May monthly wheel -digital

WA BRANCH

2026

MAY MONTHLY WHEEL

A MESSAGE FROM TIM DAWSON TWU WA BRANCH STATE SECRETARY

2026 National Council: A pivotal time as we move closer toward the 2026 fight.

Last week, TWU branches from across the country came together for our annual National Council.

But this year, the air was filled with anticipation, with the stakes higher than ever as we prepare for the fight ahead in 2026.

Aligning more than 200 national agreements is no easy task, but as you already know, the TWU is relentless.

We have been relentless in ensuring we are prepared to take on some of the biggest road transport companies in the country, including Linfox, Toll, FedEx and Team Global Express, while maintaining a strong focus on our retail transport sector, with companies such as Centurion, Gold Star, Border Express, Sadliers and many more.

I had the pleasure of leading our retail panel, where delegates spoke about building power in there yards. Many of our yards, which were once described as quiet workplaces have now been proudly described as militant, with delegates learning more about what it takes to unionise their yard.

Members are getting ready to negotiate an agreement that delivers a quality life for workers, rather than one endangered by the greedy race to the bottom that continues to plague much of our industry.

Throughout the week, the TWU held panel discussions with delegates, organisers and leadership, while welcoming special guests including ACTU President Michele O'Neil, TEACHO, representatives from our sister union in Korea, KPTU, and Labor ministers including ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Amanda Rishworth, Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

I was also honoured to receive recognition for my 12 years as WA State Secretary at this year's National Council. It was a moment that gave me the opportunity to reflect on more than 42 years in the union movement, serving as a delegate, organiser and now State Secretary.

ATWUMESSAGE FROM TIM DAWSON WA BRANCH STATE SECRETARY 2026 National Council: A Pivotal Time as we Move Closer Toward the 2026 Fight.

Assistant State Secretary Shane O’Brien, President Raymond "Macca" McMillian and Vice President Jo Woodford were also present throughout the week, bringing valuable perspectives from both the road transport and aviation sectors to discussions.

Throughout the week, protests were held against Amazon at Harris Farm Markets, following the company's deal with Amazon Flex, and at Canberra Airport against unsafe multinational employer Swissport.

We were there for one reason and one reason only — to send a message loud and clear to these wealthy corporations that we will hold them accountable for their failures to keep the transport industry safe.

We will continue calling out the corrupt practices that drive the race to the bottom and put both transport workers and the broader community at risk.

We are in the middle of negotiations with some of the biggest enterprise agreements our industry has seen in decades. during this time, I ask all members and delegates to spread the message throughout your yards, have conversations with your workmates, engage online and learn as much as possible from our organisers about how to build workplace power.

Together, we can make clients pay to ensure we have safe supply chains where transport workers are paid industry standards, industry conditions, and are safe at work to secure a better transport industry for everyone.

We need to show the next generation that it is still possible to make a living in transport while following the rules, earning a decent wage and having the support and entitlements needed to retire with dignity.

REST IN PEICE PAUL ASLAN A Tribute to Paul Aslan – From Macca and Tim

The Transport Workers' Union has lost one of its great characters, leaders and storytellers with the passing of former Assistant Secretary and Communications Manager, Paul Aslan.

For more than 40 years, Paul dedicated his working life to the trade union movement, serving workers across three unions and spending 22 of those years with the TWU. His contribution to working people cannot be measured simply by positions held or years served. Paul helped shape the culture, character and voice of the union movement in Western Australia.

Graylands had practically locked Paul up as well. After somehow losing his visitor's tag, he spent the next four-and-a-half hours trying to convince staff he was there to visit and wasn't actually a patient.

As Paul would later tell the story, he was banging on doors trying to get out while nobody seemed particularly interested in letting him leave.

The story became a favourite around the union office because it captured Paul perfectly. He would go anywhere for a member, hear anyone out and give people a fair go. Sometimes it landed him in situations that only Paul could find

Paul was many things: journalist, strategist, mentor, advocate and leader.

But above all, he was a unionist.

As Communications Manager, Paul became the voice of the TWU. He understood the power of words and the importance of telling workers' stories. He could distil complex industrial issues into language that connected with ordinary people and never lost sight of who the union was there to serve.

Working alongside former State Secretary Jim McGiveron, Paul brought his trademark wit to every day. Each morning he would greet Jim with the question, "Who are we going to hold accountable today, Jim?" It was classic Paul: irreverent, sharp and guaranteed to get a laugh. Yet behind the humour was a fierce commitment to fighting injustice and standing up for workers.

Paul's commitment to members was legendary. He believed workers deserved to be heard and treated seriously, no matter how unusual the circumstances.

One story that became part of TWU folklore involved a member who phoned the union insisting his family had conspired to have him locked away at Graylands Hospital because they were trying to take all of his possessions.

Most people might have dismissed the call. Not Paul.

relations and a journalist's instinct for finding the heart of a story. But for all his intelligence, he never carried himself with pretension. He was approachable, genuine and always ready for a conversation.

He was also larger than life.

Paul's laugh could shake the foundations of a building. It was impossible to miss and impossible to forget. Whether in the office, at a delegate meeting or around a union conference table, his presence filled the room.

Proudly and unapologetically Western Australian, Paul was fiercely parochial about the West. A devoted West Coast Eagles supporter, he had little time for anyone who didn't share his loyalty.

