News
TWU
The Official
Th
i l JJournall off the
th Trans
T
portt Workers’
W k ’ Un
U iion NSW B
Branch
h • Issue
I
61 • Winter
Wi
2010
SAFE RATES
CONVOY TO CANBERRA
‹ Groundbreaking FedEx
agreement
‹ Sacked Qantas workers
win reinstatement and
permanent positions —
now we move to OH&S
‹ Protected action produces
Brinks breakthrough
‹ Introducing our Members’
Service Centre
‹ Remembering Garry
Allibon and Ray Turner
CONTENTS
President’s Preach
2
Convoy success brings
Safe Rates closer
3
Something’s off in the milk industry 4
City of Sydney delivers
driver-friendly initiatives
4
The year in review
5
FedEx ain’t a match for us
6
ACTION Buses EBA update
6
Council tenders rip us off
7
In memory of Garry Allibon
8
Paid waiting time a reality
9
Brinks pays up!
11
Qantas members slam
OH&S fiasco
12-13
Clever campaign at Toll IPEC
14
Safe Rates convoy liftout
15-18
Give us a call
19
Take part in our change-over survey 20
Czech out the livery on these!
20
Qantas yields on sex
discrimination row
21
In memoriam: Ray Turner
21
ACT Sub-branch News
23
TWU national update
24-25
Workers’ Memorial Day
26
Newcastle & Northern
Sub-branch News
27
TWU Members Plus specials
28
South Coast & Southern
Sub-branch News
29
Close co-operation with our
Japanese friends
30
Kids’ Corner
31
Delegates’ Conference 2010
32
CONTACTS
Editorial: Tanie Sansey
0405 625 208 • 02 9912 0703
tanie.sansey@nsw.twu.com.au
Advertising: Dudley Wellard
0428 407 159 • 02 9912 0711
dudley.wellard@nsw.twu.com.au
31 Cowper St
Parramatta 2150
Print Post Approved PP 241 613 0059
2 • TWU News Winter 2010
PRESIDENT’SPREACH
from George Clarke • TWU President
WAYNE’SWORD
from Wayne Forno • TWU Secretary
Our Convoy to Canberra was the biggest I’ve ever seen
I
t was my proudest moment in 44 years
with the TWU.
When we fight for our rights,
people stand up and take notice
Assembling at Eagle Hawk Hill before we
took the drive into Canberra, the line of
trucks went as far as you could see into
the horizon.
I said as we sat there, and I’m saying
again now, this time we brought over 500
trucks — and that’s a lot of trucks – but
if you don’t listen to what we have to say,
we have over 36,000 members in NSW
alone — and next time we’ll bring more
trucks. And we’ll keep coming back.
We fought for our rights at work in
2007 but now we are fighting for them
again.
Which brings me to this year’s
upcoming election and Tony Abbott.
You can’t trust him. As Tony Abbott said
recently, he doesn’t even trust himself!
You can trust him on one thing though
— he will bring back WorkChoices. He’s
said he will, he’ll just call it something
else. He actually believes that ending
AWAs was a great leap backwards. He
makes excuses for bad bosses, saying
they are “a little bit like a bad father or
husband”. What a load of drivel. He says
workers under pressure who are being
treated unfairly should just get another
job, rather than, “going off to some judge
or industrial commission that won’t order
your employer, who you don’t like and he
doesn’t like you, to keep you.”
We’ll see about that.
He is so cocky and arrogant he says,
“WorkChoices did not cost the Howard
Government the election.” Well we know
it did. And we know who won it. Us, the
unions.
Our EBAs are up for negotiation
soon. Do you want your next EBA
negotiated under Tony Abbott?
Tony Abbott’s all for “flexibility”. For
us that’s a fancy way of saying we’ll have
the flexibility to do whatever the boss or
the client wants. Drive 24 hours straight,
work the same hours for less, beg and
scrape for work with auctions in which
the lowest bidder wins. Flexibility to
skimp on maintenance for your truck
just to get a contract that makes you less
than $10 per hour. We say no.
We say clients have enough “flexibility”
already — until we get Safe Rates.
And we are on the way to winning
the fight for Safe Rates — thanks to our
members, and with a special mention to
their families and supporters who were
part of our convoy.
It was an experience I will never forget
and I know you feel the same.
www.nswtwu.org
Toll Express, Eastern Creek, June 24, 2010
Convoy success brings Safe Rates closer
O
ur Safe Rates Convoy to Canberra
on 20 June was an amazing show of
strength, and demonstrates the impact we
can achieve when we stick together and
fight for each other and the future of our
industry.
It was a landmark day for TWU
members — our largest convoy to
date. We are proud to say we had a 532
vehicles converge on Parliament House.
I want to thank you all and make sure
that you know that it was your effort and
support that made the difference.
The enormousness of it all struck me
when we were parked up at Eagle Hawk,
before we descended into Canberra. I saw
over 1,000 of our members watching the
awesome spectacle of trucks stretching
down the road as far as the eye could see
(for four kilometres the police tell us,
who also counted our trucks).
The politicians on the Hill stood up
and listened to us — it was hard not to,
with all the prime movers, courier vans,
www.nswtwu.org
rigid trucks, concrete trucks, cars, buses
and tip-trucks powering past their front
door.
