TWUNEWS
TRANSPORT WORKERS’ UNION OF NSW
ISSUE 80 • AUTUMN 2015
LEADING THE
WAY FORWARD
Staying strong for Toll jobs
page 5
Qantas deal done
page 10
On track at StarTrack
page 14
PRESIDENT’SPREACH
George Clarke • TWU President
CONTENTS
Your vote is powerful
2
Union voice Union pay
3
Setting the standards
4
Staying strong for Toll jobs
5
Strong yards, strong union
6-7
Transport front and centre
at state elections
8-9
Qantas deal done
10
Organising for power
11
YOUR VOTE IS POWERFUL
Hello, hello to all you transport workers out there. The year is well underway
and your union has been busy getting stuck into shonky bosses and deadbeat
pollies, and fighting hard to win a better deal for members.
From generation to generation:
12-13
the fight goes on
Brian’s Corner
13
On track at StarTrack
14
Drivers dig deep for
kids’ charity
15
Workplace Poster
16-17
Orica Gets Explosive!
18
Knowledge is Power @
TWU training
19
World-class training
19
On board the better
buses campaign!
20
Subbies have the last laugh
21
Go kart king
23
Sydney Sub-branch News
24
South Coast & Southern
Sub-branch News
25
Newcastle & Northern
Sub-branch News
26
ACT Sub-branch News
27
National Update
29
You said it on Facebook
30
Kids’ corner
31
CONTACTS
Editorial:
Farah Abdurahman 02 9912 0703
Farah.abdurahman@twunsw.org.au
Barry Dunning 02 9912 0708
barry.dunning@twunsw.org.au
Advertising:
Rebecca Hopkins 02 9912 0700
Rebecca.Hopkins@twunsw.org.au
31 Cowper St, Parramatta 2150
Print Post Approved 100008176
2 | TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015
“
On March 28 we get to have a say at the ballot box.
W
e’ve taken great strides forward but
there’s a long road ahead because
some dodgy bosses, who want to pay you
less, cut your conditions and skimp on
safety, have the ear of government.
That’s why the NSW state election on
March 28 is so important. That’s when we
get to have our say at the ballot box.
When you make your decision, make
sure it’s one that helps you, your mates and
your family.
VOTE FOR someone that will support
and protect a system of Safe Rates
for all transport workers, especially
Chapter Six owner driver laws here in
NSW.
VOTE FOR someone that will
commit to job security and decent
jobs for bus drivers, by making
continuity of employment and
improved pay and conditions a legal
requirement in any successful bus
tender.
VOTE FOR someone who will
improve safety for bus and taxi
drivers by funding education and
training for conflict resolution,
self-defence training and support
services to assist drivers in the
aftermath of a traumatic incident.
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IF YOU’RE NOT SURE WHERE
YOUR LOCAL CANDIDATES
STAND, JUST ASK THEM. IF THEY
WANT YOUR VOTE THEY CAN
ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS.
VOTE FOR someone who will
introduce guaranteed safety
standards, worker protections and
best practice industrial agreements
that anyone who wants a government
contract must agree to.
DON’T VOTE for anyone that’s
going to raise the cost of keeping our
families healthy and sending our kids
to TAFE or university.
DON’T VOTE for anyone that wants
to strip away our rights at work and
the ability of transport workers to put
food on the family table
DON’T VOTE for anyone that’s going
to slug working people with extra tax
burdens while their rich mates pay less.
If you’re not sure where your local
candidates stand, just ask them. If they want
your vote they can answer your questions.
Your vote is powerful; make it one that
protects you, your family and your future.
George
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
STANDTOGETHERWINTOGETHER
Michael Aird • TWU Secretary
UNIONVOICEUNIONPAY
United: When we stand together, we win together.
The true measure of our strength as a union has
always been what we achieve for transport
workers and transport families.
F
or 127 years members and delegates have led from the
floor and determined what the TWU fights for; safety,
wages, conditions and rights at work.
But despite our history and strength, there are still tens of
thousands of transport workers in NSW and the ACT that are
not yet members and they need to be brought on board.
Organising these workers is a challenge but it benefits
all of us, as dodgy bosses and clients can’t play transport
workers off against each other and pocket the profits. The
best way to meet this challenge is by members and delegates
taking the lead in recruiting, organising and building power in
their yards and industries.
It’s a challenge that’s being met by members from all
corners of our union. As we move through 2015 we’re going to
be looking for more and more of you to take the lead and start
the organising conversations with your colleagues.
Members like our vice president Charles McKay and his
fellow delegates who have worked for years to lift cash in
transit industry standards of safety and pay.
Members like former Gate Gourmet delegate and now
TWU organiser Michael Collins, who worked hard to make
sure his yard was unionised after a merger with Q Catering
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
left workers in the same yard on two different sets of rates
and conditions.
Or former DHL delegate and now TWU organiser Simon
Bridge who’s been out helping to organise truck drivers at
the Woolworths DC in Yennora in his spare time and also
campaigning online.
“
FOR 127 YEARS MEMBERS AND
DELEGATES HAVE LED FROM THE
FLOOR AND DETERMINED WHAT THE
TWU FIGHTS FOR; SAFETY, WAGES,
CONDITIONS AND RIGHTS AT WORK.
I’m delighted to welcome Michael and Simon on board
as full time organisers and also our talented new campaign
coordinator Alison Rudman, recently arrived from our national
office. Having these new people on board gives members
more resources than ever to lift standards in the yard and
across our entire industry. Because together, we can win!
If you’d like to get more involved with organising transport
workers in your yard or across the industry, speak to your
TWU organiser or call the Members’ Service Centre on
1800 729 909.
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Michael
TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015 | 3
SECURETHEFUTURE
Richard Olsen • TWU Assistant Secretary
SETTING THE STANDARDS
Richard Olsen with StarTrack delegates at #March4 rally fighting for workers’ rights and Safe Rates.
As we begin a new chapter in our union, it’s the
principals that have guided us since 1888 that will
remain at the heart of everything we do.
O
ur union has always prided itself as being member-led,
with members at the forefront of negotiating fair deals,
organising yards and standing up for rights and respect at
work. It’s our role as a union to organise members across
yards, companies and industries to fight for safe and secure
jobs, with good pay and conditions.
That’s what we’ve been doing for 127 years and this year
is no different.
Over at StarTrack we are fighting to build on the pay,
conditions and safety standards for employee drivers won
over many years of relentless member-led campaigning.
We’ve mobilised StarTrack employee drivers across NSW
and the ACT, we’ve established our state-wide negotiating
committee and I’m confident we’ll secure an agreement that
not only builds on existing conditions, but addresses concerns
around rising casualisation and overtime cuts.
Our industry-wide Safe Rates campaign is building
up a head of steam, with a big focus on the Woolworths
distribution centre in Yennora. Our driver committee has been
established, with eight drivers from companies across the
4 | TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015
Woolworths network fighting on behalf of everyone at the DC.
In the bus industry, we are preparing to negotiate a new
agreement for thousands of drivers across many different
companies. It’s going to be a tough battle but our delegates
and members are active and ready for the challenge ahead.
