WA BRANCH 2024 YEARLY WHEEL
WA BRANCH 2024 YEARLY WHEEL
A MESSAGE FROM TIM DAWSON STATE SECRETARY
2024: A Year of Significant Wins for TWU Members
What an incredible year it’s been for the Transport Workers Union. Across road transport and aviation, TWU members have achieved historic victories that are reshaping our industries for the better. Through unity and determination, we’ve secured stronger protections, improved conditions, and set the stage for even greater progress in the years to come.
Milestones in Road Transport
This year, TWU members celebrated monumental legislative wins after decades of campaigning. New road transport laws, introduced in February, are already creating change to the transport industry.
Minimum Standards: We’ve taken swift action to implement reforms for food and parcel delivery workers, ensuring fair pay and conditions that protect all industry participants from a race to the bottom.
Timely Payments: We lodged an application to mandate payments within 30 days for all road transport drivers and operators, addressing long-standing inequities.
On the ground, we’ve fought and won funding for safer truck rest areas, highway improvements, and groundbreaking training initiatives that address driver shortages and enhance safety.
Aviation: Leading the Way in Recovery and Reform
In aviation, TWU members are tackling powerful companies like Qantas and Virgin, ensuring workers are treated fairly. From securing compensation for 1,700 illegally sacked Qantas workers to advancing pay equity through enterprise agreements, TWU members have shown the power of collective action.
This year also saw the launch of airport committees, a bold step toward uniting aviation workers and creating strategies to lift industry standards across the board.
Expanding Protections in the Gig Economy
Our fight extended into the gig economy, where we’ve laid the groundwork for revolutionary changes. Applications to the Fair Work Commission for food delivery and last-mile logistics workers aim to set minimum standards and eliminate exploitation.
Western Australia’s Standout Achievements
In WA, members stood strong in campaigns like the Road to Respect, uniting 2,500 bus drivers to demand fair wages, secure jobs, and safe workplaces. And over 200 court security and custodial workers from Ventia walked off the job for safer wages and conditions. Meanwhile, the Owner Driver Amendment Bill delivered landmark protections for owner drivers, and we’re continuing to push for further reforms including for vehicles under 4.5 tonne.
Looking Ahead to 2025 and Beyond
As we head into 2025, the TWU is gearing up for a massive year. With over 200 agreements expiring in 2026, we are uniting across road transport and aviation to hold wealthy clients accountable and raise industry standards. Together, we’ll ensure the gains of 2024 are just the beginning.
Thank you for your solidarity and commitment. This year’s victories are a testament to the strength of our union, and I can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together in the year ahead.
In unity,
Tim Dawson
WA State Secretary, TWU
APPLICATIONS FOR REFORM
In February we won new laws in road transport that TWU members have been campaigning to win for over two decades.
These 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.
At the end of August we used new laws—that TWU members fought for over two decades—to get moving on critical needs for the industry.
Here’s a recap on the applications.
FAIRER CONTRACTS CHAINS
What’s the application? This application pulls all levels of road transport in, and would require operators and drivers to be paid within 30 days.
Why’s it important? Transport has one of the highest insolvency levels of any industry. Fairer payment terms are a commonsense first step to ensure operators and drivers don’t have to wait months to be paid.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE DELIVERY
What’s the application? We’ve applied for food and beverage delivery workers to be provided with a safety net on pay, company-funded entitlements like super and personal injury insurance, and dispute and consultation rights.
Why’s it important? Food and beverage delivery workers are some of the most exploited in our country. Not only does this application put in a safety net, it stops the rest of the industry being dragged down this road.
PARCEL DELIVERY
What’s the application? We’ve applied for parcel delivery workers to be provided with minimum hourly rates that account for cost recovery, company-funded entitlements like super and safety training, and dispute and consultation rights.
Why’s it important? With companies like Amazon Flex entering this space and dragging other operators down, it’s essential we get decent standards in parcel delivery to stop the downward spiral.
20 YEARS MAKING IN THE
For over 20 years, thousands have contributed to a campaign to make the road transport industry not just a safer one to work in, but one that people want to work in.
Through convoys, vigils, protests, sit-ins, lobbying, member petitions, inquiries, international solidarity and more, it is a fight for which the legacy will last for far longer than the journey to get here.
Members spent years protesting for supply chain safety at Coles and Woolworths, and eventually the two retail giants signed charters with us.
We had a system, briefly, that would have made a difference, but which became a victim of poor implementation and political games. When it was torn down, the TWU got back up and put the wheels in motion to come back even stronger, with a better system and the industry united behind it.
Over two years, Senator Glenn Sterle’s inquiry into trucking brought the whole industry together, where once there had been opposition.
In major transport companies, workers fought for job security and thousands went on strike around the country.
In a move that astounded many, we brought gig companies to the table, joining our calls for reform - for their own regulation.
