

Not collecting fares from the public 

proved a real winner with the Darwin 

community, who was on our side right 

from the start and showed drivers 

amazing support in their struggle. 

DBS members could not have been more 

active: they took industrial action to 

pressure the government, successfully 

convinced the rest of the public sector 

to vote the government’s first offer 

down and even took their case to the 

Fair Work Commission in an attempt 

to be ‘scoped out’ of the public sector 

agreement. 

Ultimately the other 11,000 public sector 

employees approved the agreement 

the second time that it was put out 

for a vote. But the battle is really just 

beginning. The challenge is now to keep 

up the same level of activism at DBS and 

keep winning on the ground. 

Congratulations to our delegates and 

members at DBS for their fantastic fight 

and keep up the great work. 

Safety Issues 

Security on our buses has been a major 

issue all year in both South Australia 

and the Northern Territory. There have 

been a number of outrageous and wellpublicised 

attacks against bus drivers, 

and your TWU has been very active in 

highlighting the issue and getting the 

community and government to take 

action. 

Branch Secretary Ray Wyatt has been 

extremely active in the media, often 

on morning radio and the nightly news 

representing our members. As a result 

of the hard work of all of our delegates 

and members in the bus industry, real 

changes are starting to be realised, 

including: 

• In South Australia, a ‘Bus Network 

Committee’ has been established. 

Represented on the committee are 

all the local bus companies, the 

government, the police and the 

TWU. Safety issues are discussed 

and dealt with, and your TWU 

is going to keep pushing the 

committee to improve driver safety 

right across the network; 

• Companies are now taking security 

seriously, with additional security 

starting to have a strong presence at 

bus interchanges; and 

• As a result of TWU pressure, in 

South Australia bus drivers are now 

classed as ‘vulnerable persons’, 

which means that there are much 

tougher penalties for attacking a bus 

driver. 

It’s been a huge year for all of our 

delegates and members in the bus 

industry. Let’s make sure we carry the 

momentum into next year because 

together we can win! 



2013 - The Year of the Buses 

The Transport Workers’ Union of 

Australia SA/NT branch is currently 

involved in negotiations with four 

separate bus contractors across South 

Australia and the Northern Territory. 

Since June 2013, the TWU has been 

involved in Protected Industrial Action, 

Scope Order Applications and extensive 

negotiations with bus contractors, all 

in the interests of building a better 

bus industry throughout Metropolitan 

Adelaide and Darwin. 

In the Northern Territory, the TWU and 

its members from Darwin Bus Services 

successfully took protected action in 

a bid to improve working conditions 

and pay rates for all DBS bus drivers. 

Following from this, the TWU with the 

support of its members from DBS made 

an application for Scope Order, which, 

if successful, would allow employees 

of Darwin Bus Services to negotiate 

a separate Agreement to better 

reflect bus industry requirements and 

workplace conditions. 

In South Australia, the TWU and 

its members from the various bus 

contractors are currently engaged in 

ongoing negotiations with thoughts 

towards delivering real wage increases 

and improving workplace conditions. 

Many of the issues raised by members 

are bus industry specific and shared by 

many bus drivers throughout the public 

transport network. Of particular concern 

amongst members is the safety of both 

bus drivers and the travelling public. This 

is because many bus drivers have been 

victims of rock throwing, bashings, gang 

attacks, verbal abuse and assaults; some 

of which have resulted in the bus driver 

being admitted to hospital, treated for 

serious injuries and now require ongoing 

counselling. 

Criminal offences against bus drivers 

have become so numerous that 

bus drivers are now classified as a 

“vulnerable person” and as such, any 

offences against a bus drivers will 

automatically become aggravated 

Time for Coles to End the Squeeze - Sam McIntosh 

Your TWU is continuing to send a • Dozens of TWU members from 

message to major retailers like Coles: it’s around the country 

time to end the squeeze on the trucking • Concerned members of the church 

industry. 

and religious groups 

On 7 November, Coles’ parent company 

Wesfarmers held their AGM in Perth. 

They announced billions of dollars worth 

of profits and handed out millions of 

dollars worth of bonuses to executives, 

including the Managing Director or 

Coles. All of this comes in the wake 

of a Senior Manager at Coles recently 

conceding that a key part of his job is to 

cut transport costs by 5% this year. 

• 

• 

Members of the Bangladeshi 

community that have been 

horrifyingly affected by Coles’ abuse 

of garmet workers in Bangladesh, 

and 

Two brave women that became 

recently widowed when their 

husbands were tragically killed by 

a truck driver that had been under 

intolerable pressure. 

But on the same day as the AGM, your 

TWU was getting active right around 

By getting active, your TWU is making a 

real difference. 

the country. While the profits were The media coverage from all of our 

being announced, we were letting protests around Australia is putting 

shareholders and the public know the serious pressure on Coles. The AGM 

real cost of Coles’ mega profits. 

results once again show that Coles can 

In Adelaide, your TWU held a protest 

that made Coles take notice of what is 

happening on our roads. TWU delegates, 

families and members of the local 

community gathered out the front of 

more than afford to be accountable for 

the enormous footprint that they leave 

on our industry. The public knows this, 

not to mention Aussie farmers and food 

manufacturers. 

Coles’ St Clair store to make the retail But we can’t stop until Coles commits to 

giant start listening. There were flags, changing the way they deal with their 

signs and chanting. It was loud and the transport task. 

message was clear: the time to act is We need Coles to sign on to a Safe Rates 

now. 

Charter and commit to safe contracting 

In Perth, TWU National Secretary Tony practices and the fair treatment of 

Sheldon was at the AGM telling Coles transport workers. To get involved in the 

firsthand about the cost of their squeeze campaign make sure you call your TWU 

on the road transport industry. At the organiser! 

AGM Tony was also joined by: 

Edward Lawrie 

offences and attract greater penalties 

including jail terms. The TWU welcomes 

this change and applauds the South 

Australian Police for their assistance in 

addressing safety on metropolitan bus 

services. 

The safety of bus drivers and the 

travelling public is a responsibility of 

all parties concerned and a top priority 

for the TWU. This is why the TWU will 

continue to vigorously petition bus 

contractors and members of parliament 

to improve safety on buses and to work 

together towards building a better, safer, 

bus industry. 