At the airport and in the waste industry, we’re focused
on secure jobs, with good pay and enough hours to allow
members to support themselves and their families.
“
IT’S OUR ROLE AS A UNION TO
ORGANISE MEMBERS ACROSS YARDS,
COMPANIES AND INDUSTRIES TO FIGHT
FOR SAFE AND SECURE JOBS, WITH
GOOD PAY AND CONDITIONS.
We’ve set ourselves some tough challenges this year, but
we’ve never shied away from a blue. The secret to our success
has always been making sure we stand together and work
together. I look forward to working with each of you over the
coming years as we campaign in every transport yard across
NSW and the ACT.
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Richard
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
TOLLTAKEOVER
STAYING STRONG FOR TOLL JOBS
A $6.5 billion bid made by Japan
Post to take over Toll Holdings
means big changes for Toll, but
not for our hard fought standards
and conditions.
T
here are around 9,000 TWU members
at Toll across Australia and we’ll
be pulling out all the stops to ensure
that jobs are maintained and hard-won
conditions are not stripped away under
foreign ownership.
While Toll management has given
verbal agreements on job security,
formal meetings between management
and workplace representatives will
take place over the coming weeks and
months to cement job security and
discuss the issues important to our
members.
Toll Wagga delegate Don
McPherson said no matter who was
in the manager’s seat, secure jobs and
conditions were not negotiable.
“Toll is the company it is today
because of the hard work of generations
of TWU members. We’ve helped build
it into a company where safety and
profitability go hand in hand. We’re not
going to let our jobs, safety or conditions
get swept away by anyone,” Don said.
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Staying strong: Secure jobs and conditions are not negotiable.
Despite Toll being Aussie owned
and operated since 1888, the foreign
takeover bid was made with strong
endorsement from board members and
major shareholders and is expected to
proceed.
Toll CEO Brian Kruger said this
buyout was an opportunity for the
company to develop further, including
growth and career opportunities for
employees, and our union will be asking
Toll to clarify exactly how this takeover
will affect members. The move will see
Toll management retain their positions
and we expect similar assurances for
the rest of the workforce.
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TWU Assistant Secretary Richard
Olsen said many foreign takeovers of
Australian-grown companies resulted in
the worsening of conditions for workers,
and he wanted to ensure this didn’t
happen at Toll.
“We want to see Toll grow and
continue to create quality jobs for
Aussies workers in Australia. If that
is not what Japan Post and Toll are
planning then they may find the deal
very quickly becomes a difficult and
expensive headache.” Richard said.
To find out more speak to your
yard delegate or call your Members’
Service Centre on 1800 729 909.
TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015 | 5
DRIVEFOR100%
STRONG YARDS,
To launch our new series
profiling some of our strongest
yards, we sat down with
Armaguard Camellia senior
delegate and TWU Vice
President Charles McKay to
find out the secrets to building
and maintaining a strong yard.
How did you get involved in the union?
I joined the TWU on my first day at Armaguard 27 years ago. I
knew that management wouldn’t just give us a fair go at work
and safety on the job, you had to be part of group who stood
together and fought to make sure this happened
What’s the key to a strong union yard?
The keys to our success are simple: a strong delegate
team, active membership and regular communications. At
Armaguard we have worked hard to make sure we have a
team of delegates that are experienced, trained and loyal
to each other. Together we make sure that members are
kept in the loop about what’s happening, because an active
membership is what gives us strength.
Can you give us an example of how this works in
practice?
Sure. Because we are a strong union yard, management has
always shown members respect and meaningfully consulted
on workplace issues. Last year however a new hotshot
manager thought she could ignore this and order us about like
servants. So our delegates arranged for everyone in the yard
to sign a petition to head office in Melbourne. We then held
a yard meeting to discuss the issue. Faced with a united yard
that wasn’t going to be bullied, she had no choice but to back
down!
What about health and safety?
In my 27 years with Armaguard every work stoppage we’ve
had has been about safety. In the cash in transit industry
where we are dealing with guns, safety procedures are
critical. So we have made sure that TWU members are elected
as health and safety reps. This allows union members, who
are motivated by safety not profits, to be in control of health
and safety in the yard.
6 | TWUNEWS SPRING 2014
“
Strength: Armaguard Camellia delegates L to R Fabian Castillo, Noel Bl
WE HAVE THE BEST PAY AND CONDITIONS
IN THE INDUSTRY BECAUSE WE ARE A
STRONG UNION YARD. BECAUSE WE ARE
ALL TWU WE CAN’T BE FORCED TO DO
ANYTHING THAT’S UNSAFE.
CHARLES MCKAY
What do you say to new starters in the yard?
We have union inductions at Armaguard where we can
explain what the union is about and why it’s so important to
join. But I’d have the exact same conversation if we didn’t
have inductions; we have the best pay and conditions in the
industry because we are a strong union yard. Because we are
all TWU we can’t be forced to do anything that’s unsafe, and
when the crap hits the fan you’ve got everyone in your corner.
You are also part of an industry wide committee.
What’s that about?
Armaguard drivers are at the top of the pile when it comes
to wages and conditions. We know that we have to lift the
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DRIVEFOR100%
, STRONG UNION
“
IT IS THE STRENGTH
OF ACTIVE MEMBERS,
TOGETHER WITH WELL
TRAINED AND PASSIONATE
DELEGATES, THAT HAS GOT
US EVERYTHING WE HAVE.
WHEN WE STAND TOGETHER
MANAGEMENT CAN’T ROLL
OVER US, THEY HAVE TO
TREAT US WITH RESPECT.
CHARLES MCKAY
lue, Scott McIntyre, Charles McKay and Sandy Law.
rest of the industry to our standards or risk everything getting
pulled down to the level of the lowest two-bit operator. It’s the
same with safety – armed holdups are a threat to everyone
in the industry. That’s why we have to work together across
companies and through the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to
build a stronger yard?
It is the strength of active members, together with well trained
and passionate delegates, that has got us everything we have.
When we stand together management can’t roll over us, they
have to treat us with respect. So I would say you need to get
as many people as possible to come together. Then make
sure your delegates and health and safety reps are trained
to organise and win on behalf of members. Finally, delegates
need to think creatively, because these days the laws are tilted
in the bosses’ favour.
If you would like to get more involved in
organising your yard speak to your TWU
delegate, official or call 1800 729 909.
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
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TWUNEWS SPRING 2014 | 7
NSWSTATEELECTION
TRANSPORT FRONT AND CE
The NSW State election takes place on March 28 – and TWU
members have been asking politicians exactly where they stand on
our issues
W
hen you’re busy trying to juggle
work, bills and finding a little time
to spend with your family, the last thing
you want to think about is politics.
But politics matters to all of us,
because the politicians we elect
shape our conditions at work and the
communities we live in. You only need
to look at how plans to gut Medicare,
force us to pay $100,000 to send our
kids to university, or take away our
rights at work would impact on our
families.