But to make a real difference we knew we needed legislation to hold those companies at the top of the supply chain to account.
Watch this documentary of our 20-year fight.
It is sobering to remember the lives lost over this 20-year campaign, and a powerful reminder of its importance, and what can now be achieved with the tools at hand.
TRANSPORT REFORM: HOW WE GOT THERE...
JOB SECURITY FIGHT:
In 2021, workers at major transport companies around Australia fought for job security, up against threats of outsourcing and lower-paid labour hire. In Toll, Global Express, StarTrack and FedEx, workers took strike action—some for the first time ever—while those at BevChain and Linfox voted in Protected Action Ballots and pushed their companies to better agreements.
MEMBER ENGAGEMENT:
Transport reform to make road transport safer, fairer and more sustainable would not have been possible without the efforts of thousands of members from right across the country. Members turned out to pledge support for transport reform in huge numbers. From hundreds of yards, you made it clear to the entire country that transport reform could not wait.
CLIENT ACTIONS:
Over years, TWU members took the fight to the
topof the supply chain, calling on supermarket giants to come to the table on supply chain safety. Relentless actions saw Woolworths and Coles sign up to charters with the TWU. Your actions have shone a spotlight on the responsibilities of wealthy clients for good standards in their supply chains. Aldi is still yet to commit to a supply chain charter with the TWU, instead taking us to court and losing twice, trying to silence truck drivers on safety. Our efforts will continue until Aldi is held to account
CONVOYS:
Thousands of trucks across all capital cities convoyed for Reform
TRANSPORT REFORM: WHAT IT MEANS FOR
WORKERS
1A POWERFUL VOICE FOR TRANSPORT 2ADDRESSING DEADLY PRESSURE 3JOB SECURITY FOR ALL
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.
Standards will apply throughout supply chains, stopping the squeeze from wealthy clients that puts deadly pressure on operators and drivers.
Standards to endexploitation in the gig economy and protections against unfair contract terminations will mean all transport jobs and the standards protecting them will be more secure. Some of these rights will be automatic.
4ALL TRANSPORT WORKERS WILL BE COVERED
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.
TRANSPORT REFORM: HOW THE SYSTEM WORKS
We’ve now won a Road Transport Division of the Fair Work Commission A Road Transport Expert Panel will be able to set standards throughout the transport industry This is guided by a Road Transport Advisory Group, which the TWU will be part of It can also involve sub-committees depending on the standards being applied for
AUTOMATIC 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.
Protection from unfair contracts, and unfair contract terminations: We know transport operators and drivers are under immense pressure from the top of the supply chain. Often 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.
Protection from unfair deactivations: Gig transport workers are often deactivated from a platform without ever speaking to a person, or even knowing why they’ve been deactivated. These laws mean gig workers who are unfairly deactivated don’t have to go through lengthy court processes to prove an unfair dismissal.
SETTING STANDARDS
As well as these automatic rights, a dedicated Road Transport Expert Panel will have the task of establishing and maintaining industry standards. As part of the legislation, those standards must fulfill a new Road Transport Objective, which is to ensure that the road transport industry is safe, sustainable and viable.
There are four different ways standards can be established. Importantly, all transport workers and industry participants can be covered by the system.
As well as these automatic rights, a dedicated Road Transport Expert Panel will have the task of establishing and maintaining industry standards. As part of the legislation, those standards must fulfill a new Road Transport Objective, which is to ensure that the road transport industry is safe, sustainable and viable. There are four different ways standards can be established. Importantly, all transport workers and industry participants can be covered by the system.
Varying Awards Minimum Standards Orders
The Expert Panel has the power to vary all 5 transport Awards, covering businesses and employees to enforce the Road Transport Objective of ensuring a safe, sustainable and viable industry.
Not everyone in the road transport industry is covered by an Award. Many drivers are not employees. Many don’t wish to be. So for ownerdrivers and “employee-like” gig workers, the Expert Panel has the power to protect them through Minimum Standards Orders (MSOs).
Importantly, the Expert Panel is required by the legislation to balance the protections it puts in place for employees, owner-drivers and gig transport workers to ensure no group is placed at a disadvantage in the market.
Collective Agreements
The Expert Panel can also register and enforce collective agreements between any industry participants.
Contract Chain Provisions
The Expert Panel can also establish standards for all contract chain parties through a Contract Chain Order. This power is crucial to the system. It will ensure that those wealthy clients at the top of the supply chain—like Aldi and Amazon—pay their fair share in the industry and stop the squeeze that puts deadly pressure on operators and drivers.
SAFER A SAFER TRANSPORT TRANSPORT TO BEGIN CREATING TO BEGIN CREATING IS A IS A REFORM REFORM AND FAIRER AND
ROAD TRANSPORT ROAD
And work has And has already begun. already begun.
