TWU News Summer 2015

TRANSPORT WORKERS’ UNION OF NSW 

TWUNEWS 

ISSUE 83 • SUMMER 2015 

DELEGATES 

READY TO 

FIGHT 

SAFE RATES SIT-IN 

WE SHALL 

NOT BE 

MOVED 

YARD POSTER: 

TWU MEMBERS 

EARN MORE 

PAGES 16-17

PRESIDENT’SPREACH 

George Clarke • TWU President 

CONTENTS 

We fear no foe 2 

Stand together win together 3 

Strong and strategic 4 

New salesman same policies 5 

Shame on Coles 6-7 

Garbos kick up a stink 8-9 

Better Buses: I’m on Board 10 

Not so Uber 11 

At a DC near you 12 

Know your safety rights 12 

Activist profile: 

Our strength is in our members 14 

Workplace poster 16-17 

Hitting the ground running 19 

Brian’s Corner: 

Back off our penalty rates 20 

Members band together 20 

You are not alone 21 

Delegates are ready to fight 22-23 

Sydney Sub-branch News 24 

South Coast & Southern 

Sub-branch News 25 

Newcastle & Northern 

Sub-branch News 26 

ACT Sub-branch News 27 

Vale: 

Tribute to veteran delegate 28 

TWU turns pink 

National Update 29 

You said it on Facebook 30 

Kids’ corner 31 

CONTACTS 

Editorial: 

Rachel Kim 02 9912 0703 

rachel.kim@twunsw.org.au 

Barry Dunning 02 9912 0708 

barry.dunning@twunsw.org.au 

Advertising: 

Rebecca Hopkins 02 9912 0700 

Rebecca.Hopkins@twunsw.org.au 

31 Cowper St, Parramatta 2150 

Print Post Approved 100008176 

WE FEAR NO FOE 

In this union we’ve never been afraid to stand up and fight for what’s ours. 

We’ve never backed away from a fight and we’ve never failed to show up just 

because it wasn’t our own necks on the line. 

These are the finest traditions of the TWU 

and we’ve held true to it consistently 

through our history. We refuse to let shonky 

bosses rob us of our pay and conditions and 

we don’t sit on our hands while deadbeat 

pollies try to strip away our hard-fought 

rights. 

Bus drivers have been door knocking on 

local MPs offices this year, getting in front 

of politicians and explaining the problems 

drivers face out on the road and holding them 

to account for the decisions they make that 

affect our members and their families. 

Garbos in Ryde had a fantastic victory this 

year regarding their waste service contracts 

when they dumped a load of rubbish on 

Ryde Council’s doorstep. Together they sent 

a powerful message to other Local Councils, 

waste operators and fellow Garbos – Wyong 

Garbos who are now facing a similar battle 

are planning decisive action to protect their 

pay and conditions. 

At our most recent Coles action, 10 

activists including our very own State 

Secretary Michael Aird, stood (or should I say 

Wherever we go we fear 

no foe, we’ll keep the 

union flag flying high! 

sat) in fearless solidarity inside a Coles store 

and repeatedly told Coles and the Police they 

would not leave until Coles signed the Safe 

Rates charter. 

Even in the face of police action they 

didn’t back down and refused to move. They 

linked their arms in unity and continued 

chanting in protest of Coles’ lethal squeeze on 

truckies. These 10 men were arrested during 

the protest but they all agree that it was 

worth it. 

All these actions are in the true spirit 

of the TWU. We don’t go away and we do 

whatever it takes. 

I have been proud to stand shoulder to 

shoulder with all of you throughout 2015 as 

we stood up for workers’ rights and fought 

to win a better future for ourselves and our 

families. 

As we move towards Christmas, in what 

is one of the busiest work times for many of 

you, I wish you all a safe, happy and relaxing 

Christmas and New Year with your loved 

ones. 

George 

2 | TWUNEWS SUMMER 2015 FACEBOOK.COM/TWUNSW 

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

DRIVINGFORWARD 

Michael Aird • TWU Secretary 

STAND TOGETHER 

WIN TOGETHER 

This year was another exceptional year for the TWU, building on the rich history of success achieved by 

unity and strength right across the transport industry 

Unity has been a hallmark 

of our Union ever since 

its inception 127 years ago 

– we have always proudly 

stood with all transport 

workers no matter their age, 

gender or background. 

Whatever your faith, 

whatever the colour of your 

skin, if you’re a transport 

worker your place is in the 

union. 

The bosses, knowing 

our strength is in our unity, 

will try to divide us but we 

value and uphold our shared 

identity as transport workers 

and will always stand united. 

This year we have stood 

together as a united group 

WHATEVER YOUR FAITH, WHATEVER 

THE COLOUR OF YOUR SKIN, IF YOU’RE A 

TRANSPORT WORKER YOUR PLACE IS IN 

“THE UNION. 

of transport workers in many 

of our campaigns – across 

individual companies and 

across our industries – we 

have seen that when we 

stand together, we win 

together. 

When council contracts 

came up for our Garbos, 

it wasn’t just the Garbos 

on the contract showing 

up to fight for their jobs 

but Garbos and transport 

workers across the union 

joined them knowing that 

their fight was our fight. 

In our Better Buses 

campaign, bus drivers from 

different companies rallied 

together outside Transit 

Systems when they refused 

to pass on a taxpayer funded 

pay rise to our hard-working 

bus drivers. 

Many of our lead activists 

in our Safe Rates campaign 

are truck drivers like John 

Waltis and Mark Smallwood 

who work in good companies 

but make it their business to 

Your fight is our fight. 

care about what happens to 

other transport workers. They 

know what it’s like out there 

on the road and they know 

the key to winning is to stand 

with one another. 

I want to applaud all 

of our dedicated members, 

delegates and officials for 

their hard work throughout 

2015. Each and every one 

of you are the strength of 

our great Union and nothing 

could have been achieved 

without you. 

Have a safe and enjoyable 

Christmas and I’ll see you in 

the yard or on the streets in 

the New Year. 

Michael 

TWUNSW.ORG.AU 

FACEBOOK.COM/TWUNSW 

TWUNEWS SUMMER 2015 | 3

SECURETHEFUTURE 

Richard Olsen • TWU Assistant Secretary 

STRONG & STRATEGIC 

JUNE 2015 

WE’VE SET IN PLACE A MODEL 

THAT WILL ENABLE THE UNION TO 

GROW EXPONENTIALLY ACROSS THE 

INDUSTRY IN THE YEARS AHEAD. 

MARCH 2015 JUNE 2015 

AUGUST 2015 

As everyone else begins to slow down into the Christmas 

period, transport workers are getting busier as we rush 

to keep up with the demands of the year’s biggest retail peak. 

When we get to the Christmas finish line there’ll be time to sit 

down with our loved ones for a quiet beer and a look back at 

what has been an incredible year for the TWU. 

At the beginning of this year we set ourselves an 

ambitious task and I’m proud to say 2015 will be a year 

remembered for the deliberate and strategic recalibration 

of how the TWU operates as a Union, out in the yards and 

transport workplaces. It will be recognised as the beginning 

of a new period of sustained and organic growth of our 

membership strength and our ability to generate change for 

our members in their workplace safety, pay and conditions. 

By shifting the focus from piecemeal site by site 

agreements, issues management and recruiting to whole of 

industry strategies and developing members and activists, 

we’ve set in place a model that will enable the Union to grow 

exponentially in the years ahead. 

Change often involves discomfort and you may have 

noticed we’re calling on you to do more and more out in your 

yards: to get involved, to get active, to talk to and recruit your 

workmates and to stand beside them as we fight for what is 

right and fair across the transport industry. 

I want to congratulate you for the extra effort we’ve seen 

from our members this year and the outstanding results we’ve 

achieved as a result. 

Whether it was dumping rubbish on Ryde Council’s 

doorstep, marching on State Parliament for our Bus Drivers, 

blockading the Transit Systems’ Depot, our biggest ever 

Delegates conference or turning up the heat on the Coles 

network, you can feel the strength of our actions and our 

purpose growing with each TWU event. 

We’re on track for a big year of actions and results in 2016 

and we’re looking forward to having you standing with us. 

Richard 



POLITICALUPDATE 

NEW SALESMAN 

SAME POLICIES 

Turnbull stabs Abbott in the back but 

nothing changes for Australian workers. 

