TWU News Summer 2024

TRANSPORT WORKERS’ UNION OF NSW

TWU NEWS

ISSUE 110 • SUMMER 2024

We are

RELENTLESS

Inside:

Qantas compo win

New Transport Reform Laws

Historic win for waste workers

Millions secured for Bus driver facilities

Members win at Ampol Refuelers

Victory for Theo

... and more!

PRESIDENT’SPAGE

Tony Matthews • TWU President

CONTENTS

President’s page 2

From the State Secretary:

Relentless 3

Strength & determination 4

Membership Matters 5

Qantas Compo Win 6

The march on ALDI 7

CONFERENCE 2024:

Relentless 8-9

Delegate of the year 9

TRANSPORT REFORM:

Our transport reform laws are here 10-11

Historic wins for waste workers 12-13

Road to respect 14

Violence against bus drivers spike as

shortages worsen 15

Millions secured for essential

driver facilities 15

Decades of relentless fighting 16

Members win at Ampol Refuelers 17

WHS UPDATE: 18

Inaugural Health and Safety

Representatives Refresher Conference 19

TWU calls on NSW Govt to step up 20

Members’ strong voice on RTAG 21

NSW toll roads review proposes

fairer system 21

Sydney Sub-branch News 24

South Coast & Southern

Sub-branch News 25

Newcastle & Northern

Sub-branch News 26

ACT Sub-branch News 27

NATIONAL NEWS:

What a year it’s been at the TWU 26

TWU WOMEN:

Challenging sterotypes @ WIMDOI 29

You said it on Facebook 30

CONTACTS

Advertising:

Antoinette Atkin

Antoinette.Atkin@twunsw.org.au

Editorial

Adam Jacobson

Adam.Jacobson@twunsw.org.au

22 John Hines Avenue, Minchinbury 2770

Print Post Approved 100008176

TOGETHER WE WIN

I CAN’T BEGIN my final message for

2024 without first taking a moment to

thank you for all the hard work you’ve

put in this year.

Every member has stepped up, whether

by standing strong in their own yard,

supporting fellow members in their

fights for better conditions and pay, or

helping to recruit new members and

strengthen our union’s collective power.

This year, we’ve grown again,

welcoming more members into our

ranks. If you’re new, we extend our

warmest welcome and thank you for

putting your trust in us. Together, we’ll

continue to reach new heights in 2025

as we move forward.

Our TWU health and safety

representatives and delegates have

been actively engaging in crucial

training to make their workplaces safer

and fairer. When management crosses

the line, it’s your strength that pulls

them back. I’m incredibly proud of the

progress you’ve made and excited for

what’s yet to come.

While management may focus on the

dollar, often at the expense of your

wages and safety, our industry training

at the TWU equips you with the tools to

keep fighting against those injustices.

UNSTOPPABLE: In October I was

proud to join FedEx contractors at

the Enfield depot to endorse our

Log of Claims ahead of enterprise

agreement negotiations!

LOOKING BACK

AT MY OWN

JOURNEY AS A NEW

MEMBER, I KNEW

THIS MOVEMENT

WAS ABOUT

MORE THAN JUST

ME – IT’S ABOUT

UNITY, STANDING

TOGETHER, AND

FIGHTING FOR

WORKERS’ RIGHTS.

Across Australia, our delegates are

growing in number, spanning multiple

industries. Looking back at my own

journey as a new member, I knew this

movement was about more than just

me—it’s about unity, standing together,

and fighting for workers’ rights.

Wishing you and your family a bright

and joyous festive season as we look

forward to a strong year ahead.

Tony Matthews,

State President

2 | TWUNEWS SUMMER 2024 FACEBOOK.COM/TWUNSW

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

DRIVINGFORWARD

Richard Olsen • TWU Secretary

RELENTLESS

This year has been one of remarkable achievements for our union, driven by the

relentless dedication of our members. None of this would have been possible

without you — standing together in solidarity during strikes and protests,

attending yard meetings, and never backing down when the going got tough.

WE KICKED THINGS OFF in February

with a landmark victory when Qantas

was forced to pay $271,000 for wrongly

standing down Theo Seremetidis, a

brave HSR who spoke up about safety

concerns during COVID-19. It was the

first time an airline had been criminally

prosecuted and convicted for breaking

health and safety laws.

The airline now faces a multi-milliondollar

compensation bill after illegally

sacking hundreds of workers during

the pandemic, with the Federal Court

ordering a payout of $170,000 to three

former employees.

In August, Transport Reform legislation

was passed into law after more than

two decades of relentless campaigning

by you. This historic win means we

now have our own road transport

division of the Fair Work Commission.

This is a powerful tool to lift standards

for all transport workers, combat the

exploitative Amazon Effect, and save

lives on our roads. But the fight isn’t over;

we must test these groundbreaking tools

and push them to their full potential.

In the waste sector, we fought back

against the NSW Coalition’s attempts

to undermine workers’ conditions by

AS WE LOOK AHEAD TO 2025, OUR FOCUS IS ON

REFORMING CHAPTER 6. THESE VITAL PROTECTIONS FOR

OWNER-DRIVERS HAVEN’T BEEN UPDATED IN OVER 30

YEARS, LEAVING THEM VULNERABLE IN THE FACE OF THE

GIG ECONOMY AND DODGY CONTRACT PRACTICES.

trying to remove legal amendments

that protect fair tendering practices. We

stopped them in their tracks.

On top of that, the Full Bench of the

Fair Work Commission handed down

its first and second-ever workplace

determination decisions, marking historic

wins for waste workers at Cleanaway’s

Erskine Park and Unanderra sites.

This meant significant wage increases,

workers keeping their current hours, no

reductions in classification and a judge

declaring Cleanaway failed in its good

faith bargaining obligations.

Meanwhile in the bus sector, our

members scored a major win at the

Charles Street Bus Interchange, with

Transport for NSW committing to a

dedicated meal room and toilet facility

for drivers to rest during shifts. This

is part of an $18 million investment to

upgrade meal rooms and toilets across

the bus network, following persistent

TWU advocacy for improved working

conditions. We’re proud of this progress

and will keep pushing to ensure all drivers

have access to essential facilities.

I’d also like to reflect on our Delegates

Conference this year, where over 500

of you came together in a powerful

display of union strength and solidarity.

Shoulder to shoulder, we took the fight

to Aldi, making sure workers’ voices

were heard loud and clear. None of this

would have been possible without the

tireless efforts of our members.

As we look ahead to 2025, our focus

is on reforming Chapter 6. These vital

protections for owner-drivers haven’t

been updated in over 30 years, leaving

them vulnerable in the face of the

gig economy and dodgy contract

practices. It’s time to fix Chapter 6 and

hold companies accountable for their

underhanded tactics.

This union is nothing without its

members. Together, we are unstoppable.

Richard Olsen,

State Secretary

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

FACEBOOK.COM/TWUNSW

TWUNEWS SUMMER 2024 3

WORKINGTOGETHER

Nick McIntosh • TWU Assistant Secretary

STRENGTH &

DETERMINATION

UNITED: Standing with Bevchain

delegates at Minchinbury!