On March 28, members in NSW
will get the chance to have a say about
the type of government we have in the
state over the next four years. Our votes
are powerful and in the lead up to the
elections, politicians will be promising
the sun, moon and stars to get them.
That’s why we need politicians to make
a public commitment to stand with
transport workers on the issues that
matter to us.
If you would like to know more
about where your candidates stand,
just ask them, or call your TWU
Members’ Service Centre on 1800
729 909 to find out.
8 | TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015
Following consultation with members across
the State we have been asking politicians to
commit to the following:
► Supporting and protecting a system of Safe Rates for all
transport workers, specifically NSW owner driver laws
known as Chapter VI;
► Supporting job security and decent jobs for bus drivers
by making continuity of employment and improved pay
and conditions a legal requirement in any successful bus
tender;
► Fighting for improved safety for bus and taxi drivers by
providing education and training that provides for conflict
resolution, self-defence training and support services to
assist drivers in the aftermath of a traumatic incident; and
► Supporting a charter of guaranteed safety standards,
worker protections and best practice industrial
agreements that all tenderers for government
procurement contracts must adhere to.
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TWUNSW.ORG.AU
NSWSTATEELECTION
ENTRE AT STATE ELECTIONS
“
CAMPBELLTOWN
GREG IS A TWU MEMBER AND A
FORMER DELEGATE. WE NEED GUYS
LIKE HIM IN PARLIAMENT TO FIGHT
OUR CORNER.
Steve Newton from Toll IPEC with candidate Greg Warren.
“
Steve “Skull” Newton, Toll IPEC
MAITLAND & PORT STEPHENS
JENNY AND KATE UNDERSTAND
THE ISSUES FACING TRANSPORT
WORKERS AND ARE READY TO
WORK WITH US.
Mick Forbes, TWU Newcastle Secretary
“
Mick Forbes with Maitland candidate Jenny Aitchison and Port
Stephens candidate Kate Washington.
KEIRA
WE WANT POLITICIANS LIKE RYAN WHO
WILL STAND UP FOR SAFE RATES AND
DELIVER ON THEIR COMMITMENTS TO
TRANSPORT WORKERS.
Candidate Ryan Park with Pat Armstrong from Toll BOC Gases.
“
Pat Armstrong, Toll BOC Gases
WOLLONGONG
NOREEN HAS A TRACK RECORD
OF STANDING UP FOR TRANSPORT
WORKERS AND TRANSPORT FAMILIES
IN THE ILLAWARRA.
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
Jeff Moses, South Coast Equipment
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Jeff Moses from South Coast Equipment with candidate Noreen Hay.
TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015 | 9
AT THEAIRPORT
QANTAS DEAL
E
N
DO
Qantas members have voted 70 – 30 to accept a new enterprise agreement that rolls over existing
conditions, locks in job security and includes two 3% pay rises.
O
ver the last couple of years Qantas has been the scene
of some bitter industrial battles, most notoriously when
management shut down the airline, locked out staff and
stranded 90,000 passengers in October 2011.
Securing a deal worth voting on took a lot of hard work from
our delegate negotiating team and Sydney Secretary Mick Pieri.
International baggage delegate George Oei said that while
the three-year agreement was far from perfect, job security and
conditions were the biggest issues for members, and these had
been secured.
“Because of what we secured in previous agreements,
TWU members can’t be made compulsorily redundant. So
when close to 5000 people were sacked by management last
year, TWU members were protected. Our biggest issue at the
airport was making sure this was maintained and that’s what
we have done,” George said.
The agreement also includes a written undertaking that
members working for Qantas Airways or the airline’s catering
division will not be transferred to a new international arm,
should one be set up during the life of the agreement.
This means employees will continue to perform work for
the international organisation under existing arrangements
with their current employer and will not face compulsory
redundancies.
Other wins include improved superannuation, training
provisions, better access to long service leave and two
national delegates meetings each year.
TWU Secretary Michael Aird said that the negotiating
team fought hard to secure the agreement on the priority
10 | TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015
issues for members.
“It took a lot of hard work from our delegate led team,
who ran a strong campaign while maintaining good faith
bargaining,” he said.
“The team achieved some significant wins around job
security, entitlements and a more consultative approach from
management on workplace issues. We have also secured
two national delegates meetings each year, where the real
workplace leaders of the company can get together from
across the country and campaign for a stronger Qantas.
“No one is happy about the 18 month wage freeze, but since
Qantas is now back in the black with a $300 million half-year
profit, we’ll push the company hard for more permanent full-time
jobs now and improved wage increases in our next claim.
“We’ll now be holding the company to account on every
one of its commitments and won’t stand for any backsliding,”
Michael said.
OUR TWU DELEGATE TEAM
Domestic
Ramp
Don Dixon
Domestic
Bags
Peter Cullen
Qantas
Transport
George Simi
Domestic
Fleet
Soula Meintanis
Aroha Fox
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Q Catering
transport
Joe Whitby
Andrew Jones
Steve Webber
Chris Kokontis
Louis Silva
Q Catering
kitchen
Frank Crescenti
Stan Whippy
Peter Kissas
International
ramp
Jim Mitropoulos
Tom Kabourakis
Steve Holloway
International
baggage
George Oei
Peter Lewis
Jim Pedone
Pushback
Col Rayner
International
Fleet
Kim Bennett
Ann Guirguis
Margaret Mitchell
International
Mail Handling
Unit
Elvis Mircevski
International
Freight
Mark Godinet
George Botros
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
SAFERATES
ORGANISING FOR POWER
Gaining Ground: TWU officials are organising drivers across companies at the Woolworths Yennora DC.
A key focus of our Safe Rates campaign in 2015
will be organising retail distribution centres by
building up powerful driver committees from
across companies running into the DC.
M
embers in the road transport industry know that much of
the power in our industry is in the hands of clients at the
very top of the supply chain.
Downward pressure from clients threatens hard-won
conditions at good companies as they lose contracts to dodgy
operators.
Downward pressure from clients also puts tremendous
pressure on drivers who work for the dodgy operators and are
forced to choose between cutting corners and taking risks, or
losing their jobs and the ability to care for their families.
After decades of campaigning we know that if we want to
make real change and not see decent operators priced out of
the market, we have to take the fight to the top, to our bosses’
bosses, like Coles and Woolies.
Coles has refused to take responsibility for its supply
chain, so we’ll continue to hold it to account in public and at
the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal.
Woolworths on the other hand has been willing to sit
down with drivers to tackle the problems in our industry. As
part of this, a pilot project has been launched at the Yennora
distribution centre to improve safety, and a TWU Woolworths’
driver committee has been established.
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
TWU Secretary Michael Aird said that instead of
organising yard by yard, we’re in it for the long haul by
organising across the entire DC.
“After hearing from drivers at the DC that waiting times
and driver’s facilities are the biggest workplace issues, our
driver committee has come up with four practical solutions
to put to Woolworths. After gathering over 100 pledges of
support from drivers, we are now planning a meeting with
Woolworths to fix their conditions at work.”
“Safe Rates means union safety, union voice and union
pay. That’s what we’re fighting for at Yennora and in every
transport yard in the country,” said Michael.