When Malcolm Turnbull knifed Tony Abbott in the 

Liberal Party leadership coup in September, the 

nation breathed a sigh of relief and looked forward 

to a more sensible and reasonable policy direction 

from the Government. But as the excitement settled 

it became crystal clear that the only thing that was 

changing down in Canberra was the frontman. 

To get the votes he needed to win, Turnbull 

sealed backroom deals by promising to keep their 

embarrassing climate change policy and the publicly 

unpopular same sex marriage position. 

He tiptoed around these policy backflips during 

his leadership honeymoon but now that he’s got his 

feet under the desk he’s showing in a number of other 

areas that the policy unfairness everyone hated about 

the Abbott Government hasn’t changed a single bit. 

Australian workers are realising that no matter where 

they look, the Turnbull Government is planning to 

make their lives harder. 

The disgraced and discredited Union Royal Commission 

has been allowed to limp along to its preplanned conclusion so 

the Government and its big business donors can attack Union 

Jobs and Union Pay across the country. 

The secret Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) and China Free 

Trade Agreement deals will open the gates to allow hundreds 

of thousands of underpaid and under skilled foreign workers 

to flood the local jobs market. The inevitable flow on effect 

of this underpaid workforce will be downward pressure on 

everyone’s pay as local companies try to compete. 

The plan to abolish penalty rates earned by those who 

work through the night and on weekends is becoming a huge 

concern for many Australian families that rely on this precious 

income. The economic lie about job creation used to justify 

this plan is as discredited as it is inaccurate. 

Lifting and expanding the GST grab is another Turnbull 

favourite that will impact the poor much harder than the 

AUSTRALIAN WORKERS ARE REALISING 

THAT NO MATTER WHERE THEY LOOK, THE 

TURNBULL GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO 

MAKE THEIR LIVES HARDER. 

rich, and if this sounds as unfair as a Joe Hockey budget it’s 

because that’s exactly what it is. 

Despite some early grandstanding the Turnbull Government 

is also showing it has lost none of Abbott’s appetite for 

Americanising our health and education systems, so that only 

those with money can stay healthy and get educated. 

Is this what we want for our country? 

Australia is a rich and secure country that can afford to 

employ people in safe jobs, pay decent wages and pay for the 

health and education of its people. 

Our way of life is worth protecting. 




SAFERATES 

SHAME O 

We won’t go away and we’ll do whatever it takes in our fight for Safe Rates. Over 100 transport workers 

rallied outside while 10 marched into Coles and stayed until they were arrested during our peaceful protest. 

The contrast on November 12 could not be more glaring 

– in Sydney’s West over 100 transport workers marched 

on Coles Parramatta to demand the retail giant end their 

relentless pressure on truckies and 10 were arrested, while in 

Perth, Coles was celebrating their billion dollar profits earnt 

off the backs of truckies at their AGM. 

TWU NSW Secretary Michael Aird said the contrast was 

obscene and it grew day by day. 

“Coles’ $1.78 billion profit is covered in the blood of 

Australian truck drivers,” Michael said. 

“How can Coles’ Managing Director John Durkan 

celebrate billion dollar profits and his own huge pay packet 

knowing that they have contributed to the 213 truck crash 

related deaths so far this year?” 

Michael said that though breaches of regulations were 

uncovered earlier this year, Coles had taken no action and 

the squeeze on truckies, a proven contributor to crashes, had 

continued. 

“Coles have been calling us liars and ignoring all the 

evidence we gave them, so while transport workers rallied 

outside, 10 of us marched into Coles and refused to leave 

until they took responsibility for their lethal actions in their 

transport supply chain,” Michael said. 

“Even when the police came we refused to move because 

Coles only cares about money – we disrupted their money 

making to get their attention. 

“We had a huge amount of support and encouragement 

from Coles’ customers and the public during our protest, 

with many vowing to shop elsewhere in the future after we 

explained what the company was doing. 

“Ten of us were arrested during this protest but we all 

agree it was worth it. If that’s what it takes to get Coles 

to take road transport deaths seriously and to stop putting 

Aussie truckies’ lives at risk, then we’ll keep disrupting their 

business and we’ll keep getting arrested.” 

TWU NSW Assistant Secretary Richard Olsen said that 

Coles’ parent company Wesfarmers proudly announced that it 

TWU NSW State 

Secretary Michael Aird 

will do whatever it takes. 

IF THAT’S WHAT IT TAKES TO GET COLES 

TO TAKE ROAD TRANSPORT DEATHS 

SERIOUSLY AND TO STOP PUTTING AUSSIE 

TRUCKIES’ LIVES AT RISK, THEN WE’LL 

KEEP DISRUPTING THEIR BUSINESS AND 

WE’LL KEEP GETTING ARRESTED. 

– MICHAEL AIRD. 

had reduced its freight costs by $13 million, despite the fact 

that this squeeze was contributing towards making trucking 

Australia’s deadliest profession. 

“This is an extra $13 million out of the low cost contracts 

in transport that already put operators under pressure to skip 

breaks, driver faster, drive longer with over-loaded vehicles in 

a stressed and tired state,” Richard said. 

“Coles are notorious for the pressure it puts on truck 

drivers – it brings the whole industry down. Their never 

ending demands keep putting the safety of our truckies and 

road users at risk.” 

Truck driver and delegate Pieter Rietkerk said that the 

pressures truckies faced everyday were very real. 

“Driving a truck can be a great job but there are serious 



SAFERATES 

N COLES 

Over 100 transport 

workers out in full force. 

Truck driver and delegate Mark Trevillian and 

Mark Warke were among the 10 men arrested. 

problems within the industry – impossible deadlines, crippling 

fatigue, non-existent breaks,” Pieter said. 

“Drivers are under unimaginable pressure to drive while 

tired, overload their trucks or speed. 

“We need to make sure drivers don’t have to risk their 

lives – and the lives of others – to meet Coles’ demands.” 

IF YOU’D LIKE TO KNOW MORE OR GET MORE 

INVOLVED IN THE SAFE RATES CAMPAIGN, 

SPEAK TO YOUR TWU OFFICIAL OR CALL THE 

MEMBERS’ SERVICE CENTRE ON 1800 729 909. 




WASTEINDUSTRY 

GARBOS KICK 

Over 50 Wyong waste workers marched on Wyong 

Council to protect their pay and conditions in 

the upcoming Waste Services Contract Renewal 

tendering process. 

Garbos help keep our communities healthy, clean and 

hygienic. Their work is unglamourous, difficult, dirty and 

dangerous every single day and usually occurs at unsociable 

hours. For this indispensable service to our community they 

deserve to be treated with respect and provided with fair pay 

and safe conditions. 

When this doesn’t look like it’s going to happen the TWU 

were there to fight. 

Wyong Council Chambers became a sea of flouro green in 

November when over 50 waste workers marched to address 

a Council Residents Forum about protecting their pay and 

conditions in the pending Waste Services Contract renewal 

process. 

The Wyong Waste Services Contract is due for renewal 

in 2017 and the tender documentation is currently being 

prepared for the market. 

TWU Newcastle & Northern Sub branch Secretary Mick 

Forbes said that it was outrageous that waste workers’ 

livelihoods hung in the balance during every contract 

tendering process. 

“Every time a contract changes hands, Garbos pay and 

working conditions are up for grabs,” Mick said. 

“To date, Wyong Council has refused to write protections 

in tender documents to protect our hard-working Garbos and 

is instead opting to support a race to the bottom.” 

After marching on Wyong council, the crowd filled up the 

viewing gallery in the Residents Council Forum to support 

their workmate and delegate Rob Collins as he addressed the 

Forum to highlight the situation. 

Rob told the Forum that there had been disastrous impacts 

on waste services in other areas when protections were 

ignored in the tendering process, including rubbish piling up 

on streets, industrial action by Garbos and increases in poor 

vehicle maintenance and dangerous driving by unhappy and 

under-pressure workers. 

“Wyong waste workers want to keep providing a first 

class service to the local area but we need the Council to back 

WYONG 

GARBOS 

STAND 

UNITED 

Waste worker and delegate Rob Collins 

addresses the Council Residents Forum 

while his workmates watch on in support. 

us in – many of us have been working here for more than 20 

years,” Rob said. 