Our members’ mass support
for the Safe Rates regime was
overwhelming
It was a moment I will never forget. It
is that unity that makes history, produces
change.
I said before the convoy that this is
one day out of your working life that can
determine the rest of it: now your part in
our convoy has brought us to a turning
point and we are closer to Safe Rates
being legislated.
We welcome Julia Gillard as our new
Prime Minister and a champion of
our campaign for Safe Rates. She has
committed to a timeline for releasing a
Safe Rates: Safe Roads report for comment
in July and all consultation completed by
the end of August.
On that note, I am very pleased to
announce a win for our female Qantas
workers who were sacked. They have
now been reinstated to permanent roles.
However, Qantas still thinks it can get
away with getting its company doctors
to make injured patients go back to work
before they’re ready — and bully and
harass them on return. We’re on to them
and so is WorkCover.
We’ve had a huge victory in getting
our Brinks members an improved EBA
after 18 months of negotiations.
The recent FedEx EBA is also a real
victory for our members, as this US
multinational is notoriously anti-union
in its global operations.
Now, reflecting on our convoy, as
we face the challenges ahead of us —
EBA negotiations with major transport
companies and buses, the federal election
and possible return of WorkChoices —
we take them on knowing that together
we have the strength to win.
It’s our turn now
TWU News Winter 2010 • 3
Something’s off in the milk industry
THE YEAR IN REVIEW
TWU News talked to Senior Delegate Joe
Chehadeh at Parmalat Lidcombe about
the issues in the yard since the buy-out
from Dairy Farmers in 2008.
The TWU’s viewpoint received statewide airplay on commercial radio and
the ABC and a big story in The Sydney
Morning Herald.
“We are losing penalty rates, which add
up to about $200 per week,” Joe said.
We have commenced negotiations on
the redundancy and retraining package.
Greater Strength
“And now they don’t want to pay
people doing higher duties the higher
rate. How is that fair? If you do a job you
should be paid for it.
"We won’t rest till our members
receive every last cent of their
entitlements, and can move on in this
difficult labour market with the degree
of confidence we think is required to
mitigate the terrible hardship they have
been put under," Peter said.
◆ In the first quarter of 2010, members
applications are up 39 per cent
“It’s about lifestyle. They’re changing
people’s days off with one week’s notice,
which is not good enough. A lot of the
guys are finding it hard to work in time
with their families.
“To make things worse, pay became
inaccurate and erratic — people were
not being paid the right amount and not
being paid when they should. We told
them we want the money now. After a
show of strength from us they fixed this.
“Now we want the rest fixed. We’re in
negotiation with the company and these
issues are all on the table.”
Senior Delegate Joe Chehadeh
Meanwhile, workers at National
Foods’ Wetherill Park plant were
shell-shocked to learn on 29 June that
management will shift operations to
Victoria, with the loss of 232 jobs.
Members and Organiser Peter Lane did
a live cross on Channel 7 news that night,
expressing their frustration at management’s
harsh and unnecessary action.
On top of the above negotiations,
the union will apply pressure on
Lion Nathan National Foods’ parent
company, Kirin Holdings, through our
links with Unyu Roren, (the All-Japan
Federation of Transport Workers’
Unions).
h For the latest information
on the plant closure, call Peter
Lane on 0438 366 665, or go to
the industry page on our website:
www.nswtwu.org/milk
City of Sydney delivers driver-friendly initiatives
If you work in pick up and delivery, the
lack of loading zones is a hot topic. TWU
and City of Sydney have joined forces
to improve this and other issues. TWU
Assistant State Secretary Bruce Penton
says other councils should follow suit.
TWU Assistant
State Secretary
Bruce Penton
with Toll Priority
Co-delegate
Dave Lenoir
Dave Lenoir, Co-delegate at Toll
Priority Erskineville, represents drivers
on the Sydney Traffic Committee. Dave’s
advocacy within the committee has led to
City of Sydney introducing new loading
zones and analysing surveys of work zones,
to identify zones which can revert to
loading zones and at what times.
Dave says he is impressed with City of
Sydney’s determination to address the issue.
“It shows the council is concerned about
its ratepayers’ businesses, and the drivers
who are supporting those businesses,” he
said. “It means the council is serious about
maintaining the reliability of deliveries,
4 • TWU News Winter 2010
and trying to reduce the burden on
drivers.”
Bruce Penton says Dave’s work is a good
example of how the TWU is out there
working with the community
on important policy issues.
SOME OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
◆ Regular delegate training delivered to
200 members
Campaigns
◆ Safe Rates: the Safe Rates
Advisory Group, which the Federal
Government appointed and on which
we sit, will release its report, Safe
Rates: Safe Roads, this month. This
will kick off a six-week consultation
period, after which the government
will decide how to implement Safe
Rates.
◆ 100 Days: more than 300 delegates
were trained; they signed up 154
members; 81 members signed up via a
special online form
◆ Ports and TUF: 538 potential
members have been identified — we
are now in the process of signing
people up; TWU activism leads to
government introducing paid waiting
time at Port Botany and improved
driver facilities
More money in the kitty
◆ Membership increase has raised
revenue by 2.3 per cent
“Now other
councils need to sit
up and take note
of what the Sydney
Traffic Committee has
achieved,” said Bruce,
“especially North
Sydney Council.