TWU Delegates Recruit New Members Into Our Union 

TWU delegates are recruiting nonmembers 

throughout the road 

transport industry! 

During the week of 4 November, 

10 TWU delegates were taken 

off the job using delegates leave 

provisions in their agreements 

and were involved a week-long 

‘organising blitz’ of drivers 

working in the retail supply 

chain. If a driver was carting 

goods for a supermarket or 

picking up containers from the 

port that were bound for retail 

outlets, TWU delegates were 

there to survey them about their 

experiences in the industry and 

talk to them about joining our 

union. 

Lead by the Branch Secretary Ray 

Wyatt, with the support of TWU 

organisers Ian Smith and Justin 

Lewis, our delegates had a hugely 

successful five days. 

The week kicked off with a training 

session from our charismatic national 

union trainer, Jon. Jon is from the UK, 

sounds a bit like Jamie Oliver and is 

absolutely passionate about bringing 

new members into the TWU. As a result 

of his engaging style, delegates learnt 

about the value of delivering the right 

message and discussed how they would 

go about talking to drivers during the 

week that may never have spoken to 

anyone about the TWU before. 

Then it was on. 

For the rest of the week, your delegates 

broke into three teams and went to a 

range of different locations to speak 

with drivers that were doing retail work. 

We went to supermarket distribution 

centres, the ports, container lines, busy 

truck stops and service stations. We 

started each day at 6am and made sure 

we arrived at key locations during shift 

start times, shift change overs and when 

drivers were knocking off for the day. 

Your delegates only stopped to come 

back and debrief each day’s results at 

the TWU office. 

They were long days, but thoroughly 

rewarding. 

“Speaking with drivers from different 

companies for the first time can be 

tough, but your delegates were up for 

the challenge. They picked up the ball 

and ran with it.” Ray Wyatt, SA/NT 

TWU Secretary 

Some owner drivers, and drivers working 

for smaller companies that deliver in to 

retail distribution centres, may not have 

a strong TWU culture at their yard and 

it’s so important that we get out and 

speak to these drivers. Delivering the 

message that big industry clients, like 

the major retailers, are squeezing the life 

out of drivers is powerful and rang true 

with everyone. Drivers from across the 

industry was also receptive to the idea 

that joining the TWU was the only way 

to stand together and win real change. 

“Major retailers like Coles shouldn’t 

have the power to dictate wages and 

conditions in our industry. It’s just not 

right and every driver knows it.” Shaun 

Whitbread, a participating delegate 

We’re delighted to report that the 

week resulted in 15 new members 

being brought into our union. We also 

collected the contact details of over 250 

drivers that we can keep contact with 

about the importance of being TWU, 

and 20 drivers that your delegates spoke 

to during the week have now put their 

hand up to play a more active role in our 

union. 

But for all the great numbers, the most 

pleasing part of the week was that these 

results were achieved completely on the 

back of the hard work of your delegates. 

Every delegate made a huge contribution 

to the week. 

On the last day of the blitz all delegates 

came together to debrief the results of 

the week. Over a BBQ, we were able 

to reflect on the successes of the week 

and, most importantly, plan how our 

new contacts will be followed up. Your 

delegates were also able to describe 

how their new experiences will help 

them organise other drivers at their own 

workplace. 

We need all drivers to join the TWU and 

we’re already looking forward to our 

next round of delegate-led organising! 



Ian Gonsalves 

Light City Buses 

Good news, with Light City Buses 

finally having the yard at Wingfield 

re serviced as it was becoming a bit of 

a hazard with large pot holes that could 

cause an injury to the operators tripping 

or rolling their foot as they tried to get to 

their buses. 

Photo: Wingfield Depot taken in July 2013 

Bidvest 

Bidvest members have been told that 

the company will roll over the existing 

agreement with the exception of the 

productivity clause and a 2.5% increase 

each year for a three year agreement. 

The agreement will go out for a vote 

again. 

WIPRO 

At the Wipro EBA meeting held on 21 

November 2013, the log of claims was 

disscussed with management, with all 

claims taken on for consideration over 

the next three weeks. 

Origin Gas Call Centre 

With good delegates in place, and with 

the trust of management to service 

all floors without a security guard, we 

now have improved access to visit our 

members. Regular visits are now in place 

to Origin Gas Call Centre every Thursday 

from about midday until 4.00pm on 

the two main floors. The delegates now 

arrange for inductions when there are 

new employees being trained. 

The employees always come up with 

bit of a theme to help them make their 

targets and to lift the moral of the call 

centre by having a bit of fun at work, 

with everyone bringing in different food 

to be shared around. This lifts moral in 

what can be at times a challenging job 

assisting customers with their problems. 

They are very highly trained in their 

positions and also help each other to 

keep the high standard they achieve. 

25 year Gas Industry Dinner 

The 25 year Gas Industry Dinner was held at the Brompton Hotel with eight loyal 

members in attendance. It was a great night out, seeing mates that members hadn’t 

seen for quite a while was enjoyed by all. Minister Russell Wortley was also in 

attendance and enjoyed having a good chat with them all. 

Kate Robertson from TWU SA/NT Branch recently assisted at an induction of junior 

members. The three members photographed are currently working at Light City Buses 

and are hoping for a career in the bus industry. 



have been with the TWU nearly twelve months now, 

I with a focus on building a better bus industry. This 

has been an exciting time, with the TWU running good 

campaigns to help operators get a better deal. 

I have talked to a lot of my fellow countrymen, both 

Indian and Pakistani, to explain what the Union is about 

and how they can help people who get themselves in 

a bit of trouble and how strength in membership can 

help them achieve better conditions such as better 

Dannie Relan 

wage increases. Many joined the Union and some 

have become delegates to help out and to be on the 

Metro Bus Committee to commit themselves to get the word out to improve the bus 

industry. 

We are in negotiations as this goes to print but there will be SMS texts, emails and 

flyers to keep all the operators informed of the progress of the negotiations and 

where we stand. 