“This issue is extremely important to Wyong waste 

workers and our families because we simply can’t afford to 

lose our jobs or have our pay and conditions cut.” 

TWU NSW State Secretary Michael Aird said the turnout 

was a great show of unity from the Garbos. 

“Wyong waste workers made it clear that they won’t 



WASTEINDUSTRY 

UP A STINK 

let council trade away their jobs when the contract gets 

renewed,” Michael said. 

“The TWU is ready to campaign hard on this issue during 

the tender process so that Wyong residents know which 

Councillors are supporting these local jobs and which ones 

aren’t.” 

Waste worker and delegate Ian Hankinson said that union 

membership and standing together was what was needed 

now to secure their jobs. 

“If it wasn’t for the 90 per cent plus membership and the 

whole yard supporting this campaign, we wouldn’t be making 

the gains that we are. I’m confident that with the united 

support from our TWU members we can win,” Ian said. 

“We don’t want to strike and we don’t want to dump 

rubbish on the doorsteps of the council. But if that’s what we 

have to do to get the Mayor and the council to treat us fairly 

then we’re ready.” 

If you would like more information on the campaign 

or if you’re a waste worker wanting to join the fight, 

call the Members’ Service Centre on 1800 729 909. 

WE DON’T 

WANT TO 

STRIKE AND WE 

DON’T WANT TO 

DUMP RUBBISH ON 

THE DOORSTEPS OF 

THE COUNCIL. BUT 

IF THAT’S WHAT WE 

HAVE TO DO TO GET 

THE MAYOR AND THE 

COUNCIL TO TREAT 

US FAIRLY THEN 

WE’RE READY.” 

– IAN HANKISON, 

WASTE WORKER & 

TWU DELEGATE 

Ready to do 

whatever it takes. 

Waste worker and 

delegate Rob Collins 

and Ian Hankison 

leading the fight. 




BETTERBUSES 

BETTER BUSES 

I’M ON BOARD 

SENDING A CLEAR MESSAGE TO TRANSIT SYSTEMS 

Transit Systems EA expired at the end of June, and while 

the rest of the industry has either passed on the government 

contract wage rise or have agreed to back-date, Transit Systems 

announced they won’t be passing on the wage rise at all. 

Not only that, they said they wouldn’t be back-dating the 

wage rise, they delayed starting negotiations, refused to 

agree to anything in our Better Buses campaign, and want to 

increase unpaid breaks while messing with penalty rates and 

removing union protections. 

This is a company that thinks they should be able to do 

whatever they want. 

At this news, our bus members from across different 

companies held a rally in front of their Smithfield depot. At the 

ballot, a historical 92 per cent of bus drivers voted NO. 

We’ve sent a clear message – now Transit Systems know 

BETTER BUSES CAMPAIGN UPDATE 

We officially launched our campaign earlier this year on May 14 

at NSW Parliament House in Sydney. More than 40 bus drivers 

marched in to MP’s offices to talk to them about the dangerous 

problems faced by the 4000 bus drivers across NSW. 

Since then bus members and delegates have been busy 

knocking on the doors of Local MPs to explain the urgent need 

to lift industry standards and they’ve been out in the yards and 

interchanges having conversations and signing hundreds up to 

our Better Buses petition. 

Now we’re hitting the EAs where we’ll be fighting for 

safe rates of pay and safe conditions for our hard-working bus 

Marching on Transit Systems 

they can’t do whatever they want, and they know what to do 

with their senseless agreement. 

Since the ‘No’ vote, Transit Systems repackaged their 

first agreement with minor changes but we weren’t fooled. 

The Union member-led negotiating team have been out in the 

yards and are working hard to protect and win. This strong and 

strategic team are currently preparing for Industrial Action so 

watch this space! 

At the launch of our campaign in May 

drivers and we’ll continue the fight for Transport NSW and the 

NSW Government to set industry-wide standards so drivers can 

deliver a more safe, consistent and reliable service. 

TRANSDEV AND BUSNSW EA NEGOTIATIONS 

We’re at the beginning stages of Transdev and BusNSW’s EA negotiations, so far we have surveyed and gathered a log of 

claims and submitted them. 

Formal negotiations have begun and are in early stages. Report back meetings will be held in all depots. 

Want to find out more or get involved in the campaign? Speak to your TWU official or call our Members’ 

Service Centre on 1800 729 909. 



UBER 

NOT SO UBER 

It seems a strange path to go down – one that 

would see legislated minimum pay and conditions 

for people that transport toilet paper but none for 

those that transport people. 

The NSW and ACT Governments need to tread very carefully 

ahead of any move to legalise Uber and regulate the 

ride sharing industry. When basic worker protections are 

dismantled the ramifications will be felt far more widely than 

just in the Taxi industry. 

For a start there are big question marks over even the 

integrity of the Uber operation when the company: 

X Disregards laws and operates illegally in multiple 

jurisdictions around the world; 

X Offers its employees none of the minimum employment 

protections extended to Australian workers including 

minimum wages, sick pay, holiday pay and unfair 

dismissal; 

X Filed its June 2013 accounts with ASIC 22 months late; 

X Treats a Federal Senate Tax Inquiry with utter contempt 

by claiming to be a Start-Up and then refusing to 

disclose how much tax it paid here. 

Are the Baird and Barr Governments really going to get 

so excited by the use of an emerging technology that they 

disregard hard won and legally legislated minimum standards 

of safety, pay and employment? 

Uber bleats it can turn virtually anyone with a car into a 

potential part-time income earner. No taxi plates to purchase, 

no rules to hold back innovation. But removing barriers to entry 

in the car-for-hire business will ultimately lower and lower the 

price towards the price of petrol itself. What happens then? 

The same thing that’s happening in road freight transport. 

Car-for-hire companies will inevitably continue to undercut 

each other until people can’t make a living, cars and drivers 

will fall apart and you’ll be facing serious safety issues. 

Uber has taken some limited steps towards addressing 

some of the community’s concerns, but its drivers are still 

being left out in the cold. 

Uber is currently fighting legal battles around the world 

with its drivers, who are simply seeking the benefits of normal 

workers. Drivers in California have filed a class-action lawsuit 

for petrol and maintenance expenses, while drivers in the UK 

want paid vacations and minimum wage protection. 

Uber recently issued new terms to drivers in the UK 

referring to them as “customers” suggesting they are paying 

Uber for the use of the App to grow their business! 

Don’t let the pretty little App fool you, Uber is just another 

huge multinational trying to avoid paying its workers properly. 

X UBERX drivers are not guaranteed any level of income; 

X UBERX drivers don’t receive any of the protections 

traditionally extended to employees and many other 

workers; 

X UBERX drivers bear the entirety of the risk associated 

with their work, both in terms of contingency of income 

and total absence of security in work. 

These are the basic working rights that we have been 

demanding for Uber drivers here in Australia and yet now it 

appears the NSW and ACT Governments are planning to let 

Uber brush them aside. 

State Governments should be working with industry and 

drivers’ representatives to create a genuinely level playing 

field across the industry. 

A minimum safety net of terms and conditions needs to 

be established for drivers regardless of their classifications 

as employees, bailees or independent contractors and there 

must be proper training and education for drivers and robust 

enforcement of the rules to make sure no one has an unfair 

advantage. 

Mr Baird and Mr Barr need to think a little further ahead 

than 2016. 

abc.net.au 




SAFERATES 

AT A DC NEAR YOU 

As part of our Safe Rates campaign, we’ve been concentrating our efforts in Distribution Centres (DCs) 

that are owned by the Big Retailers. 

The Big Retailers have a scheme 

to attack good union jobs. Their 

strategy is to offer transport contracts 

for less money which means only 

operators who cut corners on pay and 

safety are able to do them. 

This means dodgy companies will 

get more work – in order to protect our 

hard-fought union pay and conditions, 

we must recruit and organise across the 

whole industry to stop the undercutting 

on good union jobs. 

Truck driver and delegate Mark 

Warke said that is why they were out 

in DCs, because they’re a hub for many 

transport workers. 

“DCs are a great place to have 

conversations with lots of different 

drivers from a variety of companies 

and it’s the ideal place to connect with 

drivers who might be fearful of their 

direct boss,” Mark said. 