We’ve surveyed all our members and North
Sydney came up as the worst for making
provisions for people to do their job. We’re
going to take this up with them.
◆ We’ve cut costs, which has led to
increased services to members
“We are requesting urgent meetings
with the council. We won’t let this rest.”
◆ Introduction of a Members’
Service Centre, which greatly
www.nswtwu.org
improves our efficiency in member
communications and industrial
campaigns (See story on page 19)
◆ Two new legal officers added to the
Legal Unit
◆ Additional negotiator position added
to best advance our agenda in the
2010 EBA round
◆ Supplying resources to the Transport
Unions Federation (TUF), an alliance
of TWU, MUA, and RTBU
◆ Launching an improved
Communications Unit
Toll Express, Minchinbury, 18 May
Delegates’ Conference
◆ Our most successful, with 620 attendees,
including 120 from the regions
◆ Industry Committees initiated
DID YOU KNOW
?
In the last year the
TWU
Legal Unit has won
over
$1.6 million for mem
bers
in judgements and
negotiated settlem
ents
Working hard for you behind the scenes
◆ By working our assets and cash harder,
we go further, faster and better
◆ Our strong financial position allows
us to support our industrial objectives
better, translating into a better result
for you
Investment boosted
◆ A new car fleet of economical vehicles
www.nswtwu.org
Finance and Membership staff George Hong, Helen Shi, Betty Foster, Terry Latham,
Amelie Guo, Anthony Eid, Pauline Hamburger, Dianne Tollett and Florence Hastings
TWU News Winter 2010 • 5
FedEx ain’t a match for us
T
he TWU successfully negotiated an
EBA with FedEx, making Australia
only the second country in the world to
get them to sign on to a national union
agreement.
n April the TWU launched a
campaign for our waste workers to
keep their pay and conditions when
councils change contracts.
We have now stepped up the campaign
to pull shonky employer URM into line
about its appalling treatment of workers.
The campaign kicked off with a Town
Hall rally complete with 50 wheelie bins.
After a press conference on Town Hall
steps, members, delegates, TWU officials,
family, friends and residents marched on
City of Sydney HQ to tell the council its
treatment of our garbos when it changed
contractors in March was not on.
“We’re putting the power back in the
hands of the employees.
“We took FedEx to court to improve
the conditions the workers were under
and make sure they had rights and
respect.
Tireless representation:
Delegate Pere Wihongi
“With their new EBA they are treated
with respect, must be given permanent
jobs if they’re casual for 12 months, and
can’t have split shifts forced on them.
That is just the start of the improvements
they’ve won in their EBA.
FedEx EBA: getting the
respect you’re entitled to
‹
Seven days’ notice of any roster
change instead of FedEx’s six days
“We particularly congratulate Delegate
Pere Wihongi and all the members for
the great job they’ve done in getting
up a national agreement with this
multinational, which has repeatedly
refused to sign on to union agreements
the world over.
‹
Split shifts can not be forced on
employees — they may be worked
only when agreed to in writing
‹
FedEx employees’ time is valued:
‹
‹
Breaks to be taken when due and
not “at a time determined by your
manager”
RTA driver fatigue laws apply to
eligible drivers
‹
‹
FedEx cannot direct employees to take
annual leave until they have accrued
six weeks, as opposed to FedEx’s four
weeks.
The government needs to legislate
an enforceable community-impact
clause for councils to maintain
workers’ pay and conditions
Removal of FedEx’s sick leave
clause stating “in the event of any
difference between diagnoses, FedEx
reserves the right to regard the FedEx
medical practitioner’s diagnosis as
authoritative”.
Alternative employment may be
offered instead of redundancy —
within the metropolitan area where
employees work.
ACTION Buses EBA update: Stanhope’s bloody-mindedness stymies deal
E
Courtesy Canberra Times 25 June 2010
BA negotiations for ACTION Buses
are now at a stalemate, thanks to
the Stanhope Government’s spiteful,
uncommunicative approach to bargaining.
The government’s insistence that the
60 per cent full-time staff clause would be
abolished was key to the dispute.
After a series of stop-work meetings,
members voted unanimously to reject the
government’s demands, and have vowed
to fight for as long as it takes to retain
conditions that have been hard-won over
many years.
There is no prospect of an immediate
result. Members are aware that this will
be a long and hard-fought campaign, but
are buoyed by the solidarity everyone has
shown throughout. ACT Sub-branch
6 • TWU News Winter 2010
Modern Award used to gut waste contracts
I
“Now in Australia we can be proud
to say the company does not have total
power,” TWU State Secretary Wayne
Forno said.
“That’s no easy job, but you’ve done it.”
Council tenders rip us off
Secretary Klaus Pinkas said there was no
prospect of an immediate resolution.
ACT bus members met to discuss the action,
which brought services to a standstill
After a number of trips to Fair Work
Australia, ACTION has still refused to
budge from its position. It still refuses to
put a pay offer on the table.
Members have now given the go-ahead
for further industrial action to maintain
pressure on the Stanhope government to
deal with us fairly.
www.nswtwu.org
City of Sydney waste workers lost their
jobs with old contractor Veolia and
were told to reapply for them with new
contractor URM — for $200 a week
less, also losing entitlements. Veolia was a
model employer with its workforce on an
EBA. URM employs workers under the
Modern Award, with no EBA.