We’re gearing up for a huge opportunity in 2026, when hundreds of agreements will expire across the transport industry. We’re stronger together. With a powerful new legislative tool, and thousands of TWU members bargaining at the same time with the potential for mass protected industrial action, this will be our next big chance to lift standards across transport.
Together, we will:
Improve pay and conditions across the industry
Make good jobs more secure
Take the fight to the top of the supply chain
End undercutting by lifting everyone up together
In 2021, TWU members across 9 major transport companies achieved huge improvements to pay, job security and conditions by standing together, and in many cases by taking action.
BUILDING STRONG YARDS STARTS
Our focus for the next two years is on:
Enforcing agreements
Safety
Making sure we have strong structures in workplaces
2024 DELEGATES FORUM
TWU DELEGATES
ENDORSE LABOR’S INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AGENDA
In November, delegates from across the union in areas that are critical for our 2026 fight attended a forum at Willetton Basketball Stadium.
The day covered an analysis of the Labor Governments IR changes, their impact and how new legislation can be used to propel us towards our 2026 goals. Delegates were given a rundown of the plans for the Road, Aviation, Bus, Concrete and Construction and Court Escorts and Security sectors between now and 2026.
Analysis of the Labor changes to industrial relations legislation showed that in just 2 and a half years the governments' new industrial relations policies have:
Increased average wage growth from 2.2% to 4.1%
Reduced inflation from 6.1% to 2.8% while wages still grow
Delivered pay rises of 3% or more to 67% of workers – the first time since 2009
Delivered pay increases of 6% or more to 14% of workers – the first time since 2009
Delegates were shown that collective bargaining under this Labor Government was on the increase helping to drive wage growth up across the economy.
Delegates were joined by two members of the Government and former TWU officials –Senator Glenn Sterle – former TWU WA branch organiser and Senator Tony Sheldon –former TWU NSW Branch and National Secretary.
The TWU Senators recounted the successful fight for Transport Reform Legislation that was passed in February this year and came into effect in August.
The Transport Reform Legislation has been fought for by TWU members for over twenty years and:
Can set minimum standards for ALL Transport workers – employees,
owner drivers, gig workers, labour hire
Can regulate new economies and employment models that compete with traditional transport companies –i.e gig economy workers
Can force clients to fund standards, wages and conditions throughout their supply chains – a world first
While the Transport Reform Legislation is a big win for the TWU and all transport workers and companies, it was opposed by every single Coalition senator, Pauline Hanson’s One Nation, Jacqui Lambie Network Senators and Victorian Senator Ralph Babbit. The only support came from Labor Senators, Greens Senators and Progressive independents David Pocock and Lydia Thorpe.
The legislation passed by one vote in the end, with every conservative Senator voting against it. The Coalition has made it clear that they intend to scrap the changes made by Labor that are seeing workers wages rise again at faster rates than we have seen for over a decade.
Delegates saw the importance of a worker friendly government and unanimously endorsed the Labor Party in next year’s federal election to ensure that we did not lose the gains that have been made and are already starting to bear fruit for Australian workers.
Delegates recognised that the Coalition would move to abolish Transport Reform Gains before they would be able to make a difference for Transport Workers.
We have a big industrial agenda from now to 2026 and we want the best legislation possible when we undertake our next round of bargaining, so we will be recommending this election TWU members vote to keep the Industrial Relations gains won in the last two years.
RECOGNISING OUR DELEGATES
TWU WA DELEGATE OF THE YEAR 2024 RAJBIR DHALIWAL (GOLDSTAR)
In recognition of your commitment to building union power at Goldstar, within your workplace and industry, and to honour the dedication to your role as a TWU Delegate and your efforts to improve the lives of your fellow workmates.
Raj has showed outstanding committment to his role as Delegate on site. He is dedicated to building union power through recruitment and communications at Goldstar and has successfully built his yard to over 80% density.
Congratulations Raj!
TWU WA WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2024 ELLA VAN ROOIJEN (FEDEX)
This award honours a remarkable woman whose dedication, leadership, & resilience have made a profound impact on our union and the broader transport industry.
She exemplifies the values of the TWU—advocating for fair conditions, safer workplaces, and equality. This award celebrates her contributions, courage, and unwavering spirit, recognising her as a leader who continues to pave the way for future generations in transport.
Congratulations Ella Van Rooijen from Fedex who has been recruiting in her yard, was a part of negotiating the FedEx Agreement which was wrapped up this year, and attended the Anna Stewart Memorial Project in October this year. A well deserved acheivement!
TWU WA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR 2024
ZANE SMITH (VENTIA)
(AWARD ACCEPTED BY SHARON ARMSTRONG - VENTIA)
In recognition of this Delegate's outstanding achievements in building Union power at their workplace within your first twelve months as a delegate.
Zane came on as a delegate as we were heading into negotiations with Ventia. He is a strong leader who's passionfor safety and worker's rights is infectious and who always has the best interests of his workmates in mind.