Throughout the year it has been great that there have been festivals and cricket 

matches to bring the workers together and have fun and explain some of the 

cultures of our country and what they celebrate. It has been very interesting to be 

able to go to all the depots from the three bus companies and to find that there are 

similar problems for operators although the companies work completely different 

to each other in how their operations are done. The rosters are different, but the 

end results are the same. The Union has helped many operators in the workplace 

from disciplinary to sorting out pay issues, making sure that the companies abide by 

the agreements, lodging issues with the Commission and in some cases winning the 

rights for workers to have better conditions. 

Diwali Celebrations - Light City Buses 

Left: Paul Ryder with 

Daljeet Bakshi at 

Diwali Celebrations. 

Paul and a number 

of other members 

at LCB are also 

getting involved in 

Movember. 

gap is for advertising 



Justin Lewis 

Training: Organising Works 

This year in my development as a union 

official I have taken part in an ACTU 

run course called Organising Works. 

Throughout the year I have spent one 

in every four weeks at this course with 

other organisers learning the skills to 

become an effective organiser. What 

I’ve learnt from the ACTU and the other 

union organisers I believe will hold me 

in good stead in the future. The course 

has improved my time management in 

particular as it has been a challenge to 

meet the demands of the course and my 

duties as a union official. 

I look forward to putting my new skills 

and knowledge into practice to build 

power for members at their respective 

workplaces. 

In conclusion I would like to wish all our 

members a safe and Merry Christmas 

and a Happy New Year. 

Retail Organising Blitz 

Early in November we were able to get 10 senior delegates to take part in a Retail 

Organising Blitz where they attended training sessions at our office and on the 

job training at Coles and Woolworths distribution centres. This has turned out to 

be an extremely worthwhile venture whereby we gained 15 new members with the 

possibility of at least another 10-15 members coming onboard. 

At the training, the delegates were lead through conversation techniques in talking to 

potential members. Then the delegates were assigned into groups and went out on 

the road with surveys and flyers to the major retail distribution centres throughout 

Adelaide. Delegates issued flyers which highlighted how the large retail clients such 

as Coles have dictated the terms and conditions of transport contracts which in turn 

has placed unrealistic pressure on drivers in the course of their work. On collatation 

of data from the surveys it was clear that both drivers and companies feel the 

pressure put on them by big industry clients like the major retailers. Importantly, 

with the surveys we were able to gather non member contact details which we 

followed up on by calling drivers and asking them to be a part of the campaign and 

join the union. 

This has turned out to be a very effective campaign with many drivers within the 

transport retail sector joining up in solidarity to improve their working conditions. 

Another important aspect of this campaign has been the empowerment of our 

delegates who have been trained in having conversations with their fellow workers in 

regards to joining the union and thereby building union strength in their respective 

workplaces. We as a union realise that we have to give our delegates more 

responsibility so as to free up our organisers to build membership in yards where 

we have low membership. Ideally we would like our delegates to handle the minor 

issues at their workplaces and to actively and consistently recruit members. This 

is an ongoing process which if successful will make the TWU a more powerful and 

effective union. 

gap is for advertising 


DIRECT DEBIT SERVICE AGREEMENT 

Definitions 

account means the account held at your financial institution from which we 

are authorised to arrange for funds to be debited. 

agreement means this Direct Debit Request Service Agreement between 

you and us. 

business day means a day other than a Saturday or a Sunday or a public 

holiday listed throughout Australia. 

debit day means the day that payment by you to us is due. 

debit payment means a particular transaction where a debit is made. 

direct debit request means the Direct Debit Request between us and you 

(and includes any Form PD-C approved for use in the transitional period). 

transitional period means the period commencing on the industry implementation 

date for Direct Debit Requests (currently 31 March 2000) and 

concluding 12 calendar months from that date. 

us or we means Transport Workers’ Union of Australia, SA/NT Branch you 

have authorised by signing a direct debit request. 

you means the customer who signed the direct debit request. 

your financial institution is the financial institution where you hold the account 

that you have authorised us to arrange to debit. 

2. Changes by us 

2.1 We may vary any details of this agreement or a direct debit request 

at any time by giving you at least fourteen (14) days’ written notice. 

3. Changes by you 

3.1 Subject to 3.2 and 3.3, you may change the arrangements under a 

direct debit request by contacting us on Transport Workers’ Union of Australia, 

SA/NT Branch Ph 8346 9955. 

(b) 3.2 If you wish to stop or defer a debit payment you must notify 

us in writing at least (7) days before the next debit day. This notice should 

be given to us in the first instance. 

3.3 You may also cancel your authority for us to debit your account at 

any time by giving us (7) days notice in writing before the next debit day. 

This notice should be given to us in the first instance. 

4. Your obligations 

4.1 It is your responsibility to ensure that there are sufficient clear funds 

available in your account to allow a debit payment to be made in accordance 

with the direct debit request. 

4.2 If there are insufficient clear funds in your account to meet a debit 

payment: 

(a) you may be charged a fee and/or interest by your financial institution; 

(b) you may also incur fees or charges imposed or incurred by us; and 

(c) you must arrange for the debit payment to be made by another 

method or arrange for sufficient clear funds to be in your account by an 

agreed time so that we can process the debit payment. 

4.3 You should check your account statement to verify that the 

amounts debited from your account are correct 

4.4 If Transport Workers’ Union of Australia, SA/NT Branch is liable to 

pay goods and services tax (“GST”) on a supply made in connection with 

this agreement, then you agree to pay the Transport Workers’ Union of 

Australia, SA/NT Branch on demand an amount equal to the consideration 

payable for the supply multiplied by the prevailing GST rate. 

5 Dispute 

5.1 If you believe that there has been an error in debiting your account, 

you should notify us directly on Transport Workers’ Union of Australia, 

SA/NT Branch Ph 8346 9955and confirm that notice in writing with us 

as soon as possible so that we can resolve your query more quickly. 

5.2 If we conclude as a result of our investigations that your account 

has been incorrectly debited we will respond to your query by arranging 

for your financial institution to adjust your account (including interest and 

charges) accordingly. We will also notify you in writing of the amount by 

which your account has been adjusted. 