“The government needs to legislate an
enforceable community-impact clause for
councils, saying companies tendering for
waste contracts must maintain workers’
pay and conditions.
“URM workers can’t afford to lose
$200.These blokes do dangerous, dirty
work — and they deserve a fair day’s pay,
not a massive pay cut,” TWU Secretary
Wayne Forno said.
Wayne Forno, Federal Secretary Tony
Sheldon and Assistant State Secretary
Bruce Penton delivered a petition to
Clover Moore to fix the problem, but
Clover wasn’t in — she was at her second
job at State Parliament.
Michael Cooke lost his job when
contracts changed. “This is hard work
and we deserve fair pay,” he said. “I nearly
chopped my finger off when I jammed it
in between a skip bin and a wall.
www.nswtwu.org
Top: Families supported the April rally Above Left: Wayne Forno
addresses the rally on the Town Hall steps Above Right: TWU
Secretary Wayne Forno, Federal Secretary Tony Sheldon and Assistant
State Secretary Bruce Penton delivering the petition to council HQ
“You’re picking up rubbish which
could have anything in it, even syringes
— you could easily jab yourself. You can
do your back in — I’ve lifted around
80 kilos. Try lifting an old lounge that’s
been out in the rain by yourself.”
collected by 9am. Word is out the richest
council in Australia is underpaying
garbos and people think this stinks!
We want a decent and caring council
focussed on community services. We love
and support our garbos!”
For guys who have been garbos
for years it’s their profession,
their livelihood, their way of life
— not just a job
“For guys who have been garbos for
years it’s their profession, their livelihood,
their way of life — not just a job,” said
Organiser Steve Novak. “They’re more
efficient, get the job done faster, and do
it safely.”
TWU Veterans President Brian Thomas
urged workers to keep up the fight.
According to resident Jo Holder, “It’s
garbage bedlam. Residents have rung
council more times in four weeks than in
the past eight years about missed bins or
no service at all. The Kings Cross truck
finally turned up at 2.30pm.
“Under Veolia, everything was
The fight against URM continues,
Bruce says. “URM are pushing it.
They’ve sacked two of our members for
being “not suitable”.
“We’re seeking bargaining orders
against URM on their City of Sydney
and Northern Beaches contracts. We
won’t be quiet and we won’t go away.”
TWU News Winter 2010 • 7
JOIN UP A MATE!
EARN
YOURSELF CA$H
In memory of Garry Allibon
Paid waiting time a reality
T
he murder of long-term TWU member of 11 years and Chubb driver Garry
Allibon shocked us all. Garry, 59, was shot in the chest by one of four
assailants during a drop-off in the CBD.
Garry’s funeral was standing room only, attended by 550 people. TWU State
Secretary Wayne Forno attended with Assistant Secretary Bruce Penton, Garry’s
Organiser, Arthur Casey, National Secretary Tony Sheldon, and National Assistant
Secretary Michael Kaine to represent the union. Chubb released all its employees
for the funeral, and there was a large Armaguard contingent too.
What has happened to Garry has
further strengthened our resolve to
make employee safety in this industry
our top priority.
As this issue goes to press, police
have found the getaway car used by
Garry’s murderer and his accomplices.
Investigations continue.
HOW DOES THE
SCHEME WORK?
It’s simple. Join up a new TWU
member and earn yourself $10.
Members still have the
opportunity to donate to the
Garry Allibon fund:
Account Name: G.B.A.
Armoured Car Donation
Memorial Fund
Memorial Fund
Bank: National Australia Bank
The union immediately set up a
memorial fund to support Garry’s
wife Monica. It raised $11,500 in the
first week.
BSB: 082-057
Account : 17-541-9444
The more members you sign up the
more money you can earn.
“What this means for truck drivers at
the Port is that they will finally be paid
for waiting times,” TWU State Secretary
Wayne Forno said. “And stevedores
now have an incentive to uphold their
responsibility of getting truck drivers
through quickly to do their job.”
1..To receive the Rewards you need
to present:
A completed and signed
TWU Application Form (both
State and Federal Branch)
and ensure your name is on
the Application Form as the
Recruiter.
2. You will receive your Rewards
by cheque at the end of the
month after the third Direct
Debit/Payroll payment has been
received or full payment if being
paid by statement.
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Delegates are not entitled to the
bonus in the Join Up a Mate Scheme.
Call (02) 9912 0700 or
check the website
www.nswtwu.org
8 • TWU News Winter 2010
Standard Service only $148.50^
Includes 10% discount & gst
Truck drivers at Port Botany
are the big winners under the
new Port Botany Landside
Improvement Strategy (PBLIS)
announced by NSW Ports
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www.nswtwu.org
L-R: RTBU State Secretary Alex Claassens, RTBU National Organiser Bob
Nanva, Area Official Helen Bellette, Brad Sant (Delegate, ACFS), Area
Official Rob Pirc, Peter Kritikos, MUA State Secretary Paul McAleer, Wayne
Forno, Harry Smith (Delegate, P & O), Keith Stone (Delegate, Owens), Ports
Minister Paul McLeay, Long Liu (Delegate, MCS), Allan Flynn (Sydney Ports),
David Lemke (Delegate, Gregorys), Mick Minichiello (Delegate, MCS)
PBLIS rectified this by implementing
new regulations and penalty payments
that mean:
`
“Before these reforms, truck drivers
had to queue at the port unpaid while the
stevedore called the shots and everything
happened at their beck and call.”