Zane was a vital part of walking Ventia off the job twice this year alongside the other 4 TWU Delegates. This is the first time protected action has occurred in this contract in the last 15 years (not without trying).
Congrats Zane.
THANK
GAINING MOMENTUM:
ON THE ROAD TO RESPECT
The Road to Respect Campaign was launched in September. Endorsed by TWU Bus Driver Delegates representing 2500 bus drivers across WA to force fair wages, safer buses and fair conditions for all WA bus drivers.
The campaign will focus on achieving standardised conditions for all WA bus drivers. The TWU is calling on the State Government to apply a standard set of wages and conditions for all bus drivers, regardless of which private contractor employs them.
The campaign has four areas of focus:
4. JOB SECURITY
In launching the campaign with TWU Bus Delegates, TWU State Secretary Tim Dawson said, “The WA Bus industry needs reform and it needs it now. The current wage increase system for bus drivers failed to keep pace with inflation in the cost-of-living crisis”
“The state government needs to ensure wage increases can reflect the economic conditions of the day. There should be one set of terms and conditions that apply to all bus drivers which is only fair when they’re all doing the same job,” Mr. Dawson said.
Currently there are differences between companies in respect to:
Ordinary hourly rates
Annual leave
Spread penalties and spread breaks
Casual loadings
Overtime for part timers
Saturday and Sunday penalties
Public holiday rates
Maximum rostered hours
And yet, everyone is doing same job!
The TWU will begin discussions with the government, aiming to reach an agreement on principles to be included in an industry-wide agreement. Simultaneously, the TWU will be building support for a standardised claim in preparation for the upcoming wage negotiations scheduled for late 2026 and early 2027.
Bus drivers are signing up in droves to be a part of the fight!
BUS DRIVERS FIGHT
The next two years are crucial in building the power and momentum we need to secure real change in 2026/2027.
Industrial action may still be some time away, but the work required to make it successful starts now.
To achieve the outcomes we deserve, we must focus on density—organising more members and ensuring our collective strength is undeniable.
Key Priorities for 2025:
1. Living Wages for All Drivers
The wage disparities between operators must end. We will continue pushing for “same job, same rate” principles to ensure that all drivers are treated fairly.
2. Safety at Work
The Road to Respect campaign has laid out clear demands: safety screens, proper consultation on security, improved amenities, and more recovery time to reduce fatigue. These changes are non-negotiable.
3. Security of Employment
We’re fighting for clauses that guarantee 100% driver retention when contracts change hands, along with pathways to full-time employment.
4. Dignity in Retirement
The demand for 15% superannuation reflects our
commitment to ensuring that drivers can retire with the security they deserve.
5. Building Our Power
None of this will happen without a united workforce. Growing our delegate networks, strengthening HSR rights, and ensuring every new driver understands the value of union membership are critical steps.
People before Profits
Contracts should be won on service quality, not at the expense of the workforce. In 2025 we’ll double down on our efforts to hold the government accountable for the system it created and controls. They own the buses, depots, and routes. It’s time they take responsibility for the wages and conditions of those who keep our transport system moving.
2025 is a year to consolidate our gains, grow our ranks, and prepare for the decisive battles ahead. Every member counts, and every delegate plays a vital role in shaping the future of our industry.
REGIONAL BUS DRIVERS WIN DIGITAL RADIOS!
Bus drivers in Bunbury, thanks to their union, have won access to safer working conditions by having digital radios installed in their buses.
As part of the union campaign to achieve safer buses, the installation of the radios in Bunbury will assist in a better connection to security support with strong radio signal.
TWU Members are improving safety & conditons for all bus drivers!
DRIVERS WIN AMENITIES AT ROCKINGHAM
When bus drivers at Rockingham depot were refused entry to the staff facilities, and forced into demountables that were inadequate and disgraceful, bus drivers stood together and demanded their rights.
232 drivers signed a petition to force the Government and the
Transport minister to meet the drivers' demands.
Access was restored and no longer were drivers forced to use demountables that were erected unfit for purpose and were unsafe.
Congrats to all the members who stood up against a decision that was discriminatory.
TWU members at these stations are now setting their sights on exploring the possibility of constructing purpose-built
facilities that cater to the evolving needs of bus drivers.
Ensuring safety and comfort of all transit workers including bus drivers and train personnel.
The workplace intends to ensure proper consultation and procedure before this occurs.
When issues like this arise, make sure you contact your site delegate or TWU organiser.
MAY
TWU REPRESENTATION AT DIWALI & HOLI FESTIVALS
TGE IPEC TWU DELEGATE JIM MORRISON WITH ORGANISERS AND STATE SECRETARY TIM DAWSON AT DIWALI FESTIVAL
TWU ORGANISERS WITH PREMIER ROGER COOK AND MEMBER FOR RIVERTON DR JAGS AT HOLI FESTIVAL AT LANGLEY PARK
TWU TEMPLE VISITS
TWU Delegates invited their organisers to attend their temple, to engage with the community with a conversation about why being in the union is so vitally important to the future of our industry.