“A lot of drivers aren’t aware of 

what’s going on. Once we explain it 

to them, many of them go away and 

have a think about it and come back to 

us interested in joining the union and 

backing our campaign.” 

Truck driver and delegate Stuart 

Crawford said that getting the Safe 

Rates campaign to a variety of drivers 

was crucial. 

“Safe Rates is about bringing the 

weaker yards up to the standards we’ve 

been able to achieve. By increasing 

member numbers in the weaker yards 

we can win,” Stuart said. 

“The problems in our industry won’t 

heal itself – I believe we all have to 

chip in and have these conversations so 

we can make things better for all of us.” 

Together we’ve been able achieve 

DCS ARE 

A GREAT 

PLACE TO HAVE 

CONVERSATIONS 

WITH LOTS OF 

DIFFERENT DRIVERS 

FROM A VARIETY OF 

COMPANIES AND 

IT’S THE IDEAL PLACE 

TO CONNECT WITH 

DRIVERS WHO MIGHT 

BE FEARFUL OF THEIR 

DIRECT BOSS.” 

– MARK WARKE, 

TRUCK DRIVER & 

TWU DELEGATE 

TWU delegates and officials are out in the early mornings to chat with drivers in DCs. 

fantastic results at the DCs, recruiting 

over 250 new members and nearly half 

of them were from yards that didn’t 

have a union presence before. 

Truck driver and delegate Billy Brain 

said that the BBQ at the DC was a 

success and that he was able to have 

conversations with drivers that weren’t 

in the union. 

“I tell those that aren’t in the union 

what they’re missing out on because 

I work in a union yard with all the 

conditions,” Billy said. 

“Some drivers have a lot of distrust 

towards unions and having these faceto-face 

conversations really helps to 

work it out.” 

If you’d like to get involved in our work at DCs for Safe Rates, speak to 

your TWU official or call your Members’ Service Centre on 1800 729 909. 



SAFETY@WORK 

KNOW YOUR 

SAFETY RIGHTS 

We know it’s hard to stay up-to-date with all the information on worker’s rights and safety legislation, 

so TWU Director of Health & Safety Marija Marsic has outlined the latest information to help you make 

informed decisions and stay safe at work. 

DID YOU KNOW? 

You have the right to cease work or 

refuse to carry out work if you have a 

reasonable concern that to carry out the 

work would expose you to a serious risk 

to your health and safety. 

Industrial action does not include 

action based on a reasonable concern 

or imminent risk to health or safety (Fair 

Work Act). For example: exposure to 

asbestos, live wires, violence, toxic air, 

unsafe buildings, fall from height etc. 

IF YOU’RE IN THIS SITUATION: 

You must, as soon as possible, notify 

the Person Conducting the Business 

or Undertaking (PCBU) that you have 

ceased work and remain available to 

carry out suitable alternative work. 

Regardless whether the PCBU 

provides safe and appropriate 

alternative work or not, you are entitled 

to your usual payment. 

BE CAREFUL TO REMEMBER: 

Refusal to perform suitable alternative 

work could be considered as industrial 

action. You may lose a minimum of 4 

hours pay and face fines under the Fair 

Work Act or other similar sanctions. 

ROLE OF AN HSR: 

You may choose to inform the HSR of 

your decision and seek their advice and 

assistance in consulting with the PCBU. 

An HSR who has a reasonable concern 

that workers in the work group are 

exposed to a serious risk to their health or 

safety can direct workers to cease work, 

if the HSR has attended approved training 

and has consulted and attempted to 

resolve the matter with the relevant PCBU. 

However if the risk is so serious 

and immediate or imminent that it is 

not reasonable to consult before giving 

direction, they’re not required to consult 

or attempt to resolve the matter first. In 

these cases the HSR must inform the 

PCBU as soon as possible. 

Safety must always be your number 

one priority, lookout for yourself and 

your workmates. 

TWU NSW is an Approved Training Provider for HSR training. If you’d 

like more information or have questions about HSR training or this 

legislation, call your Members’ Service Centre on 1800 729 909. 




ACTIVISTPROFILE 

OUR STRENGTH IS 

IN OUR MEMBERS 

We had a chat with 

Airports Delegate 

Carolyn Dwyer at SNP 

Security to find out what 

it’s like to be a delegate 

and more! 

HOW DID YOU GET 

INVOLVED IN THE UNION? 

I’ve been involved in unions 

my whole working life. I 

always believed workers 

should join the union 

because they are there to 

protect their rights. When I 

first came to work at SNP, I 

realised there was a need for 

people to speak up for fellow 

employees, especially as the 

EBA was coming along. 

Not many people wanted 

to put their hand up to be 

a delegate so I decided to 

volunteer and give it a shot. I 

couldn’t have done it without 

the backing of my colleagues, 

help from other delegates 

and support from the TWU 

officials. I’ve now been a 

delegate for about four years. 

WHAT’S THE KEY TO A 

STRONG UNION YARD? 

The key to a strong yard, I 

think, is honesty. Being honest 

and reliable and having the 

courage to back one another 

up. These things all make 

a huge difference. Being 

sincere to one another and 

doing what you can to help. 

Standing strong with fellow 

SNP delegates David 

Strizhevsky and Bassam Daher 

at the Delegates’ Conference. 

WHAT DO YOU SAY TO NEW 

STARTERS IN THE YARD? 

I tell new starters to talk 

to other workers, get some 

ideas from them, don’t take 

my word for things. I don’t 

want to push membership 

down people’s throats but 

I tell them that we work in 

an environment where it’s 

easy to be human and make 

mistakes and that they’ll need 

someone to watch their back. 

We’re able to find 

loyalty in each other in the 

workplace as a union. If we 

have to make hard decisions 

“ 

WE ALL NEED TO 

UNDERSTAND THAT 

YOU DON’T GET 

ANYWHERE BY 

ACTING INDIVIDUALLY 

AND THAT WE NEED 

TO BE UNITED AND 

ORGANISED. 

we can do it standing 

together to make sure we can 

get an outcome that benefits 

all of us. 

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU TO 

BE A TWU DELEGATE? 

Some people don’t realise 

how hard the unions fought in 

Australia to get the wages and 

conditions that we have today. 

The majority of employers 

will never give you good 

wages and conditions out of 

the goodness of their heart, 

especially big businesses. 

A good day’s work should 

get you a fair days pay, but 

these days big businesses 

seem to be trying to wind 

back the clock! They want 

you in a desperate position so 

that you’ll work any time and 

for anything. That’s my belief 

and that’s what drives me to 

be a delegate. 

WHAT ARE YOU ESPECIALLY 

PROUD OF AS A DELEGATE 

IN YOUR YARD? 

At the moment I’m proud 

of the issues we constantly 

bring to our bosses’ attention. 

It’s these smaller fights and 

wins that make sure we don’t 

go backwards and we keep 

our rights. 

I’m proud of the growth 

in our membership and happy 

that people can feel like 

they can trust the TWU. Our 

strength is in our members 

and it’s the members 

that work to make all our 

livelihoods better. 



Your one-stop-shop 

for an industrial 

HEARING LOSS 

solution. 

Have you worked in a noisy 

workplace? 

Book a FREE* HearingLife Hearing 

Check-up today. You maybe eligible 

for worker’s compensation. 

Phone 1800 094 962 

hearinglife.com.au 

facebook.com/HearingLife 

*Adults only over the age of 26 years. 

ers 

TWU_QUARTERLY AD.indd 1 

We’ve been the health fund for 

Australia’s transport industry workers 

for more than 125 years. 

Join us and you’ll enjoy * : 

3037_rt_twu_nov_journal_final.indd 1 

Did you know 

that there’s a 

health fund just 

for you? 

4 A $100 petrol or grocery voucher 

4 An immediate waiver of all 2 and 3-month waiting periods 

4 Fast assistance and a dedicated TWU email. 

Call us to find out more! 

1300 56 46 46 

rthealthfund.com.au/twu 

Our lowest home loan 

rate ever! 

Did you know 

that there’s a 

health fund just 

for you? 

3.79 % 

Join us and you’ll enjoy * : 

pa 

4 A $100 1 YEAR petrol FIXED or grocery RATE voucher 

COMPARISON RATE* 

4 An immediate HOME waiver LOANof all 2 and 3-month waiting periods 

4 Fast Free assistance redraw and a dedicated TWU No email. ongoing fees 

Call 

 

us 

Minimum 

to find out more! 