The stevedore must pay transport
operator $25 for every 15-minute
delay; $100 for a cancelled slot
if cancelled within two hours of
the slot or $50 for a cancelled slot
outside this period; and
`
The transport operator must pay the
stevedore $50 for a late arrival; and
$100 for a no-show.
Under the PBLIS, truck carriers receive
a penalty payment if stevedores fail to
meet the regulated standards.
TWU continues the fight
for Port Drivers
Before the reforms there were no
incentives for stevedores to load and
unload trucks at their allocated spot.
Furthermore:
`
If a truck was late or did not arrive,
penalty was paid to the stevedore.
`
If a stevedore did not service as truck
or was late in doing so, there was no
penalty and the transport operator
carried the cost.
www.nswtwu.org
“This is a great win for our drivers, but
now there is more to be done,” Wayne
said.
The TWU has been leading the
long-running campaign to provide truck
drivers at the Port with basic facilities,
including toilets, water, showers, a
canteen and parking bays for drivers who
are out of hours and need a break.
“Our drivers are still waiting for
facilities as basic as a decent toilet, which
we are told will happen soon,” Wayne
added.
Ports official Helen Bellette has been
a major force in fighting for the truckies
at the port. “Thanks to the hard work of
delegates and members we’ve finally got
paid waiting time and terminal operators
can no longer use trucks as mobile
warehouses,” she said.
“Unfortunately, terminal operators still
insist on truck drivers working in substandard conditions. There is a port-a-loo
that blowflies wouldn’t use, no water and
no food, save chips and ice cream from
a vending machine which wouldn’t be
there if it weren’t for the MUA.”
Delegate David Lemke added,
“We’ve got a billion-dollar terminal, the
company is making billions of dollars,
and this doesn’t filter through to the
workers. Thousands of truck drivers
come here every week and all we’ve got is
one port-a-loo which is not clean enough
to use.”
TWU News Winter 2010 • 9
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10 • TWU News Winter 2010
www.nswtwu.org
BRINKS PAYS UP!
Members win long struggle for a better EBA
The world’s
largest CIT
company acted
as if it couldn’t
afford to pay
its workers
properly, so
Brinks members
took protected
action.
After putting on an
eight-day stoppage and
launching a successful
public campaign in
which Brinks’ dirty
laundry was aired
outside its offices in
Martin Place, our
members have
negotiated a new EBA.
Above: Three days after the
members’ Martin Place protest,
Wayne Forno, Bruce Penton, and
Rob Pirc went to the yard to
congratulate the fellas and witness
the vote endorsing the EBA Right:
Brinks workers during the protest
Brinks refused a pay
rise, even though the last
increase had been in 2007
Delegate Neil Mahoney said, “All we
wanted was a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s
work. The demands we put up were more
than fair. The cost of living is going up
— fuel, gas, electricity — but we weren’t
seeing that in our pay.”
These employees do not have an easy job
— they are trained security professionals
who carry a gun and are responsible for
tens of thousands of dollars, and most
importantly public safety.
Even though the company threatened
to advertise the workers’ jobs if they
continued protected action, Rob and the
Brinks crew did not give up until their
EBA negotiations were successful.
www.nswtwu.org
!
This story has a happy
appy ending, with
Brinks guards getting not only their pay
rise, but also increases in overtime and
penalty rates.
Dear Mr. Forno,
I write to you for the purpose of conveying my sincere thanks and appreciation for
the services provided to the Brinks Australia (Sydney) employees by union organiser
Rob Pirc.
In my nine years of employment with Brinks, Rob has been the best union organiser
that we have had. Rob’s tenacity and resourcefulness in rallying the employees to
stand together was remarkable. His efforts in representing our case and negotiating
with Brinks was outstanding.
Please pass my gratitude onto Rob for his hard work and efforts in resolving the
dispute with Brinks.
Philip Eyles
BANGOR
Got something to say? Send letters Attention TWU News to
31 Cowper St Parramatta 2150 or by email to info@nsw.twu.com.au
TWU News Winter 2010 • 11
Qantas members slam OH&S fiasco
HARASSED"
HUNDREDS INJURED, WORKERS "BULLIED AND
Workers tell:
gage
‹
‹
‹
and forced to lift bag
Two hernias and a knee reconstruction ...
Worker nearly dies on the job
worker
Pallet falls off PLANE, nearly crushing
Q
antas workers, with TWU State
Secretary Wayne Forno and Airport
Official Mick Pieri, are fighting to put an
end to unsafe staffing levels at Qantas,
talking to media at the airport.
straight away he could die. When the
Qantas doctor says that you’ve got to
be pretty sick.”
Other examples include:
■
Hundreds of Qantas staff have been
injured because of unsafe staffing levels.
Workers have up to a one-in-three
chance of being seriously injured on the
job.