The Indian and Sikh community makes up a large component of the transport industry.
It is vital to the future of our industry that this community is educated around unionism and working conditions so that bosses don’t have the opportunity to exploit a large section of transport workers.
If we stand together, we will acheive more than we ever will divided.
Our TWU members come from all walks of life.
That is why our organisation does everything we can to represent all our members no matter where they come from.
TWU represented our members at Holi festival in March and Diwali festival in September/October.
Engaging with communities that make up our transport industry makes our union better.
As we continue conversations around cultural and religious leave in Agreements, this is another step towards ensuring everyone has representation at their workplace.
TWU VOICES FOR WOMEN
INTERNATIONAL WORKING WOMEN’S DAY 8 MARCH 2024
The TWU turned up in force at International Working Women’s Day (IWWD) 2024. On March 8th unions took their fight to Parliament house to protest the current gender wage gap which is 22.7%.
IWWD celebrates union women and acknowledging all the struggles for gender equity women have won and are still struggling for in the workplace.
Women make up 27.4% of the transport industry and in a male dominated industry are working hard to win equity, and safe and fair standards that attract and retain women in our industry
UNIONSWA ASSISTANT SECRETARY AND FORMER TWU ORGANISER KARI PNACEK SPEAKS TO THE DELEGATION AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE. IWWD BANNER UNVEILED AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE.
WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP
A Woman’s place is in her union including in leadership positions at the top, with National Assistant Secretary, Emily McMillan. Emily McMillan is the National Assistant Secretary of the Transport Workers Union; she is the first woman and First Nations woman to hold that position at the TWU. Magenta Marshall the State MP for Rockingham is also a TWU member and Kari Pnacek, a former organiser at the TWU is the Assistant Secretary at UnionsWA.
(from left) MNISTER FOR PORTS, ROAD SAFETY AND MINISTER ASSISTING THE TRANSPORT MINISTER AND TWU MEMBER DAVID MICHAEL, NATIONAL SECRETARY MICHAEL KAINE, STATE SECRETARY TIM DAWSON, MEMBER FOR ROCKINGHAM AND TWU MEMBER MAGENTA MARSHALL, AND NATIONAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY EMILY MCMILLAN AT NATIONAL COUNCIL
ANNA STEWART MEMORIAL PROJECT OCTOBER 2024
The Anna Stewart Memorial Program is a week-long initiative that recognises the need for developing women in leadership and works to address issues faced by women in their workplaces.
TWU Delegates Ella and Kerren, joined us in October as part of the program.
The transport industry improves when we make it easier for all ages and stages of life to be a part of it. No matter your race, gender or sexuality.
Attracting and retaining women in the industry is a challenge, but a challenge that is worthy.
If you’re a TWU member and a woman working in a male dominated occupation we would love to hear from you to attend these kinds of programs in the future.
And be a part of a womens network we’re developing for stronger workplaces.
IT’S BEEN A HUGE YEAR IN AVIATION FOR THE TWU!
Across the country, from baggage handlers to the cockpit, we’re making huge strides in improving pay and conditions for all workers in the aviation industry.
We know many workers have been hit hard by recent increases and that is why we’re keeping up the momentum into 2025 as we lobby for a system to bring up standards for all workers.
Some of our key wins this year include:
Winning compensation for 1700 illegally sacked Qantas workers
Virgin pilots settling an agreement following a strong TWU-led no vote to the original offer, following cabin crew and ground in restoring better pay and conditions
Protected Action Ballots for pilots at Alliance
Ampol refuellers in NSW took action and achieved a huge 28% pay increase over their agreement
Dnata Catering workers are back in bargaining to bring up conditions
Redundant Rex workers will receive entitlements early thanks to the Federal Government funding off the back of the TWU’s calls to intervene—meanwhile we continue to engage with administrators and the government on a longer-term solution
We launched Same Job Same Pay applications at Jetstar cabin crew and Qantas freight
Dnata ground workers on the East coast who had notified for 24-hour strikes have now won an agreement that delivers: Better pay, including an 11% wage rise over 2 years; Better rostering, including maximum 6 rostered consecutive shifts, and, Better work-life balance, including minimum 48 hour rest periods and 7 days notice of rostering changes.
2025 will see Network Aviation and Dnata Ground in Bargaining in WA.
These wins above show what a strong unionised workforce can achieve.
Welcome to the hundreds of new aviation members who’ve joined the TWU in 2024—2025 is going to be another huge year.
UNION CONDEMNS INADEQUATE CONDITIONS ON NJE CHARTERED FLIGHT
Thursday 18 July 2024
The Transport Workers Union (TWU), the union representing cabin crew at National Jet Express (NJE), expresses its deep concern and outrage over a recent incident involving a chartered flight from Launceston to Perth.