If your company delivers to the Woolworths Yennora DC,
and you and your workmates want to add your names to the
pledge for better working conditions, speak to your TWU
organisers at the yard today.
On board: Campaign coordinator Alison Rudman with new
organisers Simon Bridge and Michael Collins.
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TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015 | 11
OURHISTORYOURFUTURE
FROM GENERATION TO GENE
As the Federal Government plots to strip away hard won rights like industry superannuation and penalty rates,
we talk to a TWU stalwart and a member of the new generation about why these issues are so important.
A
s a truck driver for Brambles
Transport Group on the south
coast, Reg Wearing spent his days
hauling coal and his evenings
campaigning for a better deal for
working class Aussie families.
Reg spent 45 years in the
transport industry, the first 25 as
a delegate and the last 20 as the
South Coast Sub-branch Secretary
of the TWU NSW.
Reg Wearing
During these years, Reg was a
key player in many of the biggest national issues, including
the fight for industry specific superannuation (TWU Super) and
for penalty rates.
“In the early 80’s, superannuation was only available to a
small number of transport workers. Brambles had a limited super
scheme, but most companies had no scheme at all,” Reg said.
“In 1984, the ACTU wanted to introduce a general all-inone super accord with the State and Federal Governments.
But in NSW, we wanted an industry specific super fund for
transport workers because we knew our industry best and we
knew what was needed to make this fund successful.
“It took a long time but in 1986, after a grass roots
campaign, I moved a resolution that we would pursue an
industry specific super base for all transport workers. We
received wide standing support and our model became the
“super policy” within TWU’s federal union.”
In 1986 the NSW Industrial Commission set an award
that covered the super entitlements and benefits for all NSW
transport workers.
Reg was also passionate about job security for transport
workers and he played a key role in the successful campaign
against the construction of the Maldon Dombarton Rail Line,
which would have cost 800 truckies their jobs.
“This was a marvellous win for the union, we managed to
get the project halted 14 kilometres into construction, and to
this day, that project is still halted,” Reg said.
But the battle that Reg fought day in and day out
surrounded penalty rates and shift allowances.
He said it was not a big ask for transport workers to be
fairly compensated for the hard work they attended to each
day.
“As a lifelong member of the TWU, I’ve campaigned on
a number of important issues, but one of the most important
was securing penalty rates and shift allowances for transport
workers,” he said.
“We’re expected to work unsociable hours, spend long
periods of time away from our families and do tasks above
Fighting for RIGHTS@WORK during the WorkChoices era.
Reg joined (then) Assistant Secretary Tony Sheldon, (then) North Coast
Sub Branch Secretary Alastair Lyall and (then) TWU Secretary Steve
Hutchins at a blockade in Western Australia.
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OURHISTORYOURFUTURE
ERATION: THE FIGHT GOES ON
I RELY ON PENALTY RATES TO SUPPORT MY
FAMILY, SO IF THEY UNDERMINE THEM IT’S
GOING TO BE EVEN HARDER TO MAKE ENDS
MEET. IT’S UP TO THE YOUNG BLOOD OF THE
TWU TO STOP THIS FROM HAPPENING.
JIMMY GRACE
Our time: Jimmy Grace says it’s the new generation’s turn to
fight to for our rights.
and beyond the call of duty, so to be paid a fair wage that
reflects the work we do is good thing and it is something that I
know transport workers will fight for in the years to come.”
While we celebrate the commitment made by Reg and
many others to securing these rights, they are once again
under attack and it’s the turn of the next generation to stand
up and fight for them.
The Federal Government recently announced a full scale
inquiry into our rights at work. In the review, to be conducted
by the Productivity Commission, everything is on the table
- penalty rates, unfair dismissal rights, the minimum wage,
collective bargaining and our working conditions.
It’s clear the government is completely out of touch with
how things work in our industry. Just because it’s a weekend,
it doesn’t mean that trucks stop, planes stop flying, or buses
don’t run. Further to this, distribution centres don’t close,
cash machines don’t shut down and rubbish still needs to be
collected.
Jimmy Grace from Swire Cold Storage said that TWU
members work every hour of every day to keep the country and
the economy moving and penalty rates were vital to paying
the bills.
“The Federal Government and its big business mates have
made their intentions clear – to roll back our super, penalty
rates and minimum wages. I rely on penalty rates to support
my family, so if they undermine them it’s going to be even
harder to make ends meet. It’s up to the young blood of the
TWU to stop this from happening.”
If you want more information about what’s at stake
and how to get more involved, speak to your TWU official
or call your Members’ Service Centre on 1800 729 909.
BRIAN’S CORNER
It’s 2015 and we are well into our
campaigns for the year.
R
ight now, our key campaign is lending our
support to winning the state election and
getting NSW back into good hands and far away
from the madness of privatising our assets and
Americanisation of our heath care system.
We’ve been door knocking, we’ve handed out
flyers and we marched alongside our comrades
at the nationwide protest to ‘Fight for our Rights’
and show people what the Federal Government’s
Productivity Commission inquiry really is, a sham to strip
Aussie workers of their hard-won rights and conditions.
We are committed to taking the fight right up to Abbott’s
doorstep regarding penalty rates, wages and working
conditions, in the Transport Industry. We’ll be supporting our
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
new state secretary Michael Aird and our members whenever
we’re needed. If you see us out and about, don’t forget to say hi. We’ll be
seeing you all on the campaign trail.
Yours in Solidarity,
The TWU Veterans
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TWUNEWS SPRING 2014 | 13
MEMBERS’ACTION
ON TRACK AT STARTRACK
Standing together: Our StarTrack negotiating team won’t rest until a fair deal is secured.
Strong TWU agreements at StarTrack have
delivered for our members over many years and the
aim for 2015 is to build on existing conditions and
achieve even more, according to TWU Secretary
Michael Aird.
M
any years of relentless campaigning at StarTrack by
TWU members, delegates and organisers has secured
some of the very best wages, conditions and safety standards
in the transport industry.
“The strength of our union in StarTrack yards means that
we don’t have to beg for a fair go or respect from the boss;
we’re given it as a right,” Michael said.
StarTrack members and delegates will be using all of
this strength as negotiations heat up for a new enterprise
agreement covering employee drivers in NSW and the ACT.
Head delegate for StarTrack Minchinbury, Jasen Benson,
said the delegates and members were up for the challenge.
“Managers have never given us a fair deal out of the
goodness of their hearts. We’ve had to earn it through tough
negotiations and standing together, and that’s exactly what
we’re doing now,” he said.
The merger with Australia Post means that it won’t be an
easy task for our member-led negotiating team to secure a
deal that provides real wage and superannuation increases,
and builds on existing conditions, job security clauses and
safety standards.
But Jasen said he was confident that members would
secure another strong deal and highlighted the successful
14 | TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015
MANAGERS HAVE
NEVER GIVEN US A
FAIR DEAL OUT OF
THE GOODNESS OF
THEIR HEARTS. WE’VE
HAD TO EARN IT
THROUGH TOUGH NEGOTIATIONS
AND STANDING TOGETHER.