His views on famous WA football commentator Dennis Cometti were equally memorable, often joking that "even his nose faces East."

Away from the union, Paul was a devoted husband to Glenys, a loving father and a proud grandfather. Despite a difficult upbringing, Paul built a life centred on family. He treasured his grandchildren and devoted himself to them with the same generosity and love that he showed to so many others.

himself in, but his instinct was always the same: listen first, help where you can and never write someone off.

Current State Secretary Tim Dawson reflected on Paul's impact as both a colleague and mentor.

"Paul was a shoulder to lean on, someone whose advice I trusted and whose experience I valued enormously.

He was generous with his time and knowledge, and he always looked for opportunities to help others grow. He was a leader who built people up."

Convinced the member deserved the benefit of the doubt, Paul told Jim McGiveron he was heading out to investigate.

That was one of Paul's greatest gifts.

He opened doors for others. He shared his knowledge freely. He encouraged people to back themselves and was always willing to lend a hand when it was needed.

The next thing anyone heard, Paul was back at the office complaining that the member was indeed mad—and that

Paul's intellect was formidable. He possessed a sharp political mind, an encyclopaedic understanding of industrial

For generations of TWU members, Paul's farewell became part of the fabric of union life. He would encourage colleagues with a simple but meaningful "Stay strong." And when saying goodbye to members, he would often grin and say, "I'll see you in the Wheel."

Today, those words carry even greater meaning.

Paul may no longer be with us, but his legacy remains woven throughout the TWU, in the campaigns he helped lead, the members he helped defend, the leaders he helped develop and the stories he helped tell.

His voice helped define our union. His wisdom guided it. His humour brightened it.

Most of all, his belief in working people strengthened it.

Paul will be deeply missed, fondly remembered and forever part of the TWU family.

Stay strong, Paul.

We'll see you in the Wheel.

2026

TWU WA Toll State Delegates met to discuss the outcome of their second round of negotiations with the company.

TWU LEGAL WINS Recently, a Member of the TWU finished his employment with K Trans.

After leaving the company, the Member noticed that several of his entitlements had not been paid, including his termination payment in lieu of notice and overnight allowances.

The member tried to raise this with K Trans, only for his concerns to be brushed off and dismissed.

Only once the Member contacted the TWU to step in and draft a letter to K Trans, did the company pay the outstanding entitlements almost immediately.

This just goes to show, there is power in a Union.

BROWNES WORKERS' UDDERLY FED UP! 82 HOUR STRIKE FOR A FAIR AGREEMENT TWU Brownes members took protected industrial action for a third time, striking for 82 hours after Brownes continued to refuse meaningful improvements to wages and conditions. Workers who keep the business running have been forced to fight for a fair agreement that reflects the rising cost of living.

Making Progress — But the Fight Isn't Over Throughout this campaign, TWU members have shown incredible determination, growing stronger with every action and standing united on the picket line. Their resilience has already forced Brownes to move from its original proposal of a one-year agreement with a 3% wage increase — an offer that fell well below inflation and was rightly rejected by workers.

Every time the TWU member-led bargaining committee has met with Brownes management, workers' collective strength has pushed the company further. What began as a one-year, 3% offer has now improved to a three-year agreement worth 9.5% — proof that standing together gets results.

Despite this progress, Brownes has continued to take an unreasonable approach. During the third strike, the company called police on workers exercising their lawful right to take industrial action and later issued lockout notices threatening to indefinitely lock out employees who participated. The TWU challenged these actions in the Fair Work Commission and sought to return to negotiations, but Brownes refused.

In a final effort to reach an agreement, TWU members have revised their claim and put forward a fair and reasonable proposal for the company to consider.

Brownes workers aren't asking for the world. They're asking for a fair wage increase that keeps pace with the cost of living and recognises the hard work they do every day. After months of campaigning, industrial action and solidarity, workers have brought Brownes closer than ever to a fair agreement — but there is still work to do.

8%

3%

over 3 years

BROWNES ORIGINAL OFFER

BROWNES OFFER AFTER 4 MEETINGS

9.5% over 3 years

ONE YEAR WAGE OFFER

BROWNES OFFER AFTER 3 STRIKES

ON BOARD FOR THE ROAD TO RESPECT TWU Bus drivers, representing over 2500 drivers, came together to discuss the next steps for the TWU's Road to Respect Campaign.

The delegates unanimously endorsed their claims moving foward, focusing on achieving standardised conditions for all WA bus drivers. The Road to Respect campaign aims to align all workers driving a Transperth bus, regarless of which contractor employes them. TWU bus drivers are dedicated to winning same job, same pay for all bus drivers.

These bus drivers heard from TWU WA State Secretary, Tim Dawson, as well as Assistant Secretary, Shane O'Brien. Empowering them with an important message keep up the fight and never back down!

WATCH A VIDEO HERE OF ASSISTANT SECREATRY, SHANE O'BRIEN, EMPOWERING TWU BUS DRIVER DELEGATES

TWU BUS DRIVERS ARE FIGHTING FOR: ✓

Minimum of 22.6% wage increase over 3 years

✓

15% Superannuation

✓

Increase in penalities

✓

Improved roster hours

✓ Increase in Annual Leave to 5 week

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