The flight that flew the Fremantle Dockers home from their game against the Hawks, ran out of water just half an hour into the 4-hour flight, resulting in non-functional toilets and an unsanitary and unsafe environment for both cabin crew and passengers.
This incident posed a significant health and safety risk as cabin crew were reportedly forced to manage the situation by manually scooping toilet waste into basins. This unacceptable scenario also led to passengers being compelled to use basins for urination, highlighting a severe breach of basic hygiene standards.
"This situation is utterly unacceptable and demonstrates a glaring neglect of duty of care towards both our members and the passengers they serve," said Tim Dawson, WA State Secretary of the TWU. "Our cabin crew members should not be subjected to such hazardous working conditions, and passengers should not have to endure such distressing experiences."
The TWU has contacted the company who are investigating the incident and have agreed to share their findings with the union.
"Ensuring the safety and well-being of our members is our top priority. This incident highlights the critical necessity for HSRs and to have a strong voice for workers to report these incidences before the plane is in the air” Mr Dawson added. "We are committed to fighting for the rights and safety of our cabin crew members, and we need to make sure preventable incidents like these don’t happen again”.
The Transport Workers Union continues its calls for a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to ensure safe, fair working conditions across airports. A Safe and Secure Skies Commission would ensure a voice for workers, passengers and regional Australia.
It would ensure:
· Safe and fair standards for all workers;
· Supply chain participants including airports and airlines are responsible for safe and fair supply chains;
· Commercial, economic and contracting pressures and incentives that can lead to unsafe and unfair practices are removed;
· Efficient and effective dispute resolution across the supply chain, including unfair contracts and unfair contract terminations; and
· Strong collective representation for all workers.
QANTAS: COMPENSATION
Illegally outsourced Qantas workers have had another huge win this year in the Federal Court.
After a unanimous win in the High Court last year, in October Justice Lee ordered Qantas to pay compensation to the 1700 illegally sacked workers for both economic loss and hurt and suffering.
It’s been four long years for these workers, but they’ve stuck by each other’s sides and held Qantas to account.
It’s a message to other big companies like Qantas that workers will stand up against injustice and win—even against the biggest corporate bullies in the country, even when the odds are stacked against us.
When we fight we win!
Justice Lee determined that the non-economic compensation for three test cases would be $30,000, $40,000 and $100,000, with economic compensation still to be determined.
A mediation process has now begun to determine compensation amounts for each of the
1700 workers.
Meanwhile, TWU members in the Qantas supply chain across ground, cabin crew and pilots are working to take apart the Joyce model of poor pay and conditions, and rebuild decent aviation jobs.
INDUSTRIAL ACTION
WHY NO SAME JOB SAME PAY IN WA?
VENTIA COURT SECURITY
Ventia court security and custodial officers withdrew their labour for 4 hours on Friday the 8th of November for safer and fairer wages and conditions.
These Court Security officers at Ventia are paid up to 24% less than workers doing the same job, a disparity that undermines staff retention and creates significant safety risks for officers, prisoners and the public.
Following protected industrial action, the workers gave Ventia a chance to increase their offer.
The company's response wasn't to consider increasing their offer, but to instead challenge the workers' fundamental human right to withdraw their labour in the Commission.
The workers stood together and won!
These proud and fierce court security and custodial officers then marched to the doorstep of the WA decision-makers to call for SAME JOB SAME PAY as they walked off the job for 7 hours on Friday the 29th of November.
Ventia workers are relentless! And will continue to escalate industrial action and disrupt the court system WA-wide until Ventia and the State Government stop pointing the finger at each other and come to the party on safe wages and conditions.
2024 LEGAL REPORT
JUST OVER $300K WON IN 2024 FOR OUR MEMBERS
SINCE JANUARY 2024 THE TWU WA BRANCH WON OVER
$300,000
In 2024 the TWU Legal team won just over $300,000 accumulatively for our members in underpayments and unfair dismissals. This is on top of hundreds of thousands in workers’ comp pay outs won by our legal firm Slater & Gordon Lawyers. We won back underpayment claims from companies who have hundreds of employees and at companies that employ only subcontractors. We always go into bat for our members and the results speak for themselves.
We had a huge settlement for 6 members who were sacked after they unionised and took a claim to their employer. The TWU WA Branch took a General Protections claim for ‘Qantas-like’ behaviour to the Commission and won $160,000 (tax free) in General Damages for these workers.
The unfair dismissal of an active TWU delegate was also a big win for the WA Branch. When our delegate was dismissed for trying to stop an unsafe contract driver who struck a bollard and was verbally abusive. Our delegate was sacked by the company due to “unsafe conduct” and apparent remarks during disciplinary meeting. We successfully argued that our delegate was sacked because they were a Union Delegate and undertook union activity. We were able to achieve a substantial payout for our delegate and redeploy them to another transport site on better pay. These are just some of the examples of the important and thorough work of our legal department at TWU. Our legal team made up of Lyle Slaney, Luke Gibson and Adam Dzieciol in 2024 work long hours and work hard for our membership.