STARTRACK MINCHINBURY HEAD DELEGATE JASEN BENSON
deal struck for subbies at the end of last year as proof of what
TWU members can win.
“We brought existing and future subbies in under the one
agreement in a deal that allows them control of their own
business and ensures all costs are covered,” Jasen said.
“We’re the heart and soul of this company and now of the
entire Aussie Post network. Our delegate team is determined
to secure a top class deal.”
Negotiations for employee drivers are now under
way. For campaign updates speak to your delegate or
visit: www.twunsw.org.au/StarTrack
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TWUNSW.ORG.AU
GIVINGBACK
DRIVERS DIG DEEP
FOR KIDS’ CHARITY
Gift of love: Hanson Quarry drivers and motor mechanics give back for charity.
Hanson Quarry drivers and motor mechanics at Kulnura, Brandy Hill and Doyalson generously donated
their Christmas bonus cheques to the Bear Cottage - a respite service that cares for dying children.
E
ach driver and motor
mechanic received a $50
bonus cheque and decided
the best way to spread some
Christmas cheer into the new
year was to give back to the
community.
A total of $4500 was
raised for the Manly based
service that provides comfort
to sick children and support
to families during those last
precious moments together.
Kulnura driver, Graham
Gudgeon, who selected the
charity said the Bear Cottage
was a place close to his heart
and he had seen firsthand the
wonderful work they do.
His grandson, who
suffered through a rare blood
disease, spent his last few
days there surrounded by
loving family and with the
support of Bear Cottage
nurses and staff.
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
I CAN’T PRAISE
THE NURSES
AND THE STAFF
THERE ENOUGH.
KULNURA DRIVER GRAHAM GUDGEON
He was only 4 when he
passed away.
“I can’t praise the nurses
and the staff there enough,”
he said.
“The support they gave
to my daughter and our
whole family was wonderful
and the way they cared for
my beloved grandson was
immeasurable.
“Unlike a hospital, the
parents aren’t just booted
off once their child passes,
they are given some days
to grieve and cope with
that tremendous loss in a
supportive environment.
“At that time there is
nothing more important than
feeling close to your child.”
Bear Cottage relies
heavily on community
funding. The service has
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been around for 14 years and
last year secured a small
government grant to cover
minor services.
Mr Gudgeon said this
donation wasn’t about him
though, his aim was to raise
awareness about the service
and encourage others to give
back.
Find out more at: www.
bearcottage.chw.edu.au
TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015 | 15
2
Make it harder to fight unfair
dismissal cases, maintain
existing benefits and win pay
increases and entitlements.
$160
PER WEEK
Union members in the
transport industry earn
on average, $160 more
per week than nonunion members – that’s
$8,320 per year!
BUT DID YOU KNOW?
1
Empower employers and big
business to strip the rights of
workers.
3
Eliminate collective
bargaining and introduce
individual contracts.
THE ABBOTT GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING MASS INDUSTRIAL REFORMS FAR WORSE
THAN THOSE INTRODUCED UNDER THE HOWARD GOVERNMENT. THESE REFORMS WILL:
BEING UNION NEVER
MATTERED MORE
“

Unionised workplaces
are safer because
people aren’t scared
to speak up on safety
issues.

IN ME
UP IN YO
UR
YARD
The TWU has a dedicated
and experienced legal team
to provide you with legal
advice and assistance if you
are unduly fired.
P
Authorised by Michael Aird, Transport Workers’ Union of NSW, 31 Cowper St Parramatta NSW 2150
www.twunsw.org.au
Join. For a better life.
For more information speak to your delegate or call 1800 729 909.

By being a member of the
union you are helping to protect
the rates and conditions at your
work and to lift standards and
rates across the industry.
”
– Pat Armstrong, TWU delegate (Toll)
I’m union, because no matter what you’re
doing, it makes sense to work together –
because together we’re strong.
WHAT DO YOU GET IF YOU’RE A MEMBER?
You have your union
and our legal team
backing you every
step of the way.
An active union in your
workplace provides
improved safety, job
security and entitlements.
MEMBERCAMPAIGNS
ORICA GETS EXPLOSIVE!
Light the fuse: Members at Orica Explosives wont shy away from a fight.
Mines across the Hunter Valley fell silent in
December when members at Orica Explosives took
their first round of industrial action in search of a
fair go.
IT’S TIME THE COMPANY SAW
SENSE AND WORKED WITH US
INSTEAD OF AGAINST US TO
REACH A FAIR AGREEMENT THAT
WORKS FOR EVERYONE.
O
rica is one of the largest providers of commercial
explosives and blasting systems in the world, with profits
exceeding $600 million in the last financial year, but it can’t
seem to find the money to properly reward its Hunter Valley
workers for the work they do.
For more than a year, our member-led team from across
the Hunter have been negotiating for a new agreement that
recognises members’ hard work and allows them to provide
for their families, but the company has remained unwilling to
budge on key issues.
This left our members with no option but to take industrial
action and a four hour stoppage just before Christmas shut
down half the mines in the Hunter Valley and left the company
red-faced.
Head delegate Scott Leighton said he and his workmates
were simply seeking a safe and fair agreement, but
management had refused to listen.
“Our requests are not unreasonable,” Scott said. “We’re
not asking for the world; we just want an agreement that
protects our jobs, allows us to put food on the family table and
ORICA DELEGATE SCOTT LEIGHTON
to come home safely each night.
“It’s time the company saw sense and worked with us
instead of against us to reach a fair agreement that works for
everyone,” Scott said.
TWU Secretary Michael Aird said without TWU members
on the job, the mines were effectively shut down.
“Members are employed as truck drivers, delivering
explosives to mine sites, and also as shot firers who detonate
the explosives. Without them on the job, there is no blasting
and nothing to mine,” Michael said.
“Taking industrial action is necessary to get Orica to treat
us fairly and unless the company starts to play fairly, this first
round may not be the last,” Michael said.
Keep up to date with the campaign at www.twunsw.
org.au/orica
WHEN: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday 4 May - Wednesday 6 May 2015
WHERE: Unions NSW
Trades Hall, 4-10 Goulburn Street, Sydney
18 | TWUNEWS SPRING 2014
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TWUNSW.ORG.AU
TWUTRAINING
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
@ TWU TRAINING
The past couple of years have seen some great
results with TWU training.
In 2014 alone, more than 450 members undertook TWU
delegate or WorkCover approved HSR training.
We have seen some great wins from our delegates
and HSRs on the ground as a direct result of engaging
and participating in TWU training.
In 2015, the TWU will deliver HSR 5 day training,
HSR 1 day refresher courses, and delegate training for
both new and experienced delegates.
All courses run by the TWU are intended to assist
delegates and HSRs to understand their roles and
functions, and aims to provide the knowledge and
necessary skills for delegates and HSRs to fulfil their
roles, as active involvement in the TWU can influence
better outcomes for all members in the workplace.
For further info, you can contact your TWU
Official, or Rebecca Hopkins @ TWU Training
Support on: (02) 9912 0700.