$250,000 No early payout fees 

1300 56 46 46 

rthealthfund.com.au/twu 

14/08/2015 10:07 am 

pa 4.52 % 

Call 1300 655 116 

Apply at mycu.com.au 

*Comparison rate based * Terms on and a secured conditions apply. loan © RT Health of $150,000 Fund 2015. 0915/3037 over 

25 years. Warning: This comparison rate is true only for the 

example given and may not include all fees and 10/09/2015 charges. 7:21 am 

Different terms, fees and other loan amounts might result 

in a different comparison rate. Eligibility criteria, terms and 

conditions, fees and charges apply. Offer only available for 

home loans over $250,000 for purchases or to refinance 

from another lender and must be funded within 6 weeks 

of approval. Maximum loan to valuation ratio (LVR) of 80% 

applies. At the end of the fixed rate period the loan will revert 

to the My Ideal Home Loan. My Credit Union reserves the right 

to withdraw or amend this offer at any time. Rate current at 

20/8/2015 and subject to change without notice. 

Credit Provider is My Credit Union Limited 

ACN 087 650 584 | Australian credit licence 246941 

* Terms and conditions apply. © RT Health Fund 2015. 0915/3037 


10/09/2015 7:21 am 



ON AVERAGE 

TRANSPORT WORKERS’ UNION MEMBERS 

EARN $160 

* 

MORE 

PER WEEK 

THAN NON MEMBERS 

PIN ME 

UP IN 

YOUR YARD 

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND THAT? 

$160 

PER WEEK 4 CARTONS 

2 OF BEER TANKS 2 OF PETROL 

DAYS OF 

CHILD CARE

$8320 

PER YEAR 

1 

NEW 

1 JET SKI KITCHEN 1 RENOVATION 

FAMILY TRIP 

TO DISNEYLAND 

$332,800 

OVER 40 YEARS 

NEW 

1FERRARI 8 

EXTRA YEARS 

RETIREMENT FUNDS 

Join. For a better life. 

www.twunsw.org.au 

If you’re having problems at work, speak to your delegate or call 1800 729 909. 

DELEGATE: ________________________________ MOBILE: _____________________________________ 

* Source: ABS Census 2011 

Authorised by Michael Aird, Transport Workers’ Union of NSW, 31 Cowper St Parramatta NSW 2150

LEGAL ISSUE? 

WE CAN HELP. 

We Can Help 

Workers compensation 

Road accident injuries 

Injuries resulting from medical treatment 

Illnesses related to asbestos exposure 

Superannuation & disability 

Insurance benefits 

Injuries sustained in public places 

Injuries caused by faulty products 

Financial advice disputes 

Will disputes 

TWU member benefits 

Free telephone advice 

Free first consultation 

No win – No fee* 

Free standard will** 

* Conditions apply 

** For you and your spouse 

1800 810 812 

mauriceblackburn.com.au 

Providing specialist insurance solutions to both 

group and individual members of the TWU. 

SELF EMPLOYED CONTRACTORS 

COMMERCIAL MOTOR AND GREEN SLIPS • PERSONAL ACCIDENT AND ILLNESS 

SALARY CONTINUANCE • PUBLIC LIABILITY • CARRIERS LEGAL LIABILTY 

DANGEROUS GOODS LIABILITY • MANAGEMENT LIABILITY 

EMPLOYEES 

PERSONAL ACCIDENT AND ILLNESS • WORKERS COMPENSATION TOP-UP 

Contact Les, Rina or Simone at our Bexley office on 

02 9567 7722 

or email: simone.fazzari@ajg.com.au 

PROUDLY SERVING TWU MEMBERS SINCE 1995 



MEMBERDEVELOPMENT 

United together at Border Express 

HITTING THE GROUND RUNNING 

Ross Nicholson is new to the TWU – he’s been 

a member for only three months but has already 

stepped up to be a delegate at Border Express 

Wetherill Park! 

Border Express Delegate Ross Nicholson hasn’t been part of 

a union before but while having a chat with his workmates 

and looking around his yard, Ross saw a need and put up his 

hand. 

“There’s been a change in management, our EBA 

negotiations are coming up, and the boys in the yard thought 

it’d be a good opportunity for me to have a go,” Ross said. 

“Safety has always been a concern for me, our carpark is 

pretty atrocious and the yard has been bashed around, so I 

thought I could help out to make things a bit better.” 

Ross has hit the ground running in his first few months 

as a delegate and member by having conversations with his 

workmates to sign them up to the union. 

“Management’s a bit scared I reckon,” Ross said. 

“I have a good relationship already with lots of the guys 

here at the yard, I tell them that we need to stick together and 

that we can make things better for everyone here. We can 

create change and be successful together.” 

Safe work and fair pay are the main concerns in the Border 

Express yard at the moment. A united team of proactive TWU 

members are working towards creating a more transparent 

workplace and bringing real change into the yard. 

“I’ve been working here for five years and the work has 

changed – the workload has increased involving systems and 

carton freight – but our pay hasn’t changed,” Ross said. 

“ 

I TELL THEM THAT 

WE NEED TO STICK 

TOGETHER AND 

THAT WE CAN MAKE 

THINGS BETTER FOR 

EVERYONE HERE. WE 

CAN CREATE CHANGE 

AND BE SUCCESSFUL 

TOGETHER. 

New delegate Ross Nicholson 

“We’ve had a couple of yard meetings and talks with 

management already. We’ve brought up safety issues with 

the boss, implemented new procedures regarding compulsory 

safety glasses and we’re getting our dodgy carpark fixed up. 

“I was initially motivated to join the union and become a 

delegate to make the yard a better place for my mates, but I’ve 

also noticed other benefits to stepping up. 

“It’s been a great opportunity to see the bigger picture and 

to challenge myself - our TWU organiser Michael has also 

become a mentor of sorts for me. 

“I enjoy being able to educate myself more and using it 

to help other people. I think it’ll really help my future career 

path too.” 

If you’d like to get more involved in the union, or if you 

have someone you’d like to see featured in the journal, 

call your Members’ Service Centre on 1800 729 909. 




BRIAN’SCORNER 

BACK OFF OUR PENALTY RATES 

The TWU Vets are continuing to campaign against State and Federal government policies that attack 

transport workers and their families. 

At our recent bi-monthly meeting, 

after discussion and deliberation, 

we moved and passed a resolution 

from our active members stating that 

we are disgusted and appalled by any 

government that wants to take away 

penalty rates from any worker that 

works unsociable working hours. 

Thousands of workers rely on 

penalty rates to get by and put food on 

the family table. Getting rid of penalty 

rates is a direct attack on our way of life 

– it’s only fair that workers should be 

paid extra for missing out on weekends 

and for working into the night. 

We’re committed to taking up this 

fight. We’ll be supporting our NSW 

Secretary Michael Aird and union 

members in the fight against the 

Haven’t retired from the fight: the TWU Vets at their bi-monthly meeting. 

removal of penalty rates, and any other 

policies that are set to jeopardise the 

livelihoods of transport workers in 

Australia. 

Are you retired and interested in 

joining? Call the Members’ Service 

Centre on 1800 729 909. 

MEMBERS BAND TOGETHER 

The TWU, members and workmates banded together at SNP Security to raise funds for a workmate who 

needed a modified vehicle for his disabled son. 

Wheelchair 

modifications 

become a reality. 

TWU Delegates David Strizhevsky 

and Carolyn Dwyer present a 

$1000 cheque contribution. 

Dear Everyone, 

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude 

for your donation towards the fundraiser 

for my son. Your generous contribution has 

made our efforts to provide our son with safe 

transportation a reality. 

From the bottom of my heart I would 

like to thank the Transport Workers 

Union, Union organisers Ian Sherwood 

and Jim Piotrowski, and especially our 

Union delegates at Sydney Airport, David 

Strizhevsky and Carolyn Dwyer for their 

tireless work, ongoing concern and support 

for me and my family. 

As a result of the fundraiser, my wife and I 

have been able to pay for modifications to 

our vehicle which made it possible for our 

son to travel safely and comfortably. 

I have been very proud and fortunate to be a 

part of the TWU family. 