TWU WINS UNFAIR DISMISSAL OF MEMBER AT VENTIA:
The Fair Work Commission has found that understaffing weighed heavily on the mind of a custody officer sacked by Ventia for headbutting a door in frustration at a prisoner on the other side, noting it might be "unfair to apply the standards expected of angels to mere humans".
In holding that services provider Ventia had a valid reason to dismiss the custody officer from Fremantle Justice Complex but that it was harsh, Deputy President Peter O'Keeffe has observed it might need "to take a very nuanced view of punishment for those employees who break the rules.
The officer admitted he head-butted the glass portion of the person in custody's cell door and told an operations support manager during a phone call that it was a shame he had not head-butted the person himself, but he argued that he was merely venting his frustrations and had no desire to harm him.
He said the prisoner was "abusive, threatening to assault [custody officers], threatening to commit suicide, punching walls, kicking the cell door, performing handstands to put his head in the toilet, putting his shirt in the toilet to flood the cell and throwing hot coffee away".
Despite using de-escalation techniques, the officer said the prisoner continued to be belligerent.
The officer admitted that at this point he banged his head on the cell door window and swearing, before removing himself.
He contended that staffing concerns should be considered a mitigating factor and accused Ventia of failing to provide a safe working environment.
TWU CALLS FOR REVIEW OF CONTRACT
The TWU says it is calling on the WA Government to conduct a formal review into the Justice Department $229 million court security custodial services contract following the decision.
It says the ruling also "underscores the importance of psychosocial health in the workplace, the responsibility of employers to provide adequate support and training to their workers, and to recognise workplace hazards experienced by their employees". TWU WA Branch Secretary Tim Dawson says the decision "sends a clear message to employers that their decisions impact the safety and livelihoods of workers."
TAKING ON THE FIGHT FOR OWNER DRIVERS
The TWU WA Branch fights for owner operators and negotiations and takes on Underpayment Claims for Owner Drivers too.
We’re currently in the midst of an underpayment claim for Contractors who were being paid below the guideline rates and have a claim potentially worth millions for the years of underpayments by the company.
This is an ongoing case, but the group of 28 Owner Drivers are relentless and alongside the TWU will be taking their claim to the Road Transport Industry Tribunal in 2025 and we look forward to winning big for them.
In other matters, Tip Top contractors, who were diddled by the company to purchase old, depreciating trucks, are waiting on a company offer and we have a ‘log of claims’ ready to
present to the company when they’re prepared to bargain.
And the TWU is also fighting for Owner Drivers at Prixcar who are dealing with some onsite issues.
We continue to negotiate for Owner Drivers and win great outcomes.
TWU MEMBER SERVICES
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) offer services to members to help us continue to put our members first in everything we do.
TWUSUPER: Offering superannuation for Transport Workers since 1984. One of the oldest industry super funds in Australia that has always advocated for dignity in retirement. Over the 4 decades of TWUSUPER, the fund has consistently delivered strong returns and always looked to improve retirement outcomes for members and the transport industry. In 2025 TWUSUPER will merge with MINE Super to become TEAM super, a new fund for people in the transport, energy and mining industries.
COVERFORCE INCOME PROTECTION: In many TWU Agreements, Coverforce is our preferred provider for income protection for TWU members.
TWU’S GROUP ACCIDENT AND SICKNESS: Offered through the TWU, via Broker Medcorp (Bill Medhurst) and insurance provider Point, the TWU Group Accident and Sickness protection provides an income for members when they’re unable to work due to accident or sickness. Offered at 3 different price points, it is the best value for money to protect you in times when you’ll need it most.
SLATER & GORDON LAWYERS: Are TWU WA preferred lawyers for workers comp claims, and claims outside the in-house TWU legal department. TWU members can ask for a referral to Slater and Gordon lawyers for motor vehicle accidents, medical negligence and to get their will done. With the firms’ NO WIN NO FEE offer* members can get access to the justice they deserve.
BEST PRICE FOR CARS and UNIONSHOPPER: Take advantage of the collective purchasing power of Best Price and Unionshopper for car buying, white goods, gift cards and movie tickets.
ME BANK: Members Equity bank offers discounts for TWU members and this year we’ve held two seperate mobile offices out of the TWU offices with Direct Senior Banker Jeff Russel. Jeff can take a look at your banking, consolidate debt and refinance your loan to get the best price for your situation.
TWU VOICES FOR LGBTIQA+ MEMBERS
In June the TWU WA branch acknowledged and recognised our LGBTQIA+ members as part of International Pride Month.
The response from members was very positive and the Branch recieved a lot of support from LGBTQIA+ members and the LGBTQIA+ community.