Training is power: More than 30 airport members trained as HSRs
last December.
WORLD-CLASS TRAINING
Over the years I’ve participated in many training courses facilitated by
everyone from work colleagues through to university professors. No one
however, has provided the same mental stimulation and interaction as my
five day HSR training at the T WU last December.
The HSR training could not have been such a success if it had not been
for the exceptional teaching skills of the T WU trainer, Marija. From day
one she built a rapport with each and every member of her class.
Congratulations to the T WU for not only designing and implementing
such a concise, informative and easy to follow course, but also for
engaging a professional of Marija’s calibre to deliver it.
Keep up the fight,
Col Rayner
Col Rayner during
his TWU
HSR training last De
cember.
Qantas Pushback
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
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TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015 | 19
BETTERBUSES
ON BOARD THE BETTER
BUSES CAMPAIGN!
The challenges to maintaining an industry-wide bus agreement have never been greater, but we’re united
across our yards and ready for the campaign ahead.
On board: TWU bus delos are ready!
T
he NSW bus industry agreement expires in June and our
goal is to ensure the same standards are maintained across
the entire industry. Members at depots right across the state
have been surveyed about what they want our delegate-led
negotiating team to fight for when negotiations kickoff at the
end of March.
The biggest issue across the state remains the competitive
tendering system introduced by the Liberal State Government
in 2011, which puts undue pressure on drivers while failing to
deliver better services for the community.
ComfortDelGro Cabcharge delegate Dave Pola recently
addressed an ACTU rally of more than 10,000 to discuss the
pressures on bus drivers.
He said bus drivers shouldn’t be forced to drive unsafely
and compromise the wellbeing of everyone on board just to
keep to a timetable.
“It’s us drivers that are copping the abuse from frustrated
passengers about something that is beyond our control,” he
said. “We’ve had enough and we won’t take it anymore.”
In the western Sydney suburb of Penrith, our members have
been in dispute with Busways over their unrealistic running
times.
20 | TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015
We are currently awaiting a Fair Work Australia decision
into the matter but the company has admitted major issues
with running late.
The government has also refused to allow the company
to make changes to their timetables until the second term of
school; after the state election.
Our members will keep fighting for safe and realistic
timetables from the operators and the government. There is
no doubt that it’s going to be a tough battle ahead, but we’re
ready to campaign hard and do what’s necessary to secure an
agreement that works for members!
I’M ON BOARD
If you know of a workmate that isn’t a
member, invite them to get on board by
joining up today!
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TWUNSW.ORG.AU
OWNERDRIVERS
SUBBIES HAVE THE LAST LAUGH
Wettenhalls Winners: L to R Ray Godyer, Colin Walls, TWU organiser Grahame Hastings, Dalton Wineera, Theo Kalotoures
and TWU lawyer Toby Warnes.
Five TWU owner drivers have tens of thousands
of reasons to smile after the TWU legal team won
them each a big payout following their unfair
dismissal by Wettenhalls.
THIS ISN’T THE FIRST BLUE I’VE
HAD WITH AN EMPLOYER AND
IT MAY NOT BE THE LAST, SO
I’M GLAD THAT BEING PART OF
THE TWU MEANS SOMEONE
ALWAYS HAS YOUR BACK.
D
espite a contractual agreement binding them to
ongoing work, all five drivers were abruptly sacked last
October, without severance pay, redundancy entitlements or
acknowledgement of their 17 plus years of dedicated service.
Delegate and father of five, Dalton Wineera, said he and
the other drivers were heart-broken to be left high and dry just
weeks before Christmas.
“Not only did getting laid off come as a shock to all of us, they
put us out of work right before the holiday season – which is the
hardest time to find brick-carting work,” Dalton said.
Head delegate Colin Walls said brick-carters performed a
specialist role that required specialist training and equipment.
“The bosses didn’t play fair so, using the legal and
industrial support of our union, we took them on and we won,”
Colin said.
“Not just anyone can do our job, we cart, we load and we
unload and all the responsibility is on us.
“The equipment is different from a general carrier and we
are required to carefully manoeuvre a forklift in addition to
our carting duties to ensure the materials are not damaged on
arrival,” Colin said.
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
COLIN WALLS
All financial TWU members have access to an expert and
professional team of in-house legal officers. The out of court
settlement secured provided the drivers with financial security
while they sought new employment.
Colin said the preparation that went into presenting such
a strong case gave the drivers an out of court settlement that
was beyond what they expected.
“Our union fought damn hard for us. This isn’t the first blue
I’ve had with an employer and it may not be the last, so I’m
glad that being part of the TWU means someone always has
your back,” Colin said.
If you have a legal or industrial issue, speak to your
delegate or contact your Members’ Service Centre on
1800 729 909.
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TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015 | 21
LIFEOUTSIDETHEUNION
GO KART KING
TWU veteran of 35 years, Graeme Barwick, has just returned from a monumental vintage go kart race in
California where he won first place.
V
intage go kart racing
has been a passion of
Graeme’s since he was a
young boy and if he’s not
working on the Qantas ramp
at Sydney airport, he’s burning
rubber as one of Australia’s
top vintage go kart racers. He
tells TWU News his story:
“I’ve been a proud member
of the TWU for 35 years. I first
joined in 1979 when I worked
in the armoured car industry
and continued on after I
moved to Qantas in 1986.
I’ve always been
interested in motorsports,
spending many of my younger
years at go kart tracks around
Sydney. It wasn’t until the
Vintage and Historic Kart
Society was formed in Sydney
Graeme Barwick burns rubber at the 2015 Adams Kart Track competition in California.
in 2004 that my love affair
I WAS A LATE STARTER TO
with racing really took off.
VINTAGE GO KARTING, BUT
I was already 52-years-old
by the time I got my hands on
I’VE BURNED UP MORE THAN
one of the original karts that I
ENOUGH RUBBER SINCE 2010
watched race the tracks with
TO MAKE UP FOR IT.
envy in the early 60’s.
GRAEME BARWICK
During a visit to Los
Angeles, I met Faye Pierson,
to build me a
Although my adventure
the owner of the oldest go
Maico engine,
has been short and sweet, this
kart manufacturer in the
and what a
has been a lifelong passion of
world - Bug Karts.
masterpiece it
mine that I hope will continue
was.
She invited me to race
for years to come”.
at the Adams Kart Track
That year
If you have a passion or
in California and that was
I tied with
hobby that you would like
In 2013, Peter Ward, the
the start of this incredible
four-time world motorcycle
to share with other TWU
12
time
Australian champion
journey for me. I finished 3rd
champion Eddie Lawson. This members, send your story
and one of the all-time
in my first ever competitive
year I took out the first place and some pics via email to
greats of our sport agreed
race in 2010.
title.
info@twunsw.org.au.
22 | TWUNEWS SPRING 2014
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GATEGOURMET
UNITING UNDER
ONE AGREEMENT
Gate Gourmet
head delegate
John Brennan
tells us about
the challenges
of uniting
workers on
two separate
agreements
into one.