5.3 If we conclude as a result of our investigations that your account 

has not been incorrectly debited we will respond to your query by providing 

you with reasons and any evidence for this finding. 

5.4 Any queries you may have about an error made in debiting your account 

should be directed to us in the first instance so that we can attempt 

to resolve the matter between us and you. If we cannot resolve the matter 

you can still refer it to your financial institution which will obtain details 

from you of the disputed transaction and may lodge a claim on your behalf. 

6. Accounts 

You should check: 

(a) with your financial institution whether direct debiting is available 

from your account as direct debiting is not available on all accounts offered 

by financial institutions. 

(b) your account details which you have provided to us are correct by 

checking them against a recent account statement; and 

(c) with your financial institution before completing the direct debit 

request if you have any queries about how to complete the direct debit 

request. 

7. Confidentiality 

7.1 We will keep any information (including your account details) in your 

direct debit request confidential. We will make reasonable efforts to keep 

any such information that we have about you secure and to ensure that any 

of our employees or agents who have access to information about you do 

not make any unauthorised use, modification, reproduction or disclosure 

of that information. 

7.2 We will only disclose information that we have about you: 

(a) to the extent specifically required by law; or 

for the purposes of this agreement (including disclosing information in connection 

with any query or claim 

● HEADING 

Your Full Name: 

Postal Address: 

TWU SA/NT application form 

Transport Workers Union SA/NT Branch 


PLEASE USE BLOCK LETTERS 

Suburb: 

Postcode: 

Employer: 

Location: 

Date of Birth: Sex: Male Female 

Mobile No: 

Home No: 

Email: 

I hereby apply to join the Transport Workers Union of Australia and agree to comply with the rules and regulations of 

the Union and any amendements made thereto. 

Signature: 

Office use only 

yard code: 

joined: 

100%UNION: 

I/We: 

Account in name(s) of: 

Bank/Financial Institution: 

Date: 

direct debit request 

remember: union membership fees are fully tax deductible 

Authorise and request the Transport Workers Union of Australia (User ID Number 065054) to arrange funds to be debited from my/our account at the 

financial institution identified below through the Electronic Bulk Clearing System (BECS). This authorisation shall remain in accordance with the terms 

described in the Service Agreement as printed below. 

BSB No. 

Account No. 

Frequency of Debit: Weekly Fortnightly Four Weekly Quarterly 

Debits to start from next cycle after: 

Signature: 

Date: 

Authorisation to obtain bank details from employer 

I hereby authorise my employer as named to provide my TWU Delegate/Organiser with my EFT financial institution details 

Signature: 

Date: 


● ANDERSONS 

Changes to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulations 

and the effect that it may have on you 

Currently there are differences between the heavy vehicle road transport laws operating in each state and territory of Australia. 

This makes it difficult for interstate drivers and operators to understand and comply with what are sometimes inconsistent 

jurisdictional requirements. Also it means that interstate drivers or operators could potentially be subject to different penalties 

for the same offence, depending on what jurisdiction they are in. 

The Heavy Vehicle National Law and regulations are planned to commence in late 2013 in South Australia. 

In preparation for the introduction of the new laws, a National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) was established and started 

operation on 21 January 2013. Currently the NHVR manages National Heavy Vehicle Accreditation Scheme (NHVAS) 

accreditations and the Performance-Based Standards (PBS) Scheme design and vehicle approvals on a national basis. Until the 

National law comes in place business is as usual for day to day operations with your local state and territory road transport 

authority. 

Once the national law commences the NHVR will look after one rule book for all heavy vehicles over 4.5 tonnes gross vehicle 

mass, anywhere in Australia except Western Australia. All states and territories, other than Western Australia, will implement 

the new law and regulations. Once the law and regulations have been implemented it will mean that all drivers, operators 

and others in the supply chain will be subject to the same penalties for breaking the law regardless of where they operate 

in Australia. This is the first time that all states and territories (except Western Australia) have agreed on a single, national 

approach. 

When the national law commences, the following will change: 

1. The NHVAS will operate under a single fee structure that will apply to all applicants, regardless of where you’re operating 

from; 

2. South Australian applicants will pay for applications upfront at the time of lodgement; 

3. If you are an operator accredited in maintenance and mass management: 

a) your vehicle must display a current accreditation label with an individual label number; 

b) your driver must: 

• carry a copy of the accreditation certificate; 

• carry a document signed by the operator stating that the driver is operating under the operator’s 

accreditation and has been inducted into your management systems; and 

• produce an interception book when directed, stopped or asked by an authorised officer. 

4. Authorised officers will only have to complete the intercept book when an issue is detected. 

5. If you are an operator accredited in fatigue management: 

a) your driver: 

• must carry a copy of the accreditation certificate; 

• must carry a document signed by the operator stating that the driver is operating under the operator’s 

accreditation and has been inducted into your management systems; 

• no longer has to carry an interception book. 

b) you must ensure that drivers operating under your accreditation meet the new work diary requirements; 

c) for AFM accreditation, comply with the AFM standards and business rules; 

6. If you are applying for accreditation, you must provide a five-year compliance history declaration, as well the standard 

entry requirements; 

7. The NHVAS may request a criminal history check for some transactions, though this will mainly be for fatigue 

applications; and 

8. The NVHVAS will accept digital signatures from all operators. 

Drivers will be required to have a new national work diary. The diary is supposed to be easier to fill out, and includes more 

detailed advice on fatigue laws and guidance on how to count time. 

Registration, licensing and matters related to the carriage of dangerous goods will however still remain the responsibility of each 

state or territory jurisdiction. Local police will continue to enforce the new national law and the court processes will largely 

remain as they are. 

NHVAS applicants and participants now deal directly with the NHVR for accreditation in: 

• mass management 

• maintenance management 

• basic fatigue management and advanced fatigue management. 

This includes new applications, renewals, amendments, suspensions and cancellations. 


● ANDERSONS 

Applications will be able to be made online. 

It is noteworthy that NHVAS accreditation is voluntary. However, accreditation enables operators to be eligible to operate under 

concessional limits for vehicle mass (Mass Management accreditation), requirements for vehicle inspections (Maintenance 

Management accreditation) and extended driving hours (Basic Fatigue Management and Advanced Fatigue Management 

accreditation). 

