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● 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. 4 Summer 2013 - Transport Worker
Page 1 and 2: TRANSPORT WORKER SUMMER 2013 EDITIO
Page 3: ● COMMENT “If there is no strug
Page 7 and 8: ● YEAR OF THE BUSES It really has
Page 9 and 10: ● AROUND THE YARDS 2013 - The Yea
Page 11 and 12: ● AROUND THE YARDS Ian Gonsalves
Page 13 and 14: ● AROUND THE YARDS Justin Lewis T
Page 15 and 16: ● ANDERSONS Changes to the Nation
Page 17 and 18: ● TWUSUPER Are you ready? When mu
Page 19 and 20: ● NATIONAL - MAJORS BARGAINING Ma
Page 21 and 22: ● AROUND THE YARDS Road freight f
Page 23: ● TCIS Public Liability Insurance

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