“Since the merger of Riverside (formerly
Qantas Catering) with King Street (Gate
Gourmet) two years ago, we’ve turned
this place into a strong united TWU yard,
Cooking up a storm: Members hold yard meetings as the campaign gets under way.
with membership now topping 80%.
Negotiations for our new enterprise
agreement (EA) have kicked off and it’s clear the biggest challenge will be uniting all members
from our two sites under the one agreement.
As it stands, there are a number of inconsistencies with job titles, pay rates, sick leave and
redundancy between the two agreements. We’ve pulled apart the agreements and extracted
O Paid meal breaks
the best conditions of the two to form our log of claims.
for everyone
The big issues we’re fighting for are the right for equal pay for equal work for all members,
paid meal breaks, monthly RDO’s, access to sick leave without restrictions and capped
O Keeping RDOs
redundancies.
and bringing King
Members doing the same job, in the same yard should have the same pay and conditions.
Street onto RDOs
At the moment, King Street locks out five (5) sick days as hardship leave which cannot be used
O Equal pay for
until all sick leave is taken, but members at Riverside determine how their sick leave is used.
equal work
Riverside members still have monthly rostered days off whereas King Street members lost
their RDO entitlements in previous negotiations.
O Allow access to
Lastly, if and when a worker is stood down pending an investigation, they should not be
sick leave without
disadvantaged and we will fight for them to continue to be paid as per the roster.
restrictionfor King
We’ve got a long and tough battle ahead, management have never caved in and often don’t
Street members.
like to play fair, but we’re ready to take them on to win a just agreement.
It’s one thing to be a member, but another to believe you have a voice that will be heard
and be cause for change.”
Fight the power,
John
OUR LOG
OF CLAIMS
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
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TWUNEWS SPRING 2014 | 23
SYDNEY
Mick Pieri • Sub-branch Secretary
COURIERS FIGHT LOADING ZONE LUNACY
TWU delegates Tony McNulty, Garry Russell and Dave Lenoir
are fighting hard to maintain access to loading zones in the
Sydney CBD, after the State Government announced a cycleway
would be constructed on busy Castlereagh Street.
T
he trio are part of a TWU team of delivery drivers from across the
industry that have joined a campaign for a state government solution to
the hindering of access to key drop off points.
At a meeting with state officials and stakeholders last month, the
delegation raised the issue of where delivery drivers would park once the
cycleway was built on existing loading zones.
Tony said the uncertainty surrounding the replacement of loading zones
was not just unsafe for drivers but also bad for city businesses.
“Drivers that can’t park end up stressed and rushing and that’s a recipe
for disaster in the crowded Sydney CBD,” he said.
“Delays cost businesses money and small business operators in the city
are already struggling.”
Garry, who was also a key speaker on behalf of courier drivers, said the
problem was quickly going from bad to worse.
“The government and the council are talking the talk about fixing the
problem for delivery drivers and city businesses but their actions are just
leaving us in a worse position,” he said.
Dave Lenoir from Toll Priority has led the fight against the loss of city
loading zones right from the beginning.
He said it was important for all concerned bodies to consult with driver
representatives to achieve the best possible service result.
“It is vital that council and government realise the importance of
loading zones and understand that they are a vital part in providing an
efficient overnight service to CBD businesses.”
TWU members Garry Russell and Tony
McNulty met with government officials to
get relief for Sydney delivery drivers.
IT IS VITAL THAT COUNCIL
AND GOVERNMENT REALISE
THE IMPORTANCE OF
LOADING ZONES.
DAVE LENOIR
Any delivery drivers experiencing difficulty in
finding available loading zones in Sydney City are
encouraged to join our fight to achieve a better
outcome for all.
If you struggle to find available loading
zones in Sydney City or want to get involved
in the campaign, contact our Members’
Service Centre on 1800 729 909.
IN FLIGHT
The airports have kept us busy with a
number of agreements being finalised and
several others now up for negotiation.
A
fter many months of negotiations, we recently
finalised our Qantas EA and won job security
and maintained conditions.
But we’re not done with Qantas yet. Now we’re onto Qantas
Catering and we plan to get these guys a great deal as well.
We also have negotiations at Jetstar and at Toll Dnata.
Toll Dnata members are sick of the lies and the next step is
to vote on a protected action ballot and potentially take some
industrial action.
Negotiating at the airports has never been easy but we’ve
hit the ground running and we’re ready to tackle any problems
from the front on.
If you have an issue or want to get involved contact your Sub-branch on: 9912 0700 or email info@twunsw.org.au
24 | TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015
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SOUTH COAST&SOUTHERN
Nick McIntosh • Sub-branch Secretary
BIG WIN AT REMONDIS
After six months of
negotiations, our guys
at Remondis have won
a brand new TWU
agreement that builds
on the conditions of
earlier agreements.
A
t the start the company
was unwilling to offer
much more than a one to
two per cent pay increase
each year. Our guys stood
together however and let the
company know that this was
unacceptable and that their
wages had to keep up with
the cost of living. Members
were also determined to lock
in job security commitments
around casual conversion and
Big Tick: Members at Remondis have signed off on a great new agreement won over 6 months of negotiations.
outside hire into the agreement.
Negotiations were tough
but a top class result is now
in the bag. Well done to all
the members at Remondis,
especially head delegate Phil
Jennings and co-delegate
Jason Boersma.
You fought the good fight,
stood your ground and you won.
SAFETY FIRST AT PREMIER ILLAWARRA
Premier Illawarra bus drivers have scored a major safety
win by standing together as part of the TWU and demanding
change.
HERE’S WHAT THE AGREEMENT
CONTAINS:
► 3 per cent a year wage increase over
4 years
► A sign on bonus
► An increase in the half-yearly safety
bonus
► Job security clauses for the first time
► Outside hire and divisional transfer
criteria
► Guaranteed TWU yard meetings
BAULKTRANS MEMBER ON THE MEND
D
rivers have long complained about unsafe speed humps and a
dangerous blind corner at Stocklands in Shellharbour, which posed a
serious safety concern for drivers and passengers.
Standing together, drivers demanded that something be done. When
they indicated that they were prepared to exercise their WHS rights
and not conduct work that put the health, safety and wellbeing of the
community or themselves at risk, management buckled.
They were left with no choice but to meet with Stocklands to resolve
these issues.
Initial improvements have been made to mitigate the safety risk. Over
the coming weeks, we’ll be listening to drivers to ensure they are satisfied
that their safety and their passengers’ safety is no longer at risk.
Remember, whether you’re a bus driver, a garbo or a truckie, you can’t
be made to work if you believe there is an immediate or imminent danger
to your health, safety or wellbeing. For more info speak to your Health and
Safety Representative, your delegate or your organiser.
Bulktrans Delegate Garry Avnell and South
Coast Secretary Nick McIntosh went to visit
member Laurie Arnold following a recent
workplace accident. Our thoughts are with you
Laurie and everyone at Bulktrans is looking
forward to having you back at work soon!
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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TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015 | 25
NEWCASTLE&NORTHERN
Mick Forbes • Sub-branch Secretary
ON THE WATERFRONT
New deal: Mick Forbes with PWCS delegates who fought hard to secure a new agreement.