Thanks again for all your support, 

Syed Hasnain Jaffer 

TWU Member & Aviation Security Officer, 

Sydney International Airport 



LEGALHELP 

YOU ARE NOT ALONE 

The TWU proudly offers legal representation to our members. No one thinks they’re going to lose their 

job or run into legal issues, but when they do, they have the TWU to back them up. One of our members 

wrote in to share his experience with us: 

People often ask me, “Why are you in a 

union, what do they do for you?” and I 

respond by saying that unions redress the 

employer - employee power imbalance. 

This simply means that I am not 

alone in the workplace. Most of the 

workplace conditions we enjoy today 

can be directly attributed to union 

activities over the years. 

I am approaching 60. I had been an 

employee since 2006 for a family-owned 

kitchen component supply manufacturing 

firm. For legal reasons that firm can’t be 

named but let’s call them Dodgy Bros. 

I was employed as a warehouse 

supervisor. Over the years I had sought 

and was given verbal permission to take 

dunnage (rubbish pallet wood) from the 

site. You just had to ask the Boss. 

Then one day, the dynamics in the 

company shifted. 

The national DC manager left and one 

of the family members took over the role. 

During this time a number of changes 

took place one of which (without my 

knowledge) meant that I had to fill out 

a little paper form to take dunnage. Not 

knowing this cost me my job! 

One lunchtime, I was called into 

the Boss’ office. There was no written 

warning and I was just immediately 

dismissed! 

I contacted Grant Rodger, our TWU 

rep. He contacted Dodgy Bros’ HR but 

they stood by their decision. The Union 

interviewed me, filed an unfair dismissal 

claim with the Fair Work Commission on 

my behalf and put the evidence to the 

Commission. 

Dodgy Bros then suddenly contacted 

the TWU legal team and offered to 

delete the dismissal and offer a letter of 

resignation and a letter of service. They 

knew that this rash decision by the Boss 

wouldn’t hold water with the Commission 

but they stupidly still stood by his actions. 

In the meantime, I was applying for 

jobs. Being 59 in the job market has 

its challenges but 57 days from being 

dismissed I had a new job. While all this 

was going on, Dodgy Bros offered me a 

paltry $1000 resignation and a letter of 

service which I refused to accept. 

This drawn-out process continued for 

almost three months before Dodgy Bros 

company buckled and I was offered a 

lot more money by the company as the 

deadline of the hearing at the Fair Work 

Commission approached. 

I took the settlement and I feel my 

reputation has been restored, thanks 

to the hard work of Grant Rodger and 

the TWU legal team at the Parramatta 

office who stuck by me the whole time. 

If I wasn’t a member of the TWU, my 

reputation would be trashed and I know I 

would be in a financial mess. 

There’s one simple reason to be in the 

TWU – you’ll never stand alone. 




READYTOFIGHT 

DELEGATES ARE 

We spoke to some of our delegates about why they’re ready to lead the fight. Here’s what they said! 

I’m ready to fight for job 

security, I know we can 

achieve this by acting in 

unity ‘All for one and one 

for all’! 

– Samuel JB Anguna 

I’m ready to fight 

because I’m sick 

and tired of the 

unfair working 

conditions 

they’re giving us. 

– Sam Hajidavid 

I’m ready to fight because 

the future of our industry 

depends on it. Workers’ 

rights are important and 

should be respected. 

– Teilo Tulafono 


for union values. 

Everyone should 

receive a fair 

days pay for a fair 

days work. 

– Ivan Reardon 



READYTOFIGHT 

READY TO FIGHT 

I’m ready to fight because 

I believe nobody should 

be lesser than me or 

higher than me. All of the 

bus industry should be 

same on the same award. 

– Cheryl Gordon 


for safety in my 

workplace. All 

workers deserve 

to work in a safe 

workplace and 

come home safe 

every day. 

– Luke Celarc 

I’m ready to fight to lift the standards 

of safety at my workplace. Job 

security is also a huge issue that I’m 

ready to stand up for. 

– Glen Pepper 

I’m ready to fight for 

workers to be engaged 

in union. I want the yard 

to know that when we 

win something, it was 

something we fought 

hard for and got because 

we stuck together. 

– Jeff Payne 

I’m ready to fight to 

keep management 

honest in all facets 

of our work – our 

pay, our conditions 

and our safety. 

– Mark Herod 




SYDNEY 

Mick Pieri • Sub-branch Secretary 

WRAPPING UP A GREAT YEAR 

AIRPORT 

There’s been a strong push at the airport 

to dramatically reduce the number of 

full-time workers and increase part-time 

workers in all divisions. 

Part-time work is just a glorified 

casual worker and this change is putting 

a heavy strain in the livelihoods of the 

workers. Many of them are earning 

below the poverty line and surveys reveal 

almost 70 per cent of employees say 

their pay does not allow them to meet 

their costs while over three-quarters say 

they cannot afford to retire at 65. 

Come the New Year we’ll be taking 

up the fight for quality jobs, job security 

and stability at the airport so watch this 

space! 

BETTER BUSES 

It’s been an action-packed year in our 

Better Buses campaign and we now 

have a united front in the bus yards 

so we can lift the standards for all the 

drivers in the industry. 

Transit Systems have put up a 

woeful EA, to which all the members 

voted a loud “NO”. We’ll be taking up 

the fight and preparing to make strong 

and bold moves to benefit our members 

and keep the bosses honest. 

It’s early days for Transdev 

negotiations, hopefully they won’t put 

up an anti-union stance like the other 

bus companies, but either way we won’t 

be backing down. Our strength is in our 

unity and that’s what we’ve got in our 

bus yards. 

SAFE RATES 

We’ve continued our battle strong 

throughout 2015 against Coles and 

other grubby companies in the transport 

industry. 

ABOVE: Gate Gourmet delegates John 

Brennen and Sheryl Pulham. RIGHT: 

Bumped into an ex-Delegate mate 

Teare Ghebremichael at the airport 

who’s been a TWU member for over 

20 years and is 72-years-young! 

At our latest Safe Rates action, 

we staged a sit-in at a Coles store in 

Sydney West. It was one of my proudest 

moments as TWU seeing our State 

Secretary Michael Aird sit-in with rank 

and file members and get arrested for 

the fight. 

Unfortunately they let him out and I 

didn’t get the promotion I was hoping for 

– but all jokes aside – we’ll continue to 

stand united and take radical action for 

union pay and union standards all across 

the transport industry. 

A GREAT YEAR 

It’s been another hard-fought year – 

congratulations and a big thank you to 

each and every one of you. 

Over 3,000 new members have 

joined us this year – we’re constantly 

growing and it’s a fantastic result. 

A huge thank you to all our members, 

delegates and officials – have a 

happy and safe holiday season! 

Mick 

If you have an issue or want to get involved contact your Sub-branch on: 9912 0700 or email info@twunsw.org.au 



SOUTH COAST&SOUTHERN 

Nick McIntosh • Sub-branch Secretary 

DEAL SECURED AT CHEMTRANS 

Congratulations to our members at 

Chemtrans who have secured a deal 

that locks in their conditions and job 

security for the next three years. Short 

distance drivers have also had their 

meal allowance payments reinstated 

and backdated to April 2015, while long 

distance drivers have secured a 4 per 

cent pay rise in the first year. Both short 

and long distance drivers have secured 

pay rises of 3.25 per cent in years two 

and three. 

In addition to these increases, all 

other allowances have been increased 

with the Sunday KM rate allowance 

rising from $100 to $125 a day. Drivers 

who transition from long distance to short 

distance work over the course of the 

same day will have all their hours worked 

BIG WIN FOR WARREN AT SITA 

United team at Chemtrans 

recognised for the purposes of overtime. 

Well done to everyone involved in 

securing this deal! 

ADRIAN CLARKE 

– 54 YEARS AND COUNTING! 

Sita Nowra: we’ve got each other’s backs. 

When Sita Waste in Nowra decided to convert its entire labour hire workforce 

to direct hire casuals, except for TWU member Warren Ison, our members 

smelled a rat. It turned out that Warren was the only labour hire worker who was a 

TWU member. 

After a long campaign that involved Official Lee Lawler, Delegate Greg Clifford, 

Co-Delegate Mark Coombe and our members telling management that this was 

unacceptable, combined with threats of legal action, Sita backed down and Warren 

is now employed directly by the company. 