As you could imagine, these new regulations and laws are untested and the full impact is not yet determinable. If you find 

yourself in a situation relating to the introduction of these laws where you require assistance to protect your interests, it is 

imperative that you contact the TWU for assistance or a referral to Andersons Solicitors. 

Leesah Randall 

Leesah is a Solicitor in our Criminal and Police Offences team, Adelaide office 

For further information, contact Andersons on 1800 653 655 or visit andersons.com.au 

This information is not intended as legal advice and should not be substituted for legal advice. The information contained in this 

article is current at the time of publication – October 2013 

TWU Members have access to Union legal advisors “on the ground” 

As you might be aware, your Union has negotiated a great range of benefits with Andersons Solicitors, for members requiring 

legal assistance or advice across most areas of the law. Not only do our members receive these services across metropolitan 

Adelaide, Murray Bridge, Victor Harbor, Whyalla, but Andersons also has a full time office right in the heart of Mt Gambier at 5 

Gwendoline Street. 

We thought it was worthwhile just reminding our member base in the South East about this value add to their membership. 

As a result of your Union membership, you are eligible for the following legal services benefits: 

1. A first free interview on any matter 

2. A 10% discount on fees 

3. A “Simple Free Will*”. The member’s spouse will receive an approximate 10% discount on their Will also. 

4. 24 hour legal advice line 

5. No Win/No Fee Options* 

*conditions apply 

Andersons Solicitors offer a full range of legal services, including: 

• WorkCover and ComCare claims 

• Motor Vehicle Accident Claims 

• Industrial & Employment Law 

• Family Law 

• Wills & Estates 

in Mt Gambier 

If you’d like to take advantage of these benefits, you should obtain a referral from your Union or contact Andersons Solicitors 

direct on 1800 8653 655 to reach the Adelaide office or 8723 4000 to get in touch directly with the Mt Gambier office. 

For further information, contact Andersons on 

1800 653 655 or visit andersons.com.au 

This information is not intended as legal advice 

and should not be substituted for legal advice. 

The information contained in this article is current 

at the time of publication – October 2013 

9:00am - 5:00pm 

Monday to Friday 

1800 653 655 

All other times 

0406 382 532 

www.andersons.com.au 


● TWUSUPER 

Are you ready? 

When must employers start contributing to a MySuper product? 

From 1 January 2014, you must pay default employer contributions (for employees who haven’t made a 

choice of fund) to a fund that offers a MySuper product – like TWUSUPER. 

If you are not making default contributions to TWUSUPER, you should check with your current default fund 

to ensure they are MySuper ready. If not, contact TWUSUPER so they can help. 

TWUSUPER - AAA rated 

Independent research firm, Rainmaker recently awarded TWUSUPER their 

highest rating (AAA) after completing their SelectingSuper Fund Quality 

Assessment. The assessment covers key areas of super products, such 

as organisational strength, investments, communications, insurance and 

ancillary services. 

TWUSUPER - consistent and competitive long-term performance 

TWUSUPER’s Balanced (MySuper) investment option is among the best 

performing 25% of surveyed super funds* as reported by Rainmaker’s 

SelectingSuper for 12-month, 3-year, 5-year and 10-year rolling investment 

returns to 30 September 2013. For TWUSUPER’s latest investment returns 

go to twusuper.com.au/investments. 

*Source: SelectingSuper performance tables at 30 September 2013 

Super changes 

The Government has introduced a bill to remove the Minerals Resource Rent Tax from 1 July 2014. The 

flow on effects to super are: 

a two year delay for further Super Guarantee increases 

withdrawal of the Low Income Super Contribution 

The Government also announced it will not be proceeding with the proposed 15% tax on super pension 

earnings over $100,000 per annum. 

Need help? 

TWUSUPER can help you. Contact your local TWUSUPER representative or call 1800 222 071. 

This information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this 

information, you should consider its appropriateness having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. A copy of TWUSUPER’s current 

Product Disclosure Statement should be obtained from us (by calling 1800 222 071 or visiting twusuper.com.au) and considered carefully before you 

make a decision in connection with TWUSUPER. TWU Nominees Pty Ltd ABN 67 002 835 412, AFSL 239163, is the trustee of TWUSUPER ABN 77 

343 563 307 and the issuer of interests in it. Transuper and TransPersonal are divisions of TWUSUPER. 


● HEALTH 

The biggest health issue facing Australian males 

We should all aim to encourage Adelaide men to recognize the value of their health, and to take responsibility for their well 

being, not only for themselves but for their partners and families. Men’s health is important to everyone! 

Prostate, bowel and testicular cancer are a trilogy of illnesses that should scare the pants off each and every man in Australia – 

and their families. 

Local urologist Dr Peter Sutherland, a member of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s South Australian Board, said, 

“Men are often reluctant to talk to anyone about their health – not even to their doctor. Sadly, this tendency to ‘suffer in silence’ 

means that too often, serious illnesses are not diagnosed and treated in their early stages. In the case of prostate cancer, early 

diagnosis is one of the most significant factors for successful treatment, and potential cure.” 

These are the serious statistics from Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s South Australian Board: 

• Irrespective of other forms of cancer: Prostate cancer is the most common internal cancer diagnosed in Australia; 

• More men die of prostate cancer than women die of breast cancer; 

• Men in rural and regional Australia have a 21% higher prostate cancer mortality rate than men in capital cities; 

• What is not commonly understood is that men can be diagnosed with prostate cancer as early as in their forties; 

• One in nine Australian men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime; 

• Each year around 22,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer; 

• Tragically, each year, almost 3,300 will die as a direct result of this disease; 

This is one man every three hours… 

To balance the statistics for men’s health - while prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men (after 

melanoma); bowel cancer affects both genders and kills eight Australians every week and testicular cancer is rare, affecting less 

than seven men in every 100,000 (still seven men too many.) 

Back to prostate…if detected early, prostate cancer is often treatable and curable. However, rarely, there are symptoms in the 

early and important stages. This is why men should not delay testing until they experience symptoms. 