They say they’re being bullied and
intimidated into going back on the job,
TWU member
Gary Mournehis
and Delegate
George Oei
know they have
the strength of
the TWU behind
them
A member who was nearly killed
when a pallet fell off a plane.
Gary Mournehis talks to the media at the Airport:
despite threats from the company against
speaking out — our members and delegates will
not be silenced or intimidated and they have the
might of the TWU right behind them
Have a say
Gary said the Qantas doctor “made
me feel like a fraud and they still
won’t pay to fix hernia number two”
and returned to full duties before they
are well enough to work.
“One member says his family doctor was
harassed by Qantas so badly, that he refuses
to treat Qantas workers’ comp cases ever
again and wants to stop his practice,” State
Secretary Wayne Forno said.
“Another has told how he was bullied
and harassed for not performing to
capacity two-and-a-half weeks after a full
knee reconstruction.
“One says he was in excruciating pain
at work, not taken seriously by Qantas,
then rushed to the Qantas doctor, who
said that, if he was not operated on
12 • TWU News Winter 2010
■
A member with a history of
severe blood infection and time
spent in intensive care, who was
given an insufficient course of
antibiotics by a company doctor
and nearly ended up in hospital
again.
Below: Urala
De Silva, Steve
Duff, Delegate
Joe Mazza:
Urala and Steve
have something
in common –
they’ve both
had two knee
operations due
to work injuries
The TWU has circulated a
petition amongst staff members,
with over 600 signatures calling
on Qantas to deal with this
pressing issue of unsafe staffing
levels.
Gary Mournehis spoke out to major
Sydney media at the press conference
about his triple-whammy at work — a
knee operation and a double hernia, all in
one year.
The petition can also be signed
online at: www.nswtwu.org
“WorkCover takes Qantas
workers’ complaints
seriously and so do we,”
said Wayne Forno.
“In June last year my knee went and
it was witnessed by a Qantas manager,”
Gary said.
“It took them four months to approve
surgery. In January they stood me down
for two months and when I came back,
instead of doing rehab, they had me
lifting bags. That’s when the hernia
developed. Now I have two hernias. They
said they’d only accept liability for the
right-side hernia and not the left.”
www.nswtwu.org
Unless Gary lifts bags for fun in his spare time, where do they
think he got the second hernia?
Despite this, Gary said the Qantas doctor “made me feel like a
fraud and they still won’t pay to fix hernia number two.”
www.nswtwu.org
WorkCover has come to the
international terminal at the
request of delegates, and is
currently investigating staffing
levels and other complaints put
forward by workers.
TWU News Winter 2010 • 13
Clever campaign at Toll IPEC
Yard activism forces management to make up casuals
CONVOY LIFTOUT — PIN ME UP IN YOUR YARD
Safe Rates
Convoy to Canberra
I
f you’ve been doing your job for four
years, you’d be shocked to find out
management thought it “unacceptable” to
apply for permanency. But that’s exactly
what happened to long-term casuals at Toll
IPEC.
Following member pressure coordinated
by Delegates Steve Newton, Co-delegates
Ray Andrews and Carl Hillery, and TWU
Organiser Helen Bellette, casuals, Geoff
Noonan, Ashur Shimon and Ray Vitale
have been offered permanent positions.
Above: TWU Organiser
Helen Bellette and
Delegate Steve
Newton watch
members endorse the
yard’s participation in
the Safe Rates Convoy
to Canberra
Right: Steve, Geoff
Noonan, Wayne Forno,
and Co-delegate Ray
Andrews
“The message to employers is clear,”
State Secretary Wayne Forno said. “People
are not disposable. You can’t treat casuals
like that and throw them out when you
have used them up.”
The company attempted to sack the
casuals on technicalities, even though
they had been promised permanent
positions.
Geoff Noonan had been a casual at Toll
IPEC for over four years, and management
was intending to sack him.
Fellow workers were outraged by this
The campaign began with a petition
“These men had been doing their job for
and immediately circulated a declaration of
years and doing it well. They deserve to be to management placed at multiple points support for Geoff, Ashur and Ray.
on site.
treated with dignity and respect.”
The company’s reason for rejecting
Geoff for permanency was due to “medical
requirements", even though Geoff is a gym
junkie who trains every day and is fitter than
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14 • TWU News Winter 2010
Geoff is very pleased with this victory and
the stability it has given him. He said that
it makes members aware that the TWU is a
force to be reckoned with when it is behind
them.
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“This gives me a lot of confidence that the
support you need is there in the union,” he
said.
To his mates he says, “I wouldn’t have got
there without them, sticking together made all
the difference. I say to anyone in this situation,
one in, all in. If we stick together we can win.”
www.nswtwu.org
Our Convoy to Canberra on 20 June was a major show
of strength for TWU members.
TWU meets Prime Minister Julia Gillard after the
Safe Rates Advisory Group meeting, 20 June
The 532-strong convoy left Uncle Leo’s at
Campbelltown and powered its way down to Canberra
— with a break to slow down to 40km/h for the ABC
chopper to get some awesome aerial footage of the
line-up, which stretched to four kilometres.
it must implement a system of Safe Rates that will
guarantee the wages and conditions of employees
and subbies.
The TWU will work with the advisory group to ensure
our members’ interests are actively represented.