Everyone should be proud of the united campaign
we ran at Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS) to
force one of the giants of the coal industry to play
fairly.
PWCS MEMBERS CAN
FINALLY LOOK FORWARD TO
SOME STABILITY, AT LEAST
UNTIL THE NEXT ROUND OF
NEGOTIATIONS IN 2017.
A
fter more than three years of bitter confrontation,
members at PWCS have finally secured a new agreement
that delivers job certainty and regular wage increases to
families across Newcastle and the Hunter.
Reaching an agreement that met the needs of all PWCS
workers was an enormous task. We were only successful
because everyone stood together against the Rio Tinto backed
campaign to downgrade long standing rights and conditions.
Workers at the PWCS terminals in Carrington and
Kooragang are members of five separate unions - the TWU,
MUA, AMWU, ETU and the AWU, and our solidary was the
key to winning a fair go.
The company initially sought major changes to existing
conditions, including removing access to the Fair Work
disputes tribunal and downgrading workers ability to have a
say on workplace changes or safety concerns.
But we stood firm, fought hard and ran a determined
campaign to get a fair deal.
Over the course of negotiations, members from the five
unions on site took hundreds of hours of industrial action.
26 | TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015
MICK FORBES
Almost everyone who works at PWCS spent time on the
grass on strike and time at home worrying about their futures.
But through maintaining a unified front we were finally
able to secure an agreement that provides the job security
and wage increases that matter to members.
PWCS members can finally look forward to some stability,
at least until the next round of negotiations in 2017.
Well done to everyone involved, especially TWU delegates
Les Fetch, Luke Logan, Phil Spence, Wayne Webb and Wayne
Jolly.
If you have an issue or want to get involved contact
your Sub-branch on: 4969 3900 or newcastle@
twunsw.org.au
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ACT
Klaus Pinkas • Sub-branch Secretary
GREEN LIGHT ON NEW DEALS!
The ACT is heating up for some tough fights in 2015.
Here’s what we’ve achieved so far.
BORAL CONCRETE
B
oral delegates in country NSW and the ACT have agreed in
principal to accept a new enterprise agreement.
While there are some technical losses in the new
agreement - mandated by the new Abbott Government
building and construction code - the company has agreed to
honour all commitments from the previous agreement.
The code prohibits companies from tendering on
Commonwealth jobs if they have clauses in their EBAs such as
delegates rights.
“
THE COMPANY HAS
AGREED TO HONOUR ALL
COMMITMENTS FROM THE
PREVIOUS AGREEMENT.
ACT AMBOS
A
fter months of relentless negotiations, the new ACT
Ambulance Service agreement has secured the
overwhelming support of members.
The deal represents a tremendous victory, especially when
compared to other jurisdictions where we have seen the
entitlements and conditions of ambulance service workers
ripped from agreements.
Our ambo delegates have managed once again to secure
the best result for any ambulance worker across Australia.
Covering a four year term, the EA includes an undertaking
to employ a TWU Project Officer to identify weakness and
deficiencies in ACT Ambulance Service processes and
procedures.
Congratulations to our delegate negotiating team and all of
our members who worked hard to get this across the line.
HERE’S WHAT THEY’VE SECURED:
KLAUS PINKAS
But Boral has given a number of commitments to ensure
members can meet and discuss work issues during work time
and facilitate delegates training.
This agreement is for a three year period with a backdated
three per cent (3%) increase per year and enhanced meal
allowance provisions.
Thanks must go to all the delegates, especially Jason Low
who represented the Canberra yards.
► 4 year agreement with backpay no trade-offs
► Wage increase of $2090 in the first year ► 3% wage increase per annum for remaining years
ACTION BUSES
A
s we go to print, the ACTION Bus appeal into the recent
Fair Work Commission decision to give drivers the right
to have a say in the number of split shifts available is due for
hearing.
While we are fighting hard on this one it’s been an uphill
battle and it’s expected that this condition will remain in
place.
On a separate issue, the Treasury review into ACTION
is about to be completed. We await the outcome of this
review and more importantly, what the government plans to
do with it.
ACTION bus members with Klaus Pinkas at the
March 4 our rights rally at Parliament House.
If you have an issue or want to get involved contact your Sub-branch on: 6280 9353 or email info@act.twu.com.au
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28 | TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015
3/03/2015 6:22 pm
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NATIONALNEWS
National Secretary Tony Sheldon
THE GLOVES ARE OFF
AND WE’RE READY!
Ever since a review of
laws and rules affecting
workers was announced
back in January, we
have been busy putting
together a submission
for the Productivity
Commission due in
March.
A
fter hearings on the topic,
a final report will be
finished in November.
This review is of vital
importance for every worker
in Australia as it has the
potential to affect how we
live our lives.
Much focus has been
put on possible lowering
of the minimum wage and
abolishing extra pay workers
get for being away from their
families on Sundays and
public holidays.
But it will go further
than that. It could alter
how workers collectively
bargain for decent wages and
conditions, what protections
they have against unfair
dismissal and how trade
unions access their members.
This in turn will make it
more difficult for employees
to get independent
information from unions
affecting their voice at work.
These issues strike at the
heart of achieving quality jobs
TWUNSW.ORG.AU
and economic freedom for the
community and individuals.
They will determine
whether working families
can raise their children in a
dignified way rather than an
environment where wages
and conditions are rock
bottom, casualisation is
the norm and where there
is constant pressure on the
family budget.
We all know part-time
and casual jobs can’t pay for
full time bills.
The main focus of our
submission is on how these
changes would affect our
members, so we want to hear
“
WE ALL KNOW PART-TIME AND
CASUAL JOBS CAN’T PAY FOR
FULL TIME BILLS.
from you.
Let us know how you
would be affected and what
it would mean for your work,
your colleagues and your
family.
This process can be a
positive one for us.
It is galvanising workers
to come together and say
no to stripping away the
rights that their parents and
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Tony Sheldon
grandparents fought long and
hard for.
It is pushing us to demand
better conditions and not
just defend what we have
already.
It is focusing our minds
on our children because we
are ready to fight to ensure
we do not leave them with a
harsher, poorer and less fair
Australia.
TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015 | 29
YOURSAY
You said it on Facebook:
Jim Beisty
Our modern generations just do not get it,
without the noble work of the past and present
workers and their unions the life they have now
would degrade quickly.
David Victory
Graeme Brown
Darren Bateman
Without unions we are all up a creek without a
paddle.
A good positive message is best for recruiting.
A union man for ever.
Glen Stutsel
Closely followed by “trust me, we’re
here for you”
Jeff Scales
And just a friendly chat
Find out what’s happening
around the yards, check
out great photos and join
the conversation with other
members @ facebook.com/
TWUNSW
30 | TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015
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Address:____________________________ ___________________________________ Send entries to Kids Corner
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Rooty Hill, NSW
Anthony, aged 8
Palmerston ACT
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Congratulations to these great winners from our last edition!
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TWUNEWS AUTUMN 2015 | 31
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