Well done guys for sticking together to achieve a great result for our member! 

Adrian is proud to be TWU! 

My congratulations to Adrian 

Clarke, who has been a financial 

TWU member for an incredible 54 

years! 

When we recently presented 

Adrian with a plaque commemorating 

this achievement he told us how 

proud he was to be both a transport 

worker and TWU. Good on you mate! 

Nick 

If you have an issue or want to get involved contact your Sub-branch on: 4229 1753 or email wollongong@twunsw.org.au 




NEWCASTLE&NORTHERN 

Mick Forbes • Sub-branch Secretary 

STEPPED UP TO FIGHT 

In relation to the Don’t Trash Our Jobs 

campaign story on pages 8-9, I would 

like to make special mention of the 

hard work and dedication shown by Ian 

Hankinson, Rob Collins, Rodger Maynier 

and Phil Pass, along with activists, 

members and the area Official Grant 

Rodger. 

Delegates and activists in other 

waste yards in the Newcastle branch 

have also been working hard throughout 

2015 to ensure members’ concerns are 

represented. Remondis in Thornton 

always fight the good fight and with 

delegate and executive member Peter 

Meldrum in the lead. Michael Comer from 

J.R. Richards Port Macquarie has been 

supporting his members and has been 

actively involved in TWU campaigns. 

Our new delegate Dylan Thompson 

at Suez in Mayfield has been working 

in unity with members and activists 

at Raymond Terrace to negotiate a 

TWU agreement that delivers Union 

conditions and industry standard 

wages. Official Ray Fitzpatrick has been 

assisting these members and all should 

be congratulated. 

Delegates Chris Salakis and 

Max French at Veolia in Cameron 

Park are persevering through trying 

circumstances to maintain decent 

rates of pay and condition for their 

members during EA negotiations. 

Veolia management have threatened 

possible redundancies and though it’s 

always difficult to judge an outcome 

when threats of this nature are made, 

our delegates are passionate and 

experienced and I’m confident the right 

decisions will be made to deliver job 

security and decent wages. 

SIGNED UP THE WHOLE YARD 

Hornby Transport’s new delegate Jeff Ayton, along with Ray Fitzpatrick and 

Grant Rodger have signed up 100 per cent of the yard and are joining their 

Wollongong workmates to fight for a TWU agreement. They are in the process of 

applying for Protected Action orders at the FWA Commission and are sure to fight 

on for a fair TWU agreement with clauses that deliver Union power! 

Wyong Garbos and Mick Forbes 

taking up the fight in unity. 

END OF YEAR WRAP UP 

Overall it’s been a great year for our 

Newcastle branch with wins across 

all sectors – our future is bright with 

great leadership from the State and 

Assistant State Secretaries and our 

great team of activists and delegates. 

We have achieved well in excess 

of 300 new members in 2015 and our 

member-led campaigns from Safe 

Rates to local yard disputes would not 

have been successful without your 

involvement and commitment. 

I want to thank each and every 

member from the Tweed in the North 

Coast to the Hawkesbury on the 

Central Coast for your contribution 

in making the TWU the successful 

fighting Union it is. Without each one 

of you, thousands of families would be 

far worse off! 

A special thanks to our office staff 

Sue Crawford and Maria Pierdomenico 

for their tireless contribution to our 

branch. 

From our Newcastle officials and 

staff to you and your family – Merry 

Christmas to everyone! 

Mick 

If you have an issue or want to get involved contact your Sub-branch on: 4969 3900 or newcastle@twunsw.org.au 



ACT 

Klaus Pinkas • Sub-branch Secretary 

HELP FOR OUR AMBOS 

Alarmingly, the number of violent 

workplace incidents experienced by 

ACT paramedics has almost doubled since 

2013-14. 

Our ambulance officers are doing 

more work and as a consequence they are 

being confronted with more instances of 

unacceptable violence which simply cannot 

be tolerated. 

Encouragingly, more officers are 

It’s been a great year! 

Our TWU 

reporting more incidents. Many paramedics team at 

I’d like to thank the 

had previously been reluctant to report ACTAS. 

delegates, the members 

violence or have had it inappropriately 

and Ben, Tanya and Pat, 

dealt with internally due to management’s Paramedics needs to be given support who all contributed 

mishandling of complaints. 

from other emergency services such as to making 2015 such a 

Inquiries have flagged the issue of police in dealing with these incidences of successful year. 

mental stress among workers. Out of the violence so they can get on with their work 

I wish everyone a 

23 reported cases, 14 resulted in “mental saving people’s lives. 

Merry Christmas 

stress” for the paramedics. In 2013-14 half We’ll continue to work with our Ambo and healthy and 

of the cases resulted in mental stress, while members and the ACT Government to resolve great 2016. 

in 2014-15 it jumped to two-thirds. 

these critical problems in the industry. 

NEGOTIATIONS BEGINNING AT ARMAGUARD AND PROSEGUR 

Members at Armaguard and Prosegur have commenced bargaining 

for new agreements. Experienced delegates Dave Longin and 

Rodney Anderson, as well as many of the members in both companies, 

have been through this many times but they’re fully aware that it 

might turn out to be very challenging this time around. 

Both companies are expected to play the “Poor us” game – a game 

that TWU members are well accustomed to at EBA time. We’ll keep 

you updated on how these negotiations go over the coming weeks. 

THANK YOU PAUL! 

Klaus 

Armaguard 

members (right 

to left) Mark 

Waters, George 

Robertson and 

Kent Draber with 

their ‘length 

of service’ 

certificates from 

the company. 

After many years representing his workmates, Paul Elford has decided to pass on the reins at TNT. Paul has given 100 per 

cent dedication during his time as a co-delegate and delegate at TNT, arguing countless disputes and winning many important 

victories. 

Paul led TNT through some of the most divisive and bitter agreement negotiations and was instrumental in successfully 

arguing against numerous reckless management decisions. 

Paul’s commitment to securing workers’ rights is undisputed and he will be missed by his workmates and the TWU Office. 

We wish Paul all the best in the future and thank him and Irene for their efforts and sacrifices over the years. 

If you have an issue or want to get involved contact your Sub-branch on: 6280 9353 or email info@act.twu.com.au 




VALE 

TRIBUTE TO VETERAN DELEGATE 

Kevin Jones, better known as “Jonesy”, was a real 

stalwart for the union and a true warrior on behalf of 

his workmates in the TNT Enfield yard and for all transport 

workers in NSW. 

A member of the union for over 33 years, and a delegate 

for a striking 27 years, on retirement in 2010 Kevin was 

presented with a “master key” to the TWU NSW offices – a 

joke on Kevin, who had said that he had been to union HQ so 

many times that he should be given a key to the building. 

TWU NSW Assistant Secretary Richard Olsen said that 

Kevin was a fighter who consistently battled on for his 

workmates. 

“Kevin never backed down and he was always looking 

out for his workmates. The TNT yard would look a lot worse 

if it wasn’t for Kevin and all the hours he put into keeping the 

bosses honest. He was an inspiration to us all.” 

Kevin is survived by his wife Norma and his two sons and 

two daughters. 

Wayne Forno presenting Kevin with 

the TWU Scroll of Honour in 2010. 

Kevin was an inspiration to us all. 

TWU TURNS PINK 

In support of Pink Ribbon Day, the TWU office and members turned out in pink and gave generously to 

support the many thousands of Australian women affected by breast and gynaecological cancers. 

Support for Pink Ribbon Day came 

from all corners of the TWU this year 

as members delegates and officials dug 

deep to support this great cause. 

TWU delegate John Visser from Toll 

Priority Bankstown always gets right 

behind Pink Ribbon day and this year 

was no exception - he dyed his beard 

bright pink, dressed in pink from head 

to toe and went in a Pink Ribbon Ride 

which raised $45,000 on the day. 

His workmates at Toll Bankstown 

supported him and donated plenty of 

money, making him Most Sponsored 

Rider on the day. A solid united effort, 

good on you all! 

At the TWU NSW office, a Pink 

Ribbon morning tea was held and all 

staff members dressed in pink and 

wore matching pink cowboy hats. 

TWU supports Pink Ribbon. 

Official Lee Lawler turned up in a full 

bright pink suit! 