AS WE CLOSE OUT 2024, it’s clear

our union has shown its strength and

determination to achieve lasting change

for transport workers across not only

NSW, but all of Australia. This year,

we stood up to powerful corporations,

fought for essential rights, and won

protections that will impact generations

to come.

One of our biggest achievements was

securing the passage of the Closing

the Loopholes No. 2 package. This

landmark legislation established the

Road Transport Division of the Fair Work

Commission and created a powerful

platform dedicated to addressing the

challenges our members face. This

division will enable us to enforce fair

wages, safe conditions, and secure jobs

across the road transport industry, from

trucking to gig work—a massive step

forward for our movement.

We also put new waste tendering

regulations to work, ensuring waste

workers retain their wages, conditions

and entitlements during tender

processes including most recently

Ryde Council. Thanks to the relentless

efforts of our members, companies

held onto contracts in these areas,

providing stability and continuity for

workers who’ve long faced uncertainty in

contract transitions. We’re proving that

when these regulations are enforced,

they’re powerful tools for securing jobs.

Looking ahead, we’re gearing up to

expand Chapter 6 in 2025. Our goal is

to bring more owner-drivers and gig

workers under these vital protections

and ensure minimum standards for all

who work in the transport industry—no

matter their employment status. The

gig economy shouldn’t be an excuse

for companies to sidestep fair wages or

safety standards and we’re committed to

closing these loopholes.

And finally, we held Qantas accountable.

In a hard-won decision, Qantas has

been ordered to pay over $100 million

in compensation to workers it illegally

sacked. This decision is a huge victory

for our members, with further penalty

payments still to come, reinforcing the

principle that no company is above the

law.

This year has shown that when we

stand together, we win. Let’s keep

pushing forward to raise standards, hold

corporations accountable, and make

the voices of transport workers heard.

Together, we’re building a stronger, fairer

future for all.

Nick McIntosh,

Assistant Secretary


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

NSW and ACT Members walking side by side in 2024 have:

Fought together for safety and workplace rights, building safer, stronger TWU

membership in yards.

Enforced the pay and conditions in Enterprise Agreements in yards across

NSW and the ACT, improving and locking in job security, safer working

conditions and better pay.

Maintained our pressure on Governments and those at the top of supply

chains to help lift safety, conditions and wages across the transport industry

with our various campaigns.

Run hundreds of legal cases, involving unfair dismissals, disputes, workers

compensation issues, underpayment claims, owner-driver contract disputes

and industrial action. The TWU has helped recover hundreds of thousands of

dollars for members in unpaid wages.

MEMBERSHIPMATTERS

MEMBERSHIP

If you are a current financial

member of the Transport

Workers’ Union at the time of the

printing of this magazine, then

your 2025 Membership Badge is

included within the packaging

this magazine came in.

l

Statement member badges will be

delivered separately. Contact the TWU

Members’ Service Centre on 1800

729 909 if you have any questions.

The TWU is maintaining the right to secure work and

protecting the jobs of our members. We will defend

union industry rates and conditions by holding the

clients responsible and ensure that union rates and

conditions are embedded in their supply chains. Your

power to improve your workplace comes directly

from your membership.

✓

✓

✓

✓

YOUR MEMBERSHIP: THE

KEY TO OUR SUCCESS

In 2024, we saw an historic win with

transport reform passing Federal

Parliament after more than 20 years of

relentless campaigning by thousands

of members calling for urgent transport

reform.

This lifesaving transport reform legislation

marks the beginning of the biggest

shakeup of the transport industry, putting

us well on our way to securing better

rights, conditions and job security for

transport workers. This reform will save

jobs, businesses and lives.

By renewing your TWU membership,

you can be part of our continued fight

for safety and fairness, along with secure

work and protection for the jobs of our

members, by ensuring wealthy supply

chain clients are held to account.

In order to continue delivering for our

members and to tackle fights of this

scale and importance, a membership fee

increase has been applied to your 2025

membership fees.

Part Time Rate: $15.13

Full Time Rate: $18.87

If any of your details have changed or

you would like to pay your membership

fees over the phone, please contact the

Membership Team on 1800 729 909.

I look forward to working with you in

2025, where we will continue to organise

for change across the transport industry.

Your membership matters.

Richard Olsen

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

FACEBOOK.COM/TWUNSW


TWU MEMBERS IN ACTION

QANTAS COMPO WIN

HUGE VICTORY FOR QANTAS WORKERS!

THE FEDERAL COURT has officially

ruled that 1,700 illegally outsourced

Qantas workers must receive

compensation for both economic losses

and the pain and suffering they’ve

endured.

Compensation for non-economic losses

will range from $30,000 to $100,000,

and economic loss compensation will

cover up to a year after the outsourcing

decision. This is HUGE!

A massive congratulations to every

single worker who has stood strong over

the last four years! This incredible victory

is all thanks to your unity, courage, and

resilience. Without your determination,

this fight for justice wouldn’t have been

won!

These workers stood side by side

as Qantas dragged them through

the courts, and now, they’ve been

vindicated. They deserve every bit of

this compensation after the nightmare

Qantas put them through!

Qantas says it’s turned over a new leaf.

Well, now is the time to prove it. After

years of denying these workers justice

and relentlessly prolonging this case,

Qantas must ensure they receive the

compensation they deserve, and fast.

After four years of anguish, no worker

should have to wait another day longer.

We took on Australia’s biggest corporate

bully when workers were written off as

“pandemic casualties.” The truth? They

were victims of a ruthless attempt by

Qantas to crush their pay and conditions.

This win is proof. When workers stand

together, we can take on anyone — and

win!


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

TWU MEMBERS IN ACTION

THE MARCH ON ALDI

DURING this year’s Delegates Conference, more than

500 of you marched with the International Transport

Workers’ Federation on Aldi, demanding they do better!

There you called on newly-appointed CEO Anna McGrath

to follow the lead of supermarket giants Coles and

Woolworths and work towards a charter with the TWU on

safety and fairness in their supply chain.

ALDI MUST

ENSURE SAFETY

AND FAIR

TREATMENT FOR

ALL TRANSPORT

WORKERS.

Every day of delay is another day transport workers are

under deadly pressure from the top of the supply chain.

While wealthy clients like Aldi reap mammoth profits,

it’s workers and operators who end up footing the bill,

teetering on razor-thin margins and under pressure to

delay maintenance, speed, and drive fatigued to make

ends meet.

If Aldi continues to refuse to sign, we will force them by

roping the company into new federal transport reform!

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

FACEBOOK.COM/TWUNSW


DELEGATESCONFERENCE

RELEN

More than 500 of you showed up in an

incredible display of union strength and

solidarity for our 2024 TWU NSW Delegates

Conference.

Together, we stood shoulder to shoulder, took

the fight to Aldi, and amplified the voices of

workers everywhere.