To focus on prostate cancer: 

As prostate cancer develops, symptoms can include the need to urinate frequently; difficulty stating the flow of urine; a slow, 

interrupted stream; pain during urination; or blood in urine or semen. However, all of these symptoms could indicate other less 

serious prostate problems. What to do? Get checked! It is the only pathway to assure a man is clear of the disease. And, as a 

bonus, the check will of course, enable the doctor to treat annoying symptoms of a less serious condition. 

To check for prostate cancer and all its’ worrisome and not to mention, debilitating or even fatal side effects, a combination of 

the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal (DRE) is recommended. “In a perfect world, both tests are 

recommended, as neither is conclusive” said Sutherland. “A man can have a negative PSA and still have prostate cancer. He can 

also have a raised PSA but not a malignant prostate. The physical examination has limits, as the physician can only feel one side of 

the prostate,” he explains. Men from 50 years of age should be tested annually (or 40 years if there is a family history of prostate 

cancer). 

“The promotion of men’s health an issue that needs to be given more attention. Whether it is the resistance of men to get health 

checks and speak about their health, lack of male-friendly health programs or lack of media interest that is the cause, men’s 

health needs to step-up. This disease is having a huge impact on Australian men and their families.” 

The breast cancer movement is so successful in everyway. It is now time for men’s health promotion and for prostate cancer to 

take a leading role in community education and awareness. Men’s health is important to everyone! 

The chance for a diagnosis of 

prostate cancer 

For a man in his 40’s - 1 in 1000 

For a man in his 50’s – 12 in 1000 



Visit www.prostate.org.au for more information. 

Karyn Foster 

PCFA – SA and NT 

Visit www.prostate.org.au for more information. 


● NATIONAL - MAJORS BARGAINING 

Majors Bargaining - Major Power - Branch Secretary Report 

As the year comes to a close, TWU members across the country are reflecting on another successful year, having secured 

national agreements for members at many major transport operators 

One of our major national campaigns this year was at Toll, Australia’s largest transport and logistics company. 

Securing a good deal for TWU members at a company like Toll, which has more than 400 yards across every State and Territory, 

was only possible by standing together as a united team and using the combined power of thousands of TWU Toll members. 

Our negotiating team was led by 17 Toll delegates elected from around the country, including Kevin Moore from Adelaide and 

Jeremy Czoloszynski from Darwin. 

From the beginning of the year, Toll group employees and subbies were surveyed on what they wanted to see in a new 

agreement. It quickly became clear that fair wage and super increases, job security and safe rates were the hot button issues. 

These results formed the basis of our core claim taken into negotiations with management. 

Negotiations kicked off in early April and were long and drawn out, with claims and counter claims over months of negotiations. 

Through it all our team never wavered. As Kevin recalls: “We were face to face with their senior managers and legal hot shots 

over the course of five months. It got hot a couple of times and choice words were thrown across the table more times than I 

can remember. But us delos knew that thousands of Toll members had put their trust in us as their negotiators and that 90,000 

TWU members had our back.” 

After every meeting, our delegates reported back to members in yards meetings. These meetings, combined with regular updates 

via yard flyers, email, SMS and on Facebook, made sure members knew how our fight for a better deal at Toll was progressing. 

Things came to a head in July, when the company made it clear they wouldn’t provide the job security, safety and super 

provisions that workers had demanded unless we made them. 

Management thought they were calling our bluff, but it was TWU members who called theirs! 

Our negotiation team called for a protected action ballot of members - the legal step necessary ahead of taking strike action. The 

result was a whopping 85% yes vote from members, sending a message to the company that we were willing to fight to achieve a 

safe, fair and secure outcome. 

This overwhelming endorsement of taking strike action was our trump card. Seeing that we wouldn’t roll over and that members 

across the country were fired up and ready to go out on the grass, the company folded their cards. 

In early September, an in-principle agreement was struck, which met our key demands. This agreement received overwhelming 

support in every State and Territory. 

As Jeremy said once the deal was voted up “I’m proud to have been part of the negotiation team. Securing a deal like this wasn’t 

easy, but by showing the company we were united and not afraid to stand up for our rights, we won a good deal. Now its our 

chance to build on all our hard work by continuing our campaign for secure jobs at Toll and Safe Rates for all drivers across the 

industry.” 

Securing a good deal at Toll, and welcoming hundreds of new brothers and sisters to the TWU in the process, is just one of the 

many national campaigns on the go. 

In aviation, TWU members are standing for a real future for the Australian aviation industry by calling for secure jobs with fair 

pay and conditions. TWU members at Virgin Australia, Toll Dnata and many more are fighting for a better deal. At QGS, a strong 

campaign from members resulted in QGS workers securing access to Staff Travel for the first time. But these workers are still 

denied full-time employment opportunities and most are guaranteed $200 a week less than the minimum wage, so there is lots 

of work ahead of us. 

Back in road transport, TWU members at Linfox and TNT are currently negotiating and StarTrack talks get underway early in the 

New Year. 

Tony Bell and Jamie Fenwick are our SA/NT delos on the Linfox national negotiation team. 

Tony spoke about one of the big issues for Linfox workers: “The issue of proper payment of 

crib and fatigue breaks is a really important one for workers right around the country and 

one we are determined to secure a strong deal from the company on.” 

In the main, the major issues facing drivers right across the industry are the same – safety, 

working conditions, client pressure to meet client deadlines, and securing enough in wages 

and super to support our families. 

That’s why our biggest national campaign is for Safe Rates for all drivers. This is a fight that 

unites drivers together with communities in every part of the country because it’s our fight 

to end the pressure on drivers that leads to carnage on our roads. 

Truckies are now 15 times more likely to be killed at work than the average for all other 

workers. 

18 Summer 2013 - Transport Worker 

Tony Bell - Linfox Yard Delegate

● NATIONAL - MAJORS BARGAINING 

The real tragedy is that we know what 

the root cause of the crisis is – the 

economic pressures from companies like 

Coles on drivers forcing them into unsafe 

work practices. 