The campaign is not over, but this is a fight we’re
winning.
People made the journey to join our convoy from as far
as Queensland, Newcastle and the Hunter, the Central
Coast, South Coast, Sydney and country NSW.
Over 1,000 of our members arrived at Eagle Hawk to
form up before our run to Parliament House. It was an
awesome sight, with the convoy stretching as far as
the eye could see.
As a result of the strong showing by our members we
made the politicians take notice. Prime Minister Julia
Gillard committed the government to a concrete process
for establishing a Safe Rates regime.
The government’s Safe Rates Advisory Group — which
the TWU is a part of — will release its draft report, Safe
Rates: Safe Roads, in July, after which there will be a
six-week consultation period.
By the end of August, the government will know how
www.nswtwu.org
■
Check out the Convoy photo gallery at www.nswtwu.org
TWU News Winter 2010 • convoy liftout • 15
“
YOU WANT TO TAKE THE PROBLEMS OUT OF THE INDUSTRY YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE DRIVING TIMES OUT. THAT’S WHAT SAFE RATES WILL DO.
TO TREAT THE SYMPTOMS YOU HAVE TO FIX THE DISEASE BEHIND THEM, THE ECONOMIC PRESSURE ON DRIVERS.
”
Mark Trevillian, TWU Delegate and lead driver in convoy
“
FOR EMPLOYEES, A SAFE RATES SYSTEM WILL ALLOW US TO RAISE THE AWARD BY APPLICATION TO AN INDEPENDENT BODY.
FOR SUBBIES, SAFE RATES SYSTEM MEANS NONE OF THE ADVANTAGES OF THE CONTRACT DETERMINATION PROCESS WILL BE LOST.
”
State Secretary Wayne Forno
Give us a call
The new Members’ Service Centre provides another link to the union, so
we can answer your queries. It is open 9am – 3pm Monday to Thursday and
10am – 2pm Friday. Call 02 9912 0700.
Alex Du Plessis
Alex has four
years’ experience
in call centres,
comes from a
previous TWU
role assisting
members and
is qualified in
communications.
“When you’ve got a big vehicle
travelling at a high speed safety is
really important — the slightest defect
can cause the biggest accident. We
need Safe Rates and fair pay for
owner drivers and employees.
“It’s great to hear from people that
their problem has been fixed. They
first call us on one of the worst
days they’ve had — they’re angry,
frustrated and getting messed around
at work. The boss is not listening or
taking them seriously. They can’t get
anything done on their own, but with
our help they can.
“We make sure the member gets in
direct contact with organiser and the
member is looked after. We’re here for
you. If you have any questions call us.
If you’re not sure we can help, call us
and find out. That’s our job. We’ll take
it to the next step for you.”
Jelena Cindric
Jelena worked in the
transport industry at
CEVA and TNT, where
she was a delegate
and co-delegate. She
knows first-hand the
issues on the ground.
18 • TWU News Winter 2010 • convoy liftout
www.nswtwu.org
www.nswtwu.org
Rebecca Hopkins
Rebecca comes
from a union
background,
working in
delegate
induction,
membership
and remote-area
support.
“Being a truckie’s a dangerous job
and you’re constantly dealing with
issues like fatigue. This affects the
whole family. I’d like to see truckies
getting home safely to their families,
and employers abiding by Safe
Rates.
“I enjoy dealing with members
and making sure they know and
understand their rights. We have
members calling who are underpaid,
people with WorkCover and OHS
issues.
“One guy recently called, working
an 80-hour week on a flat casual
rate. He wasn’t aware he should
be getting overtime. He wasn’t a
member, but joined up and now we
can help him. Recently, we helped
another guy become permanent
after he’d signed a contract without
knowing his rights.”
Madeline Hayes
Union work is
in Madeline’s
blood. She has
been involved in
campaigns since
she was 10 years
old, and worked
previously with
the HSU.
“I am interested in any issue I can
help with. I enjoy it when you can sort
out somebody’s issue and they tell
you how much they appreciate it —
then you know you’ve really made a
difference to them.
“If I get an issue I can’t deal with
myself, I get on to the organiser about
it until the member is satisfied.
“The other day a lady called on behalf
of her husband, who had been injured
at work. No one at his work would
listen to her — then she called us, and
we’re helping them sort this out.
“My passion is fair treatment at work. If
you’re part of the union we’ll help you
sort it out. Being part of a union is so
important.
"People come to us for help when no
one else can help them — and we are
up for the challenge!”
“Being in the industry you see some of the extreme things drivers are forced to
do, just to be on time and make a decent living. Something needs to be done to
stop companies treating truckies as second-class citizens. They’ve got a family
and just want a fair day’s pay.
“I know what goes on out in the yards because I’ve worked there myself.
“Recently a woman called me whose husband died and his work refused to
release his pay. He worked for the company for 10 years. She talked to his boss
who refused to do anything, then she called us. I got onto the official in charge.
In less than a week they gave her a $30,000 payout. I’m so excited for her. If
she’d never called us they could have got away with it and she’d still be waiting.
TWU News Winter 2010 • 19
Narrabri rest stop:
They’ve listened to us —
now tell us what you want
In brief ...