We heard from inspiring speakers, shared

stories of resilience, and truly embodied what

it means to be RELENTLESS in our pursuit of

fairness and justice for all.


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

DELEGATESCONFERENCE

TLESS

DELEGATE

OF THE YEAR

GLENN DANIEL:

GREAT TWO DAYS

AS ALWAYS,

BIG EFFORT TO

ORGANISE, AND A

GREAT SUCCESS,

PROUD TO BELONG

AND BE PART OF

THE TWU.

Huge congratulations to our 2024

Delegate of the Year, Wayne Richards!

Wayne, a force at Cleanaway Erskine Park, has

transformed his yard with tireless dedication.

From organising early morning meetings to leading

strike actions, he’s fought fiercely for fair conditions

and better pay.

Wayne truly embodies the relentless spirit of the TWU!

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

FACEBOOK.COM/TWUNSW


TRANSPORTREFORM

OUR TRANSPORT REF

After an enormous two-decade campaign from TWU members, ground-breaking transport

reform legislation was passed by Federal Parliament earlier this year and came into effect

on 26th August. This marks the beginning of the biggest shakeup of the transport industry in

Australia, putting us well on our way to securing better rights, conditions, and job security.

WATCH: Our short

documentary on the 20+ year

campaign to win reform

READ: This booklet includes

all the info you need on

reform and how we can use it

WHAT DO THESE NEW LAWS MEAN?

1

The TWU will sit on a Road Transport Advisory

Group to give workers a powerful voice and lead

industry consultation to recommend safe, fair,

sustainable standards to the FWC.

This includes sub-committees

depending on the standards

being applied for, which the

TWU will be part of convening.

HOW WE GOT HERE

Transport reform to make road transport safer, fairer and more sustainable would not have been possible without

Standards to end

exploitation in the

gig economy and

protections against

the efforts of thousands of members from unfair right contract across the country.

terminations will

3

mean all transport

jobs and the

standards protecting

them will be more

secure.

15

Some of these rights

will be automatic.

2

Standards will apply throughout supply

chains, stopping the squeeze from

wealthy clients that puts deadly pressure

on operators and drivers.

4

The FWC can set standards for any section of the

transport industry, covering anything related to

transport.

Under the legislation, a new Road Transport

Objective must be satisfied, which is for a safe,

sustainable and viable transport industry.

This is a system for all TWU members.

18

16


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

ORM LAWS ARE HERE

22

WHAT FIRST?

getting our priorities in order

Food

HOW THE delivery

SYSTEM WORKS

Though we won’t achieve This everything is our chance from to the ensure beginning, meaningful, this

Protection from applications TRANSPORT

unfair contracts, to address andthe first phase most is crucial in bringing lasting change up the in gig road transport. economy to

unfair contract exploited terminations

protect workers and the rest of the industry. We’ll also be

parts of the market, so consulting we can with rideshare A staged drivers approach on standards will allow that us work to put in athe

context of the passenger safety transport net in industry. place as soon as possible, with

We know transport operators and drivers are under immense pressure from the top of the supply chain. Often

get an immediate safety net in place and

standards that can be built up over time.

this involves unfair contracts. Applications can be made to the Fair Work Commission if there’s been an unfair

contract in place, or if a contract has been unfairly terminated.

TRANSPORTREFORM

WHAT FIRST?

Work is underway to use this powerful new

Over the last decade, more than 3,500 transport businesses

After decades ofFood delivery workers have

tool

in become

to

the

lift

gig

getting standards

transport insolvent. economy

across

are Operators among and owner drivers on razorthin

margins can’t afford to chase payments for months on

our the industry.

Australia’s most exploited workers.

priorities in order

We’ve now won a Road Transport

inaction,

This is guided

there

by a Road Transport Advisory

Division of the Fair Work Commission

Group, which the TWU will be part of After costs many make below minimum wage, under deadly

pressure to speed end, and Three take or risks key be to areas forced earn enough, have to cut and been to costs avoid identified year for on year. Our application

A Road Transport Expert Panel will be

It can also involve sub-committees being deactivated from urgent an app.

able to set standards throughout the

depending on the standards being applied for

standards applications, based on:

transport industry a lot to tackle.

says wealthy clients like retailers, manufacturers and oil

Since 2017, 17 food delivery Critical riders needs have been killed on our

roads. Urgent standards companies

Impact can help would

on save the lives. industry

be required

as a

to:

whole

This is our chance to ensure meaningful,

Ability deliver quickly and efficiently

lasting change in road transport. But the gig

• Pay

economy

operators/drivers

is alsoin full within 30 days

• Remove payment terms that pressure Gig transport operators workers have or drivers been a huge part

a huge threat While to these the urgent rest applications of are made, of the fight for a safer, fairer, more

21

After decades of

Work is underway to use this powerful new

A staged approach will allow us to put a the transport we’ll into be industry. lowering carefully costs working over through the duration sustainable

more of a transport contract industry.

tool to lift standards across the industry.

safety We’re net in place wasting soon no as time possible, using with the new complex inaction, issues. Read there on to the is next page to

We need to get a safety net in place in food delivery so that

Three key areas have been identified for

standards laws that to start can be reshaping built up over the time. industry. workers are paid LAST appropriately, find out more. can MILE access leave, DELIVERY

injury

urgent standards applications, based on:

insurance and union representation. a lot to tackle.

Critical needs

In the first week of the laws, we made The Amazon Effect has dragged

17

down Impact standards on the industry as a whole

Ability to deliver

food

quickly

delivery across

and efficiently

transport supply chains. We’re tackling it with riders applications have been

While these urgent applications are made,

to lift standards gig workers at Amazon we’ll be carefully Flex working killed and through ownerdrivers

at companies like by Aramex, ANC find and out more. CouriersPlease:

since more 2017

complex issues. Read on to the next page to

standards informed

begin REFORM

reversing the race to the bottom. • Minimum hourly rates that ensure cost recovery and a

industry We’ll IS follow A

TOOL these with consultation

further living wage

standards informed by

applications TO BEGIN as CREATING

we work through more • Company-funded superannuation, safety training and

Protection from unfair deactivations

This system complex issues, but we All standards need everyone will be in subject to paid industry a thorough rest breaks consultation consultation

process to ensure

they’re informed by industry experts. With such a diverse industry, there

gives the transport union

A to

SAFER

PARCEL

Gig transport workers are often deactivated from a

platform without ever speaking to a person, even

make the most of the laws. • Notice of termination of a contract, or payment in lieu of

knowing why they’ve been deactivated.

are

1

unique

in

settings

4

we have to This get system right, and that All process standards will be take subject time. to a thorough consultation process to ensure

These laws mean gig workers who are they’re informed by industry experts. With such a diverse industry, there

aAND unfairly FAIRER

notice

deactivated don’t have to go through lengthy court Gig workers have been

gives transport DELIVERY

are unique settings we have to get right, and that process will take time.

processes to prove an unfair dismissal.