A 2012 industry surveys showed 46% 

of drivers in one major supply chain – 

Coles – are pressured to skip rest breaks, 

and 26% have to speed to meet lunatic 

delivery deadlines. 

The result of this is hundreds of people 

killed in truck crashes and thousands 

more injured every year on our roads. 

To mark the recent Coles AGM, TWU 

members, friends and families held 

protests in Adelaide, Perth and across 

the country. We let shoppers know how 

Coles is forcing unsafe driving practices 

and risking more accidents on our 

roads. And we let them know how Coles 

continues to source its “Mix” clothing 

brand from Bangladesh, while refusing 

to sign the Safety Accord that protects 

Bengali workers from sweat shops and 

human trafficking. 

At the AGM in Perth, driver John Waltis 

from Sydney told shareholders about 

the true impact of Coles ‘down down’ 

squeeze. “Impossible delivery deadlines, 

paying drivers by the pallet and unpaid 

waiting time of up to 20 hours a week 

mean that drivers working in the Coles 

supply chain are under unimaginable 

pressure to drive whilst fatigued, 

overload their trucks or speed. The 

results are all too often tragic.” 

John concluded with the most telling 

line, and one Wesfarmers couldn’t 

respond to, “I’ve been to 52 funerals (in 

my industry). I don’t want to go to any 

more.” 

Our campaign for Safe Rates is to make 

sure every driver can afford to properly 

maintain their truck, doesn’t have to 

speed or drive fatigued to meet client 

deadlines and can come home safely to 

their families. 

As QLD truckie and TWU member Paul 

Freyer says, “I’ve seen too many people 

killed or seriously injured in truck 

crashes because of the pressures placed 

on truckies. Guys need to be paid for all 

of the work they do and not squeezed by 

clients. That’s why I’m supporting Safe 

Rates and every other truckie should 

too.” 

If you haven’t already, join the campaign 

for safer roads and a safer transport 

industry at www.saferates.org.au. 

Toll and Linfox Yard Delegates 



Road freight fatality rate spikes 

in latest report 

by Brad Gardner Fully Loaded 

The risk of death to people working 

in the road freight sector has almost 

doubled in one year, while truck driving 

remains the most dangerous job. 

Safe Work Australia’s report on workrelated 

fatalities in 2012 shows the 

fatality rate in road freight transport 

jumped from 14.68 per 100,000 

workers in 2011 to 29.09 per 100,000 

last year. 

The Work-Related Traumatic Injury 

Fatalities Australia 2012 says the rise 

equates to a fatality rate of 15 times 

the rate of all industries. 

Truck driving recorded 47 fatalities in 

2012 – 33 more deaths than livestock 

farming, which ranked second on 

worker fatalities by occupation. 

“In 2012, 47 truck drivers were killed, 

up from 37 recorded in the previous 

year but considerably lower than the 

series high of 73 in 2007,” Safe Work 

Australia says. 

Over the 10 years from 2003 to 2012, 

Safe Work Australia says 523 truck 

drivers have died on the job. The figure 

represents 20 per cent of all workplace 

fatalities. 

“While single vehicle truck crash 

fatalities were relatively low in 2010 

(20) and 2011 (21), the 30 fatalities 

recorded in 2012 is similar to other 

years in the series,” the report says. 

“Trucks are also prominent in multivehicle 

incidents. In the 10 years 112 

workers died when two trucks collided, 

86 workers in cars died in incidents 

with trucks and a further 26 workers in 

trucks died in incidents with cars.” 

Safe Work Australia says 223 workers 

died last year, which equals a fatality 

rate of 1.93 deaths per 100,000 

workers. It marks the lowest rate in the 

10 years the reports on worker fatalities 

have been compiled. 

“Workers working in or around trucks 

accounted for 76 (34%) of the fatalities 

in 2012. Over the series trucks were 

involved in 30% of fatalities,” the report 

says. 

Safe Work Australia CEO Rex Hoy says 

Safe Work Australia is working with 

work health and safety authorities to 

achieve a 20 per cent reduction in the 

number of work-related fatalities by 

2022. 

http://www.fullyloaded.com.au/industrynews/articleid/85955.aspx 

NTFS 

20 Summer 2013 - Transport Worker 

feel privileged, grateful and proud to have completed 

I the ACTU’s Organising Works Program and met so 

many amazing people who will influence me for the 

rest of my life. 

As a group we have spent many hours passionately 

debating the role of strategic questioning in tasking. 

And that is what brings us together – our passion to 

build power and a willingness to challenge power 

balances in working environments; that is our 

purpose. 

Elise McLay 

Focussing on that word; purpose. What was the 

purpose of doing this course, what is our purpose as organisers and what is the 

purpose of our movement? I believe that you can sum up this course in that word: 

purpose. 

Organising Works made us ask the hard questions and keep searching for the 

answers in our everyday. It didn’t stop in the classroom and it isn’t going to finish 

with this graduation. We have learned to research, to test, to not be content with 

business as usual so we can grow union power in our movement. We are here to 

build power for workers and we can change the world. 

Negotiations are about to commence for 

our members at NTFS. It is an interesting 

situation where we have a group of 

extremely loyal employees working 

under extremely poor wage conditions. 

There is a long history of take it or leave 

it wage offers without any real effective 

negotiation or collective bargaining. 

Circumstances are vastly different this 

time round as we have managed to 

recruit effectively and currently have 

membership density at approximately 

80%. We have been meeting regularly 

prior to negotiations commencing to 

make sure we are organised and ready 

to negotiate as a united front. Our 

members want a significant increase 

in wages. Initial indications from the 

company suggest they intend to make 

an offer of 2% which is insulting and our 

members are preparing to stand up and 

fight back for what they are worth. 

StarTrack 

Extremely pleased to report that our 

owner-driver members at StarTrack 

recently voted up a national agreement 

that has been negotiated for more than 

600 owner operators across the country. 

The negotiations were held over an 

18 month period and our members 

were pleased to be visited by Victorian 

Delegate Marshall Coghlan to explain 

how the negotiations had progressed. 

The conditions negotiated included 

locking in some long term job security 

for owner drivers including secure and 

fixed rate increase for the next five 

years. A fantastic win for owner-drivers 

in Australia!