There are transport workers who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community and often face discrimination and harrasment at work because of this. It is vitally important to ensure that all members have recognition and support in their workplace no matter what their gender, sexuality, race, or religion.
The Branch formed a sub-committee with other unions and formed our inaugrial contingent marching in Pride 2024. To demonstrate the committment the TWU has to standing up for the rights, freedoms and dignity of all our members.
The TWU was the largest contingent of the 7 union strong group and lead the way throughout the streets of Perth. Following the success of Pride 2024 work has begun on forming an LGBTQIA+ network made up of TWU members and whose objective will be to give LGBTIQA+ transport workers a better experience working in our industry
PRIDE MARCH NOVEMBER 2024
In 2024
STEERING HEALTHY MINDS
Steering Healthy Minds (SHM), the mental health arm of the Transport Workers' Union, has been busy this year working hard to reach as many transport workers as we can to save lives in the transport industry and train transport workers in Mental Health First Aid.
SHM became a registered charity
SHM officially launches nationally, providing free MHFA training around Australia
SHM was awarded a judges commendation at the Personal Injury Education Foundation awards in October.
IN WA ALONE:
Total training sessions this year 15
Total transport workers trained: 132
Number of companies engaged: 16
NATIONALLY 2024:
Training sessions this year: 14
Transport workers trained: 171 SINCE 2021 Total numbers since 2021 Sessions:
JOKES
A NEW BUS DRIVER STARTS HIS FIRST DAY OF WORK...
......he kisses his wife goodbye. He’s nervous about the new job and not sure if it’s for him.
He’s assigned his bus, and as he walks up to it, he notices that it has a big promotional for Sesame Street on the side. “Great,” he thinks, “my first bus looks like a kid’s show.”
At the first stop, two big hefty ladies identically dressed waddle aboard. The first one gets in his face and says, “Hi, I’m Pattie.” The second one does the same and says, “Hi, I’m Pattie.” The bus bounces as they make their way to their seats.
At second stop, there’s a guy in a wheelchair who’s doing wheelies and little tricks in his wheelchair. He’s dressed like Elton John in the 70s. The driver lowers the ramp, straps him in, and get’s him in the bus. “Took you long enough, my man. By the way, I’m Ross, and I’m special. Don’t forget it, sucker.”
At the third stop, there’s a guy standing there who looks pretty grimy and unwashed. His clothes are tattered and he’s talking to himself. He has bare feet, and the driver notices that they are the biggest, ugliest feet he’s ever seen. They looked like Hobbit feet, at least size 15, with huge callouses and bunions. He looked confused as he walked on the bus. “I’m Lester Reece,” he said to no one in particular. “Lester Reece, I’m Lester Reece...”
As the driver drove through the route, he suddenly heard one of the Patties shout out, “Ewwww, Lester Reece is picking his bunions!”
This what not what the driver signed up for. He parked the bus, walked out, and walked home.When he got home, his wife asked how his first day went. “Horrible, I quit,” he replied.
“Why?! What happened?!”
“I had two all-beef Patties, Special Ross and Lester Reece who picks his bunions on a Sesame Street bus.”
INFLATION CRISIS
On a visit to see his grandmother, a teen boy listens as she goes on and on about the cost of living.
“When I was a young girl,” she moans, “you could go to the store with a dollar and come home with enough food to feed your family for weeks!”
“Well, Grandma,” the boy replies, “we learned about that in school recently, and that’s called inflation.”
A MAN COMES INTO THE AIRPORT EMPLOYMENT OFFICE
He looks like a real hick, in overalls, muddy boots, and a ragged straw hat.
"Ah'z looking fer a jobe," he announces.
"And what is it you do, good sir?" asks the man at the desk.
"Ah'z uh pahlut."
Surprised, the man says "Really? Well, we can always use another pilot around the airport..."
"But mah bruther hyas to come wit' me. We'z a pair, we iz."
"I see. And what does your brother do?"
"He's uh woodcutter."
"Oh. I'm afraid we wouldn't have much call for a woodcutter at the airport."
"Wayul," says the applicant, "if'n summun dun't cut thuh wood, how's Ah gonna pahlut?!"
How much does Santa pay for parking?
Nothing.
It’s on the house.
Why was Santa’s workshop audited? Someone reported it as an unregulated gig economy operation!
What did the reindeer say after they unionised?
“No more unpaid sleighing! Time to negotiate some carrots per kilometre.”
“Inflation nothing!” the grandmother answered. “It’s all these darn security cameras they’ve got today!”
AVIATION STRIKE
A concerned airplane passenger asked me if I heard about bird strikes.
I honestly didn’t think they could carry signs.
SNIPERS UNION
A guy walks into a bar and sits down. He orders a drink. The bartender asks him, “What’d you do this weekend?”
The guy says, “I picked off a scab.”
“Oh, so it wasn’t very eventful?”
“Well, actually, I’m on strike with the sniper’s union.”
2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