ROAD TRANSPORT

Every step of the way there are workers mechanisms a built in to ensure that these

powerful FOOD voice. AND deactivated BEVERAGE

from a platform • Worker representation

Every step of the way there are mechanisms built in to ensure that these

changes are industry-led, • and Dispute

powerful that they voice. Sometimes called “the last mile”, parcel delivery from businesses to

resolution work in practicality.

changes and consultation are industry-led, and rights that they work in practicality.

customers has exploded in Australia, along with entrants like Amazon Flex.

OUR AUTOMATIC FIRST APPLICATIONS RIGHTS

These laws will allow us to apply for standards across the transport industry, but there are some rights that

automatically kick in from February to protect transport jobs.

DELIVERY INDUSTRY.

19

18 food delivery riders have been killed

in recent years. We need an urgent safety

net to ease deadly pressures to rush and

stay on the road too long. Our application

And work has

for food delivery riders and drivers

already begun.

standards covers:

• A safety net on pay and entitlements,

ensuring cost recovery and a living

wage

• Company-funded entitlements

including superannuation, personal

injury insurance, PPE, and safety training

• Notice of termination of a contract, or payment in lieu of

notice

22

• Worker representation

• Dispute resolution and consultation rights

CONTRACT CHAIN ORDER

Amazon’s role as both an economic client and a gig company puts pressure

on the rest of the transport industry from both sides.

We’ll be working to set a new floor

for last mile deliveries.

THIS IS JUST THE START.

Change takes time, but if we want to get things right that time will be worthwhile.

We’ll be working to put in applications across all of transport, including in retail,

cash-in-transit and rideshare. These first applications are about creating an

immediate safety net while more complex applications are considered.

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

FACEBOOK.COM/TWUNSW

24


WASTEINDUSTRY

HISTORIC WINS FOR

Earlier this year the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission handed down its first and

second ever workplace determination decisions, marking historic wins for waste workers at

Cleanaway’s Erskine Park and Unanderra sites.

CLEANAWAY’S

ERSKINE PARK SITE

After 20 months of bargaining, TWU members at Erskine

Park have successfully defended their workplace rights,

despite Cleanaway’s attempts to undermine them. Through

the determination they prevented forced weekend shifts,

maintained weekend overtime pay and secured significant

pay rises and backpay.

CLEANAWAY’S

UNANDERRA SITE

Following this win, the FWC issued its second ever workplace

determination decision for Cleanaway’s Unanderra site

Workers here won a big boost to their pay, alongside future

wage increase and no changes to current work hours. The

decision also found Cleanaway failed to negotiate in good

faith, something known by the union, but now publicly

acknowledged by the commision!

This is Australia’s first and

second intractable bargaining

workplace determinations,

and we couldn’t have done it

without you! Congratulations

to everyone involved!


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

WASTEINDUSTRY

WASTE WORKERS!

“CLEANAWAY’S WORKERS ARE STANDING

STRONG. THEY’RE PROVING FAIR TREATMENT

ISN’T JUST A DEMAND – IT’S A RIGHT. THE

WINS AT ERSKINE PARK AND UNANDERRA

SHOW THE POWER OF COLLECTIVE ACTION

AND THE RESILIENCE OF TWU MEMBERS.”

- TWU State Secretary, Richard Olsen

TWU FENDS OFF COALITION’S ATTACK

ON WASTE WORKERS’ CONDITIONS

The TWU helped block the Coalition’s attempt to undermine waste

workers’ conditions by allowing Councils to re-enter a race to the bottom

on contract tendering.

The Liberals and Nationals tried to remove legal protections in NSW

Parliament, but the Greens, Shooters and Fishers Party, and other

crossbenchers voted with Labor to stop this attack.

The Coalition’s efforts were disgraceful and not only potentially hurt

sanitation standards the public relies on but also could have undermined

the well-being and stability of the workers who keep our communities

clean and safe.

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

FACEBOOK.COM/TWUNSW


ROAD BUSCAMPAIGN

TO RESPECT

ROAD TO RESPECT

THE TWU’S DRIVE FOR BETTER BUSES

THE TWU’S DRIVE FOR BETTER BUSES

INDUSTRY INDUSTRY TIMELINE TIMELINE

2022 2023

TWU 2013and Pay

FUNDED OPAL CARD

TWU

NATIONAL

2013

Free access to facilities

and public transport

FACILITIES FIGHT

2024

SAME JOB, SAME PAY

Aligned bus agreements

Rates

BARGAINING SURVEY

NATIONAL

BARGAINING SURVEY

TRANSPORT

UNION

WORKERS‘

NSW

Increase access to and secure

funding for upgraded meal

rooms and toilet facilities

Complete this survey to have your say on the

issues that matter in your new agreement.

PROFESSIONAL DRIVER =

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT + PAY

Improved ongoing training and

development plus cost of living

increases

2025 2026

Complete this survey to have your say on the

issues that matter in your new agreement.

ONE INDUSTRY - ONE AGREEMENT

All government contracts

covered by one agreement with

pay rates over $40ph

www.twu.com.au/toll

IT’S TIME

facebook.com/TWUAus

TO JOIN THE FIGHT

twitter.com/TWUAus

TO JOIN GO TO TWUNSW.ORG.AU/JOIN OR OR CALL TWU 1800 729 909


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

BUSCAMPAIGN

VIOLENCE AGAINST BUS DRIVERS

SPIKE AS SHORTAGES WORSEN

No worker should have to fear for their safety when heading

into work, but that’s the reality for bus drivers each and every

day across the state.

In an effort to curb assaults against workers, the NSW Police

have established Operation Waratah, an initiative targeting

violent crimes on Sydney’s public transport network. Recent

incidents under investigation include assaults against drivers,

such as one on January 9, 2024, in Winston Hills and another

on December 14, 2023, in Miranda.

These attacks come from passenger frustration over service

delays caused by driver shortages. The 2023 Bus Industry

Task Force report revealed Sydney is short 409 drivers. We are

urging the government to prioritise driver safety and improve

their pay and conditions, as rail line closures look to make

shortages worse.

“VIOLENCE AGAINST PUBLIC

TRANSPORT WORKERS IS

UNACCEPTABLE AND IT’S IMPERATIVE

STRONGER SAFETY MEASURES ARE

IMPLEMENTED AND DRIVERS ARE

PROVIDED THE NECESSARY SUPPORT TO

ENSURE THEIR WELLBEING.”

- TWU NSW/QLD STATE SECRETARY

RICHARD OLSEN

MILLIONS SECURED

FOR ESSENTIAL

DRIVER FACILITIES!

THIS YEAR MARKED a major breakthrough for drivers across

the bus network, with a substantial $27 million investment

committed by Transport for NSW to upgrade and install

essential meal rooms and toilet facilities.

✓

✓

A dedicated facility has been purchased for drivers at

the Charles Street Bus Interchange, creating a new

meal room and toilet space where drivers can rest

and recharge during their shifts. Upgrades are also

underway at the Mt Druitt Interchange, where drivers

will benefit from improved facilities to support their

daily needs.