Transpacific 

We have had several negotiating 

meetings with regard to Transpacific 

Waste’s EBA which expired in August. 

Our member’s initial wage claim was 

13% and the company offered 3%. 

Transpacific tried to tell us that they 

pay more than Veolia and also made 

reference to National CPI. Fortunately 

we had done our research and I had 

a copy of the Veolia agreement with 

me so was able to show that was not 

accurate and also point out that Veolia’s 

agreement is about to be renegotiated. 

We had a copy of Australian Bureau 

of Statistics information showing that 

Darwin CPI is 3.9% which the local 

Manager confirmed for HR in QLD. 

Darwin drivers also get paid a $350 

retention bonus each week subject to 

some criteria (no damage, no sickies, full 

PPE, correct paperwork etc) – however 

the company is adamant that they will 

not include this in the EBA and it is 

subject to “review” at any time. After 

reporting back to our members we have 

been able to have another negotiating 

session where we presented two counter 

offers - 1. If the bonus is only confirmed 

for 12 months then they will accept 

the increase offered if the bonus is 

confirmed for 12 months in writing and 

the EBA is for 12 months only – ie if the 

bonus is to be removed they want the 

ability to renegotiate their pay structure. 

2. Remove the bonus immediately but 

bump up the hourly rate accordingly 

immediately with an additional 3% + 

3% - this would be an immediate saving 

for the company of $6.61/hr per driver. 

I think management were surprised and 

indicated we were close to reaching 

agreement. Given the contracts TPI have, 

we are in a reasonably strong negotiating 

position and believe that our counter 

offer was both fair and reasonable. 

Shore Air 

Another story of success for our 

members at Shore Air Base. Admittedly 

we encountered some hurdles, not 

least being the remote location of the 

base and a difficult Business Consultant. 

However we persevered and managed 

to negotiate a successful outcome 

including a significant increase in wages 

plus an agreement to pay workers from 

when they fly out of Darwin until the 

moment they arrive back in Darwin, 

fair calculation of annual leave, and an 

improvement in conditions including 

internet access and Foxtel – important 

factors when working in such an isolated 

area. 

Darwin Bus Service Members 

We had a wonderful day of industrial action with our Darwin Bus Service drivers 30 

September 2013. The Monday morning began with all drivers meeting at the depot 

at 6.15am wearing TWU shirts and caps, bearing flags and placards all the drivers 

gathered at the gate chanting and waving the flags, film crews from ABC and Nine 

News attended. We then proceeded to a bus stop on Stuart Highway and attracted 

plenty of “honks” in support which was encouraging. We later had a BBQ at the 

Esplanade with some members bringing their families. We played cricket in the park 

and Opposition leader Delia Lawrie, Deputy Opposition Leader Gerry McCarthy and 

Shadow Accountability Minister Michael Gunner all attended to show support. After 

our BBQ we came together and marched to Parliament House chanting loudly and 

proudly waving our flags. A press conference was held outside Parliament with both 

Gerry McCarthy and Michael Gunner signing pledges that they will not privatise DBS 

if Labor is returned to government. We received fantastic coverage in the media 

and huge community support including comments on social media. As of Thursday 

3 October 2013 DBS members stopped collecting fares and wearing uniforms. By 

advising that we would be holding stoppages and then withdrawing them at the 

last minute we have wreaked havoc with the government organising replacement 

services and then being faced with members turning up to work. There have been 

instances of two buses doing the same run and the travelling public knowing if 

the get on the “Black TWU Shirt” bus it was a free ride. Drivers have had many 

passengers approach them to offer their support and encouraged them to keep 

going. Buslink EBA is due to be negotiated next October so this has been a fantastic 

example of using collective power to fight back against an arrogant employer. 


● TCIS 

Public Liability Insurance for Transport Operators 

One of the most confusing aspects of insurance for Transport Operators and in 

particular, Owner/Drivers, is the need for “Public Liability” Insurance, in addition 

to both the “Legal Liability” section of their Motor Vehicle Insurance and the 

“Compulsory Third Party’ Insurance that is part of your Vehicle Registration renewal. 

Motor Vehicle Insurance Policies have a “Legal Liability” section providing cover for 

the amounts you must legally pay another person to compensate them for loss of 

or damage to their property. Loss or damage is only covered when caused by your 

vehicle, arising out of its use in connection with a motor vehicle accident. In other 

words, this only covers third party property loss or damage and not injuries to 

persons, nor loss or damage when the vehicle is not in use. 

Compulsory Third Party Insurance (part of your Vehicle Registration) provides cover 

for the amounts you must legally pay another person to compensate them for 

injuries and loss of income sustained in a motor accident. Again, your legal liability 

only arises from the use of your vehicle. 

Public Liability Insurance provides cover for the amounts you are legally liable for 

injury and/or damage to property not covered by your vehicle’s Third Party Property 

Damage or Compulsory Third Party Policies. For example, whilst you are unloading 

your truck a carton falls onto the foot of a person walking by, the person trips over 

and sustains severe head injuries. In this example, your Public Liability Insurance 

provides the protection you will need in settling the claim for damages and this 

includes any legal costs incurred. 

The minimum level of protection should be for an indemnity limit of $5,000,000, 

with many principals requesting $ 10,000,000. Increasingly a limit of $20,000,000 is 

being required by Government agencies and entities working for them. 

If you carry “Dangerous Goods”, most Motor Vehicle Policies only carry protection for 

amounts up to $250,000 unless specifically increased by way of additional premium. 

Our public liability policy can be extended to include Dangerous Goods to a limit of $ 

5,000,000. 

The cost of Public Liability and Dangerous Goods Liability Insurance Policies is not 

expensive and can be easily obtained for TWU Members by contacting TCIS Insurance 

Brokers. TCIS Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd have been providing customised insurance 

services to those working in the transport industry in particular members of the 

Transport Workers Union since 1994. 

TCIS is the endorsed insurance broker to the Transport Workers Union SA/NT Branch. 

For assistance on all insurance issues please contact Sunil Cook either via your Union 

office or direct on 1800 633 745 or email sunil@tcis.com.au 

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