There was a lucky door prize, 

delicious pink food and fundraising 

games which raised $650 on the day. 

These deadly cancers affect a huge 

number of women and the fight against 

them is ongoing so a huge well done 

goes out to all of you that organised and 

participated in Pink Ribbon Day! 

Most sponsored 

rider John Visser. 



NATIONALNEWS 

National Secretary Tony Sheldon 

WE’VE STUCK TOGETHER 

AND ACHIEVED RESULTS 

This past year has been an important one for transport workers. In the face of a difficult economic and 

political climate, union members have stuck together and achieved a number of astounding successes. 

In road transport we are looking at a 

world first: a binding ruling by the Road 

Safety Remuneration Tribunal in which 

wealthy retailers and manufacturers 

will be held to account for pressure and 

deaths in trucking. NSW members felt so 

strongly about this need for accountability 

that 10 of them got arrested at a Coles 

store sit-in in November. 

A draft ruling by the Tribunal has 

outlined minimum safe rates for owner 

drivers including payment for time spent 

waiting and queuing at depots and 

distribution centres. It states drivers must 

be paid for loading and unloading time 

and for the time it takes to clean, inspect, 

service and repair their trucks and trailers. 

This is a huge step forward to 

address the wrongs which have plagued 

the road transport industry where 29% 

of driver are underpaid. For too long 

truck drivers have borne the brunt of 

pressure in the industry. 

A United Nations body, International 

Labor Organisation, recognised the 

importance of what we have achieved in 

Australia and have backed our model of 

Safe Rates. 

The work on this continues. The 

Tribunal is also looking at the pressures 

drivers are under who work in oil, fuel 

and gas; the delivery of cash; waste; 

and ports and wharfs. We will push 

for a similar ruling in each of these 

industries and more going forward. Our 

aim is to ensure that those at the top 

of our industries are held to account for 

the practices throughout their claims of 

influence. 

The ruling at the Tribunal shows what 

can be achieved through union strength. 

There are many more examples. 

When waste workers in Ryde Council 

faced losing their jobs and being rehired 

as independent contractors on reduced 

wages and conditions, members came 

together to oppose the move. Councillors 

passed a resolution soon after a noisy 

action on the council’s steps to ensure 

workers’ employment conditions would 

remain unchanged. 

“We showed what can be achieved 

when workers stand together,” said 

Craig Ramaker, a waste worker for 25 

years. 

“Companies will try to erode our 

rights but the strength in sticking 

together as one voice is more powerful,” 

he added. 

Workers across are union are calling 

out the bad practices in their industries 

and demanding change. This past year 

we have shown what can be achieved 

when a union stands together. 

The new year will pose more 

challenges but by sticking together we 

can meet them head on. 

Get more involved in your union by 

speaking to your delegate or calling 

our Members’ Service Centre on 

1800 729 909. 




YOURSAY 

You said it on Facebook: 

Glen Stutsel 

Good work guys, more people need to get 

involved and not just leave it for someone else! 

Glenn Daniel 

Good onya Coles, you are costing lives but you 

keep making bigger and bigger profits at other 

peoples expense 

Paul Vavich 

Good hustle!!! Maintain the rage! 

Elaine Wilson 

That’s it ... Not shopping at Coles again ..boycott 

the bastards ...shame on the police ...a peaceful 

demonstration .... Sad days for Aussies 

Stewart Jones 

It’s quite basic really the council should do the 

right thing. 

Mark Murphy 

Love ya bloody work T dubs! 

Lucy Reynolds 

Great to see comrades!!!!! 

Clemi Kaka 

Shame on you Coles 

Gabe Kavanagh 

The community supports you. Roads should be safe 

for all. 

Find out what’s happening around the yards, check out great photos and join the conversation with 

other members @ facebook.com/TWUNSW 



Santa delivers! 

COLOUR ME IN! 

KIDSCORNER 

CONGRATULATIONS 

TO THESE GREAT 

WINNERS FROM OUR 

LAST EDITION! 

Aiden, 7 from Merrylands 

Winners 

receive Toys R 

Us vouchers to 

spend on the 

goodies of their 

choice! 

Kristina, 9 from Bexley 

Siena, 4 from Duffy 

Name:______________________ 

___________________________ 

Age: _______________________ 

Phone: _____________________ 

Address:____________________ 

______________________________ 

______________________________ 

Send entries to Kids Corner c/o TWU 

News, PO Box 649, Parramatta 2124. 




Combine 

Combine your super, 

your fast 

super, 

fast 

We’ve made it 

simple for you to 

We’ve 

We’ve 

made 

made 

it 

it 

combine your super 

simple 

simple 

for 

for 

you 

you 

to 

to 

with TWUSUPER. 

combine 

combine 

your 

your 

super 

super 

with 

with 

TWUSUPER. 

TWUSUPER. 

As an Industry SuperFund 

we’ve been helping workers in 

As 

transport 

an Industry 

and 

SuperFund 

logistics improve 

As an Industry SuperFund 

we’ve 

their 

been 

retirement 

helping 

outcomes 

workers 

for 

in 

we’ve been helping workers in 

transport 

over 30 

and 

years. 

logistics improve 

transport and logistics improve 

their retirement outcomes for 

their retirement outcomes for 

over 

Why 

30 

combine? 

years. 

over 30 years. 

• Fewer fees 

Why Multiple combine? super accounts mean 

Why 

multiple 

combine? 

fees. Having one account 

• Fewer 

• Fewer can fees reduce 

fees 

your fees. 

Multiple super accounts mean 

Multiple • multiple Less paperwork super fees. Having accounts one mean account 

multiple can One reduce super fees. your fund Having fees. makes one it account easier 

can to reduce keep track your of fees. your super. 

• Less paperwork 

• Less paperwork 

• One No super problems fund when makes changing it easier jobs 

One to keep super track fund of makes your super. it easier 

Simply ask your new employer 

to keep track of your super. 

to pay your super to your 

• No problems when changing jobs 

• No 

TWUSUPER 

problems when 

account. 

changing jobs 

Simply ask your new employer 

Simply to pay ask your your super new to employer your 

to TWUSUPER pay your super account. to your 

TWUSUPER account. 

Next step 

Combining your super over the phone 

Next is easy. step Call us on 1800 222 071 from 

Next 8am step to 8pm (AEDT/AEST) weekdays 

Combining and provide your us super with details over the of your phone 

Combining is your super over the phone 

other easy. super Call us funds, on 1800 and 222 we’ll 071 do from the rest. 

is 8am easy. to Call 8pm us (AEDT/AEST) on 1800 222 071 weekdays from 

8am and Or to provide go 8pm to twusuper.com.au (AEDT/AEST) with details weekdays of and your click 

and other on provide the super MemberAccess us funds, with and details we’ll button of do your the to log rest. on. 

other super funds, and we’ll do the rest. 

Or Before go to closing twusuper.com.au your existing and super click 

Or on accounts go the to MemberAccess twusuper.com.au you should check button and details to click log such on. 

on as the your MemberAccess insurance entitlements button to and log costs on. 

Before and any closing exit fees your that existing may apply. super You 

Before accounts closing you should your existing check super 

may also be able to transfer details any existing such 

accounts as your insurance you should entitlements check details and such 

insurance cover to TWUSUPER without costs 

as and requiring 

your any insurance exit any fees health 

entitlements that checks. may apply. We 

and You suggest 

costs 

and may you 

any also do 

exit 

this be fees able (if you’re 

that to transfer may 

eligible 

apply. any to) existing You 

before 

may insurance closing 

also be 

your cover able 

other to to TWUSUPER transfer 

super accounts 

any existing without and 

insurance requiring rolling your 

cover any money health to TWUSUPER checks. into TWUSUPER. We without suggest 

requiring you do this any (if health you’re checks. eligible We to) suggest before 

you closing do this your (if other you’re super eligible accounts to) before and 

closing rolling your your money other super into TWUSUPER. 

accounts and 

rolling your money into TWUSUPER. 

TSR1425 

low fees all profits to members no commissions 

TSR1425 

TSR1425 

A copy of the current Product Disclosure Statement should be obtained from us on 1800 222 071 or at www.twusuper.com.au before you make any decision about 

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 low fees are divisions all profits TWUSUPER. to members no commissions 

low fees all profits to members no commissions

TWU News Summer 2015

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?