At Gosford, new toilet seats have been installed

and Macquarie University now boasts an upgraded

toilet block, giving drivers with safe and accessible

amenities.

Securing these essential amenities marks a major step forward

in improving working conditions and supporting the health of

our dedicated bus drivers. Every worker deserves safe and

accessible facilities.

OPAL CARD WIN

Last year, the NSW Government listened to worker demands

for free Opal Cards. Their petition, backed by the TWU,

delivered this victory and it was through our united front that

we were able to successfully advocate for these benefits.

In April, the first

drivers were handed

their cards by

Transport Minister

Jo Haylen. Since

then, hundreds of

bus drivers have

been supported while

travelling to and from

work across the Opal

network and given

access to crucial

station facilities like

bathrooms and break rooms.

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

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MAJORSWIN

DECADES OF

RELENTLESS FIGHTING!

A huge congratulations to TWU delegates Steve “Skull” Newton and Margaret Harvey on

receiving their service awards for 40 and 35 years of dedication to Team Global Express!

THEIR RELENTLESS COMMITMENT to improving rights

and conditions extends beyond their own yard, making a

difference across the entire industry.

FEDEX AGREEMENT ENDORSED!

Union-won increases to pay and conditions came into effect for

FedEx workers in October. This followed an overwhelming vote

in favour of their new EA, where 95% of workers voted YES.

Congratulations on standing together and winning at work,

but the fight’s not over!

The TWU has now submitted a ‘Last Mile’ application using

new Transport Reform laws to lift industry standards in the last

mile sector, including for FedEx DSC contractors.

HERE’S WHAT’S BEEN WON:

☑ Significant pay rises over the next two years

☑ Improved parental leave and mental health training

☑ Stronger voice at work

☑ 14% Superannuation by end of agreement

☑ Improved casual conversion rights

☑ 2026 expiry to align with the rest of the industry

Thank you for your unwavering commitment and solidarity.

Let’s keep building a safe, fair, and sustainable industry.

Congratulations Skull

and Margaret

MAJOR WIN @ ARAMEX

A major win for TWU members! NSW’s Industrial Relations

Commission ruled against unfair deductions by Aramex.

Commissioner Sloan’s decision bans deductions for:

• Scanners, except for misuse or damage caused by drivers.

• Sorting freight.

• Using outside hire.

This ruling confirms such deductions breach the GCCD and

ensures fair treatment for drivers.


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

AMPOLWIN

MEMBERS WIN AT

AMPOL REFUELERS

In a massive win for refuelers at Sydney Airport, a TWU rank-and-file negotiating team

reached an in-principle agreement with Ampol Aviation.

THE VICTORY came after more than 16

meetings and eight months of bargaining,

with workers securing a significant percent

pay rise, more permanent full-time positions

and a promise from the company to consult

with workers when making major changes to

operations.

Workers were forced to take protected

industrial action in August after the company

continued to claim that keeping refuelers

among the lowest-paid in aviation was crucial

for maintaining contracts.

WORKERS WERE FORCED TO TAKE

PROTECTED INDUSTRIAL ACTION AFTER

THE COMPANY CONTINUED TO CLAIM THAT

KEEPING REFUELERS AMONG THE LOWEST-

PAID IN AVIATION WAS CRUCIAL FOR

MAINTAINING CONTRACTS.

TWU NSW State Secretary Richard Olsen

said while this agreement was a major step

forward, it highlighted the broader need for a

Safe and Secure Skies Commission to ensure

worker safety, fair wages, and secure jobs are

a standard across the entire aviation industry,

not just in isolated wins like this.

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

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WHSUPDATE

Marija Marsic • Assistant State Secretary

A LANDMARK YEAR

AS WE CLOSE OUT a landmark year

for the TWU, it’s incredible to reflect

on the victories our Health and Safety

Representatives have achieved.

This year, Theo’s determined fight against

Qantas led to a major victory, setting a

powerful precedent for workplace rights.

This was a win for every HSR exercising

their legal rights in the workplace.

The inaugural Health and Safety

Representatives Conference was also

a highlight. Hundreds of HSRs from

across various industries came together

to share insights, learn from each other

and strengthen our commitment to

creating workplaces where every worker

returns home safe.

Legislation finally recognised the

severity of workplace safety failures with

Industrial Manslaughter laws passing

the NSW Government. This is a huge

step forward in holding employers

accountable and ensuring no worker’s

life is taken for granted.

Following the sale of Toll to TGE, HSRs

fought for improved workshop PPE after

poor-quality overalls put workers at risk.

After multiple PINs, TGE reimbursed

workers for PPE alterations and began

working with HSRs on future PPE

standards.

And at Capital Transport, the TWU also

secured a victory for owner drivers,

ensuring they wouldn’t bear the cost

of safety equipment like wheel chocks

– which are the responsibility of the

employer under WHS laws.

“TOGETHER, WE’LL KEEP

BUILDING ON THESE WINS FOR

AN EVEN BETTER 2025.”

Our WHS & Education Department has

continued to grow and develop. The

TWU’s Emily Armstrong has stepped

up as an approved WHS trainer and is

empowering members with essential

safety knowledge. We’ve also added a

new member to the team, strengthening

our ability to deliver valuable education

and support to HSRs across the state.

These are just a few of the victories

we’ve celebrated this year. As we

prepare for the challenges of the coming

year, let’s remember that each of these

achievements is a testament to the

strength of our union and our shared

commitment to the rights of transport

workers everywhere.

Thank you all for your hard work,

solidarity, and resilience. Together, we’ll

keep building on these wins for an even

better 2025.

VICTORY

FOR THEO

IN A HUGE VICTORY for workplace

safety, Qantas was slammed with

a $250,000 fine and ordered to pay

$21,000 to TWU member and Health

and Safety Rep Theo Seremetidis.

Theo was wrongly fired for speaking

out about COVID-19 safety concerns

during the pandemic.

This massive win marked the first time

ever an airline in Australia has been

criminally convicted for targeting an

HSR.

Theo’s courage in standing up to

Qantas inspired other HSRs to come

forward, showing that together, we

can hold big companies accountable

when they break safety laws.

The court didn’t hold back, calling

Qantas’ actions “shameful” and

highlighting the “gross power

imbalance” between the airline and

a part-time worker. This is a massive

win for HSRs everywhere, proving that

workers’ safety will not be ignored!

INDUSTRIAL MANSLAUGHTER: NSW GOVT SENDS A CLEAR MESSAGE

NO ONE should leave for work and never come home. But the families of the more than 300 workers killed in New South Wales

since 2019 know far too well the human cost of unsafe work practices and the pursuit for profit.

And for too long, businesses which neglected safety avoided true accountability. No longer, with the NSW Parliament passing in

June some of the nation’s strongest industrial manslaughter laws. These are aimed at preventing deaths at work and improving

workplace safety and accountability.

The new Industrial Manslaughter law empowers prosecutors to hold businesses or individuals accountable for deaths resulting

from gross negligence in the workplace. Companies in NSW now face civil penalties of up to $20 million, while senior officers

could receive prison terms of up to 25 years.

These severe penalties send a clear message: unsafe workplaces are no longer an acceptable cost-cutting measure.


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

WHSUPDATE

INAUGURAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REPRESENTATIVES REFRESHER

CONFERENCE

HUNDREDS gathered in October for the inaugural Health

and Safety Representatives Refresher Conference, proudly

hosted by SafeWork NSW and Unions NSW! This day-long

event underscored the critical role of health and safety

representatives in protecting workers.

TWU members took the spotlight with inspiring presentations

and hands-on workshops led by TWU NSW Assistant

Secretary Marija Marsic, WHS & Education Official Emily

Armstrong, HSR champion Theo Seremetidis and dedicated

TWU NSW delegate Margaret Harvey.

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

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AFAIRGO

TWU CALLS ON NSW

GOVT TO STEP UP

IN OCTOBER, dozens of former Community Transport

Central Coast (CTCC) drivers and clients gathered outside

the office of Minister for the Central Coast David Harris,

demanding the NSW Government take responsibility and

fix this vital service.

Since CTCC’s collapse a month earlier, cancer patients,

people with dementia and those with other serious medical

conditions were left almost completely without crucial

community transport.

Despite Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Community Transport (HKCT)

being appointed by the government as the interim provider,

it failed in nearly every respect. The company has refused

to conduct a fair and transparent hiring process and instead

selectively contracted only a handful of drivers out of more

than 40.

HKCT had also failed community transport users by claiming

there weren’t enough drivers to take them to vital medical

appointments. As a result, many families have been forced

to pay out of pocket for taxi fares, placing an unnecessary

financial burden on our most vulnerable.

The TWU urged David Harris, as Minister for the Central

Coast, to put the community’s needs first by holding HKCT

accountable, rehire all former CTCC drivers and ensuring

a reliable and accessible community transport service is

restored for all.

Health

insurance for

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1300 56 46 46

Book a

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TWUNSW.ORG.AU

AFAIRGO

MEMBERS’

STRONG VOICE

ON RTAG

TWU NSW/QLD STATE SECRETARY RICHARD OLSEN has been appointed as

one of the heads of the newly established Road Transport Advisory Group. With

three decades of experience championing transport reform, Richard is continuing

the fight for fairer conditions across the industry.

Under the new Transport Reform legislation, RTAG will lead

consultation with workers, employers and industry groups

on standards to inform the new Fair Work Commission

Expert Panel on how best to make road transport ‘safe,

sustainable and viable’.

Transport Reform is about creating a fairer, more sustainable

industry. Together, we are building a safer, more just future

for workers.

NOEL COARD:

CONGRATULATIONS

RICHARD YOU ARE

A SHINING LIGHT

FOR ADVOCATING

WORKERS’

RIGHTS.

NSW TOLL ROADS REVIEW

PROPOSES FAIRER SYSTEM

IN JULY, an independent review of NSW’s toll road network –

led by Professor Allan Fels AO, former Chair of the Australian

Competition and Consumer Commission – brought a chance

for significant reform.

Key recommendations include a Middle Class Heavy Vehicle

classification, reducing tolls for smaller heavy vehicles from

three times to two times that of a car, providing relief for

owner-operators.

Urgent reform is needed with WestConnex tolls projected to

collect over $195 billion by 2060.

Fels’ recommendations are a step toward fairness. The review

highlights the need to prioritise motorists’ needs over private

profits. We urge the NSW Labor government to act swiftly on

these reforms.

TWU NSW/QLD State Secretary Richard Olsen said this was

a step towards fairness: “Lowering tolls for middle class

heavy vehicles recognises the essential service these drivers

provide. This change would offer much-needed financial relief

to owner-operators already struggling with the cost of living.”

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

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SYDNEY&CENTRAL WEST

Robert Rasmussen • Sydney Central West Sub-branch

WE’RE WINNING!

Bus drivers from

across New South

Wales are standing

together for change!

CHARLES STREET

BUS INTERCHANGE

WIN!

This year, our members accomplished

a huge win at the Charles Street Bus

Interchange! Transport for NSW has

committed to purchasing a dedicated

space to be converted into a muchneeded

meal room and toilet facility,

ensuring drivers have a place to rest

and recharge during their shifts. This is

part of a broader $18 million investment

allocated for the upgrade and installation

of meal rooms and toilets across the

entire bus network.

This victory comes after a strong and

persistent fight from the TWU, who have

been tirelessly advocating for better

facilities for bus drivers. Ensuring these

essential services are prioritised and

delivered is a critical step in improving

working conditions and supporting the

well-being of our members. We’re proud

to see this progress, and we’ll continue

pushing to ensure every driver has

access to clean and adequate facilities.

LAST MILE:

When Australia Post lost a major

contract, they failed to engage in

proper consultation with the contractors

affected by the change. This lack of

communication caused uncertainty and

frustration among workers who were left

in the dark about their future. Similarly,

the incoming principal, TGE, also failed

to speak with these contractors, making

the issue worse and raising concerns

about job security and conditions.

In response, the TWU stepped in,

working closely with the Industrial

Relations Commission to make sure

contractors were not left behind.

Through coordinated efforts the TWU

was able to negotiate a mostly smooth

transition, allowing contractors to move

from Australia Post to TGE without losing

their existing rates and conditions. This

intervention helped preserve stability for

the workers during a challenging period,

ensuring their livelihoods were protected

despite the contract change.

DHL-CAMERONS

AGREEMENT:

After months of negotiations and a

successful “Vote NO” campaign against

DHL’s substandard proposal, the rankand-file

bargaining committee, with

the support of the TWU, reached an

in-principle agreement to take back to

members, resulting in a successful “Yes”

vote.

This two-year agreement, expiring in

2026, secures guaranteed back pay,

higher pay grades for rigid drivers, and

improvements to the redundancy clause.

Congratulations to all the workers

involved who stood up to DHL and made

it clear that management’s poor offer

wasn’t good enough!

Robert


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

SOUTH COAST&SOUTHERN

Rob Pirc • Sub-branch Secretary

CELEBRATIONS

2024 has been a year of celebration for the South Coast and Southern

Sub-Branch and the TWU. We’ve accomplished massive wins driven

by the determination of our rank-and-file members and delegates. As

the year comes to an end, I’d like to wish all our members and their

families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

EIGHT YEAR BATTLE PAYS

OFF AT FEDEX UNANDERRA

I CONGRATULATE the FedEx team

on an eight-year battle that has

finally paid off. This journey included

countless fights: three inquiries, 24-hour

stoppages, a full-blown arbitration case,

numerous complaints and defenses

against baseless allegations targeting

our members. A significant safety

dispute even required involvement from

the regulator and the Head of Safety for

FedEx Australasia.

The result? Three managers exited

from FedEx Unanderra, all who will not

be returning. Congratulations to Rob

Serafini and the entire team for their

relentless persistence and for ultimately

winning the war.

CLEANAWAY

UNANDERRA

Huge congratulations to the Cleanaway

team at Unanderra for their historic legal

victory. This year, they won one of the first

intractable bargaining cases in Australia

against Cleanaway. Despite enduring

sustained attacks from management, the

team stood rock solid.

Special thanks to our delegates and

the TWU NSW legal team, particularly

Isabella Wisniewska and Ryan Smith,

for their outstanding work. Members

have maintained and improved their

conditions, received a substantial pay

rise, and secured all their back pay. A truly

remarkable achievement—well done!

FINAL THANKS

LINFOX GOULBURN

A big shoutout to Robert Hood, the

head delegate at Linfox Goulburn, and

the entire team for holding firm and

achieving a three-year extension to their

Enterprise Agreement. This ensures their

job security well into the future.

I also want to acknowledge Brad Gibson

for his dedication and commitment to

the team. Great work all around.

A heartfelt thank you to Karen, Brad, and Ryan for all their incredible work

and support in the sub-branch this year. Your efforts have been invaluable.

I’m also looking forward to working closely with everyone in 2025, including

Jason Armstrong, who now has an office based in our sub-branch.

Here’s to continuing the fight and achieving even greater successes in

2025. All the best for the year ahead!

Rob

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

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

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NEWCASTLE&NORTHERN

Mick Forbes • Sub-branch Secretary

CELEBRATING OUR

ACHIEVEMENTS

Congratulations to our delegates, members and staff in the Newcastle &

Northern NSW sub-branch for your outstanding efforts and achievements

this year. A special shout-out goes to our incredible TWU Newcastle

veterans, who always step up to support our campaigns whenever they can.

TOGETHER, we have faced significant challenges, but as

TWU members, we have consistently set higher standards

for ourselves, transport operators and the government. We

believe in and deserve decent wages that meet the cost of

living, secure jobs and strong safety standards that ensure

we—and all road users—return home safely to our families.

Thanks to your hard work, we have achieved a historic victory

with the return of Safe Rates through Transport Industry

Reform. This win benefits not just TWU members but also all

decent stakeholders across the industry.

L to R: Rod & Renae Cromarty. Donny Cromarty, Delegate

Mark Wilkinson and Sub-branch Secretary Mick Forbes.

However, we cannot be complacent. If the LNP wins the next

election, they will roll back these hard-fought reforms. It is

critical every TWU member step up in their local electorates

to support Labor candidates and protect this vital legislation.

A huge thank you and congratulations to our

State and National Secretaries, Richard Olsen and

Michael Kaine, for their outstanding leadership.

Their commitment and vision continue to drive

victories for TWU members and their families.

HONOURING DON CROMARTY – 54 YEARS OF SERVICE

OUR HISTORY as a union has seen many changes over

the decades, often shaped by governments that serve

the interests of wealthy business owners. In contrast, the

positive transformations in the transport industry have been

hard-fought by TWU delegates and rank-and-file members.

One such legend is Don “Donny” Cromarty, who has

been a proud and active TWU member of the Newcastle

& Northern NSW sub-branch for an incredible 54 years.

Donny is also the longest-serving employee of Toll

globally!

Known for his unwavering support for the TWU, Donny

is respected and loved by his workmates and is a true

character of the industry. He has stood by the union and

its campaigns for over five decades.

On behalf of our State Secretary Richard Olsen, myself,

and all your industry colleagues: Thank you, Donny, and

congratulations on your incredible legacy!

THANK YOU TO OUR NEWCASTLE STAFF

A heartfelt thanks to our Newcastle team: Todd Marselos, Bec Hopkins, Daryll Elliott, and Nichole Schuberth. Your dedication and

contributions ensure our sub-branch remains strong and successful year after year.

WISHING YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

On behalf of us all, we extend warm wishes to every TWU rank-and-file member. May you and your families have a joyful

Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Mick

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


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

ACT

Klaus Pinkas • Sub-branch Secretary

UNITY & STRENGTH

It has been an incredible honour to serve the members of the Transport

Workers’ Union over the past 20 years, especially in my role as ACT Subbranch

Secretary. While our industry has undergone significant changes

during that time, one thing remains constant: the unity and strength.

we achieve by standing together. I want to thank every member for the

privilege of representing you.

ACT BUS DRIVERS STRIKE!

HUNDREDS OF BUS DRIVERS from across the ACT walked

off the job in response to rising assaults and inaction from the

ACT Government and Transport Canberra around improving

safety.

More than 40 assaults on drivers are reported each month,

with workers detailing abuse ranging from having bags of

rotten fish dumped on them, full cans of soda thrown at their

heads, physical violence, being spat on and verbal abuse.

Thanks to this showing of solidarity, Transport Canberra finally

committed to a 2025 timeline for when more transit police

patrols, better driver security screens, de-escalation training

and giving drivers the ability to refuse service to abusive

passengers would be implemented.

SOLIDARITY

ACT AMBULANCE SERVICE

EARLIER THIS YEAR, TWU delegates

returned to the negotiating table with the

ACT Ambulance Service, advocating for

improved conditions and entitlements.

KEY POINTS INCLUDED:

• High-Risk Pandemic Recognition,

ensuring workers are adequately

supported during crises.

• Increasing the Relief Factor, to

enhance rostering flexibility and

access to professional development

opportunities.

• Modernising the WHS Framework,

with ongoing occupational health

and safety incentives.

• Introducing Unit Hour Utilisation

Metrics, to better align emergency

resources with demand and

implement funding triggers to

increase staffing and resources when

needed.

Industrial Relations Liaison Officer

To strengthen industrial relations, the

TWU has secured an Industrial Relations

Liaison Officer—a full-time delegate

position dedicated to improving

collaboration between ACTAS and the

TWU. This role ensures member concerns

are addressed and management is held

accountable.

While we welcome this commitment from the ACT Government,

it’s frustrating it took drivers downing tools in desperation to

force action on a crisis that has been escalating for years. We’ll

continue to fight for safe workplaces where every driver feels

protected and valued.”

The past couple of years have

been incredibly busy for delegates,

officials, and members of the

ACT Sub-branch, and 2024 is no

exception. Thanks to our memberpowered

committees and strong

leadership, we’ve achieved

significant industry reforms.

This success is a testament to your

relentless efforts as delegates and

members. Congratulations on

being A POWERFUL VOICE for

transport workers!

Klaus

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

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

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NATIONALNEWS

National Secretary Michael Kaine

WHAT A YEAR IT’S

BEEN AT THE TWU

Right across road transport and aviation, TWU members are making huge gains in building

better pay and conditions.

IN FEBRUARY we won new laws in road transport that TWU

members have been campaigning to get for over two decades.

Those laws will be a powerful tool in our arsenal to start

reshaping road transport. We wasted no time using them,

putting in applications in August when the laws took effect to

begin critical reforms.

ONE, for minimum standards in food delivery, where

workers have been exploited for far too long. That will also

help ensure the rest of the industry doesn’t get dragged

down.

TWO, for minimum standards in parcel delivery, where work

is exploding but companies like Amazon are using models

which undercut other decent operators.

AND THREE, an application for across all of road transport

to ensure drivers and operators are paid within a maximum

of 30 days.

What we’ve achieved here is having ripple effects across the

globe.

The approach we’ve taken at the TWU is now informing how

other countries are reforming their transport industries—and

not just road transport but across aviation as well.

Aviation and road transport are obviously incredibly different

industries. They’ve got their own set of unique challenges. But

the issues in both come back to wealthy clients (like Aldi and

In August, for the first time ever, gig workers

lodged the first application to the Fair Work

Commission under new transport reform

laws — a moment for the history books.

Amazon in road transport, and Qantas in aviation) and their

greed, dragging down pay and conditions for workers.

We’re tackling this step by step at the TWU, and it’s been a

huge year in aviation as well.

We’ve seen Virgin pilots follow ground crew and cabin crew in

settling agreements that go a long way in resetting conditions.

We’ve launched Same Job Same Pay applications in Jetstar

cabin crew and Qantas Freight.

Ground workers at dnata and Menzies are fighting for better

agreements, as well as catering and security workers, and

we’ve brought back airport committees to develop our strategy

for bringing up pay and conditions in aviation—for all workers.

And we had a huge win in the Federal Court, with Justice

Lee ordering compensation for 1700 illegally sacked Qantas

workers— all up it could be over a $100 million bill for the

company.

2025 will be a huge year, ahead of over 200 agreements

expiring in 2026, when we join across road transport and

aviation for the first time to hold wealthy clients to account

and lift standards across the industry.

In what is often the busiest time of year for many transport

workers, I hope you get some time with friends and family, and

I look forward to what we’ll accomplish together in 2025.

Michael


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

PROUD IN PINK

TWUWOMEN

HAVING A SAY

We had strong representation from TWU women at

Federal Labor Member for Greenway & Minister for

Communications Michelle Rowland’s Pink Ribbon

Morning Tea recently! We are proud to stand united in the

fight against breast cancer.

Together, we make a difference!

WOMEN IN TRANSPORT PANEL

Hosted by Emily

Armstrong the panel

discussed issues that

challenge women

in transport.

Emily was joined by

Jacqueline Wilson-

Haira from Transit

Buses and Sharron

Irons from Multiquip.

CHALLENGING STEREOTYPES

@ WIMDOI 2024

TWU NSW Assistant State

Secretary Marija Marsic and

fellow TWU women made

waves at the 2024 Women in

Male Dominated Occupations

and Industries (WIMDOI)

conference in Cairns. They

were challenging stereotypes

and promoting gender diversity

in traditionally male-dominated

fields like transportation.

TRANSPORT

WORKERS‘

UNION

NSW

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

FACEBOOK.COM/TWUNSW


YOURSAY

You said it on Facebook:

21 November 2024:

TWU NSW delegates from FedEx, BagTrans, BevChain and Cope out

in force today at Minchinbury for training! They’re stepping up to build

stronger, safer workplaces for everyone in the transport industry.

20 November 2024:

Today, we honoured TWU NSW President Tony Matthews for an incredible

40 years of service at FedEx Enfield.

Tony started his journey with the TWU in 1984 when he became a member

while working as an owner-driver for Kwikasair.

He has been a steadfast advocate for transport workers since, serving as a

delegate from 2000 and then TWU NSW President since 2019.

Tony’s dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on our union

and the industry. Congratulations Tony on this remarkable milestone!

John Waltis

Keep up the awesome work

30 October 2024:

Hundreds gathered yesterday for the inaugural Health and Safety

Representatives Refresher Conference, proudly hosted by SafeWork NSW

and Unions NSW!This day-long event underscored the critical role of health

and safety representatives in protecting workers.

TWU members took the spotlight with inspiring presentations and hands-on

workshops led by TWU NSW Assistant Secretary Marija Marsic, WHS &

Education Official Emily Armstrong, HSR champion Theo Seremetis and

dedicated TWU NSW delegate Margaret Harvey.

A powerful day of solidarity and skill-building for safer workplaces!

Ghiyom Nawaf

Congratulations Tony! A mine of knowledge on the industry.

Cheers!

Chris Marlow

Congratulations Tony, a true leader and a great mentor!!

Awesome achievement mate, well done!!

4 November 2024:

TWU officials out at Linfox Arnott’s for an early catch-up with our dedicated

delegate Brian and fellow members! They shared updates on local and

industry issues, with TWUSuper also joining the conversation to discuss

members’ superannuation.

Margaret Harvey

Great day full of information for HSR’s

Find out what’s happening around the yards, check

out great photos and join the conversation with

other members @ facebook.com/TWUNSW

Eamon Gogarty

Well done Brian and Lincoln. Good to see your both

flying the flag for TWU NSW - Transport Workers’ Union


TWUNSW.ORG.AU

Don’t get caught

with the wrong insurance

Most super funds include insurance cover as part of membership – but

they may not cover certain occupations that are considered ‘hazardous’.

Other super funds commonly excluded drivers, loaders, mechanics, flight crews,

warehouse workers and bus drivers. But TWUSUPER have no occupational exclusions –

which means we cover all transport jobs. So check your current policy to see if

you’re covered. You may be paying for insurance you can’t use.

Switch to TWUSUPER today.

twusuper.com.au/join

Prepared and issued by TWU Nominees Pty Ltd ABN 67 002 835 412, AFSL 239163 on 12/11/24, the trustee of TWUSUPER ABN 77 343 563 307 and the issuer of interests in it.

A copy of the current PDS and TMD can be obtained from visiting twusuper.com.au/pds or by calling us on 1800 222 071. Consider these carefully before you make any

decision in connection with TWUSUPER. You should read the important information about insurance in your super before making a decision. Go to twusuper.com.au/

pds and read the Insurance Guide which includes information about eligibility for insurance, the costs and conditions and exclusions that apply to the insurance cover.

This information may affect your entitlement to insurance cover and should be read before deciding whether the insurance is appropriate. The material relating to

insurance in your super may change between the time when you read this PDS and the day you sign the application form or the date you join TWUSUPER.

9728

TWUNSW.ORG.AU

FACEBOOK.COM/TWUNSW


Bigger

team,

better

for you.

TWUSUPER + Mine Super are merging in 2025 to create...

Team Super

A new industry super fund for transport, energy and mining workers.

To learn more about the merger visit twusuper.com.au/merger

We can help you with all things super, including how to join.

To contact your local Account Manager go to

twusuper.com.au/am or call 1800 222 071.

Prepared and issued by TWU Nominees Pty Ltd ABN 67 002 835 412, AFSL 239163 on 12/11/24, the

trustee of TWUSUPER ABN 77 343 563 307 and the issuer of interests in it. A copy of the current

PDS and TMD can be obtained from visiting twusuper.com.au/pds or by calling us on 1800 222 071.

Consider these carefully before you make any decision in connection with TWUSUPER.

TWUS 9741

TWU News Summer 2024

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