25,000 reasons for OCS to clean up
its act:
The TWU, together with the
local community, is actively
working on putting in place a
proper truck stop and changeover facility at Narrabri, a
town which has 2,800 truck
movements each day. We
have had a victory in the RTA
agreeing to our preferred site,
and will keep you in the loop
as events progress.
One week after joining the union, a
member at Overseas Courier Services
was made redundant. We took up the
fight and got her a payout of $25,000.
Now she says she’s a member for life!
We want to know exactly what
you want to see in the Narrabri
change-over. We’ve put out
a detailed survey asking you
what facilities you need. This
means you can have your say
and we can represent your
views in the planning process.
Putting the acid on a recalcitrant
employer:
You can
complete the
survey online
at www.
nswtwu.org/
newcastle.
... but wait there’s more:
Other employees at OCS whose pay
packets were a bit light have been
awarded sums ranging from $3,000 to
$10,000 for unpaid shift allowances,
penalty and weekend rates.
When a TWU member died, his
employer refused to release his pay and
entitlements. His distraught widow asked
us to help and we secured the $30,000
owed to her in under a week.
Minister answers TWU calls to blitz
trucking companies driving workers
too hard:
NSW Minister Michael Daley, who is
in charge of WorkCover, has agreed
to work with the TWU to target specific
dodgy operators who are doing the
wrong thing by their drivers and getting
away with it. Eighty yards at five
locations across the State will be the
subject of WorkCover inspections and
audits under the initiative.
Ansett Group report:
Ansett employees received $8.4 million in
April from the Ansett Group administrators.
Employees have now received $718.2
million of the total entitlement to be paid
being $758 million. This figure does
not represent the total amount owed to
employees and was arrived at by the
administrators taking into account the
funds available and outstanding debts of
Ansett. The administrator now plans to
raise further revenue to pay remaining
debts by selling aircraft spare parts,
collecting amounts from legal actions
and lease revenue from aviation assets;
expected to raise $7.1 million. Estimates
by the administrator say employees will
receive at least a further $4.9 million to be
paid over the next year or two, with each
employee receiving at least 12c in the
dollar of their current outstanding balance.
Administrators anticipate total payments
of $723.1 million of the $758 million that
was expected to be paid to employees;
representing approximately 95.4c in
the dollar. Administrators say this is an
increase of $4.8 million available to pay
employees since the last report.
Czech out the livery on these !
Qantas yields on sex
discrimination row
S
acked fleet presentation staff at
Qantas are now back at work with
permanent jobs after a successful TWU
campaign.
officials. On the other side of the
room sat three of Qantas’ corporate
lawyers, who were shocked to see
the strength of unity we displayed.
We ran a historic sex-discrimination
case for the sacked members, who were
an integral part of the campaign.
“Our members, with the backing
of their union, have sent Qantas
a clear message,” State Secretary
Wayne Forno said.
At the Fair Work Australia hearing
that recommended Qantas sit down
with us to resolve the dispute, the
gallery on our side was packed with
members, family, delegates, and union
“No employer will get away with
doing this. Employers need to show
respect to our members and the
law.”
Reinstated! Janice Barwick, Lucrecia Del Prado, Yasar Taskin, Rosy Escobar,
and Jessica Wang with Senior Airport Official Mick Pieri. Not pictured: Poppy
Georgeopoulos, Wantanee Manotamgvorapan and Souad Palmer
Souad responds to news
of her reinstatement:
“
This is like winning the lottery. I could go outside and scream! I am so excited
about telling my family that I’m back at work.
When you are out of work you lose confidence. There’s no way in the world
I could have fought this battle by myself. I would never have even tried. You
need the support and back-up of a union.
The union did everything possible to help us get our jobs back. They could
not have done any more than they did. They took a personal interest in us and
what was happening to us. They were upset too.
They were excellent.
It’s stupid not to be in the union. It’s the best money you’ll ever spend.
The best thing about being member of the TWU is the support you get.
Our delegates did their very best for us and our organiser, Mick Pieri, was
unbelievable. I take my hat off to him. He was very considerate, helpful and
passionate about getting a result for us — and not stopping till he did.
Prague-based concrete company ZAPA Beton’s owner Jirial Pavlica wanted to jazz up his plant and
fleet. This is the eye-popping result. Each truck has unique handpainted livery, and the distinctive
www.zapa.cz
paint jobs are even in evidence on the yards’ silos.
20 • TWU News Winter 2010
www.nswtwu.org
The TWU has been going through this with us all the way and they feel what
we’re going through. They’re all so down to earth and friendly — from the
delegates to the State and National Secretaries. I just want to thank them
from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of me and all the rest of the women.
”
www.nswtwu.org
In memoriam:
Ray Turner
Ray was 61 when he died in April.
Ray started in the airline industry
with TAA in 1982 and has always
been proud to be a TWU member.
He worked as a baggage handler and
more recently in commissionaire. Ray
was informed of his illness in January
2010 but still attended work up until
two weeks before his death. Ray was
always interested in union issues
and often voiced his opinion in the
workplace. Ray really loved fishing
down the coast with his workmates
whenever time prevailed. Ray will
be remembered as a loyal TWU
member, workmate and will be sadly
missed by all who knew him.
— Organiser Dennis Pehar
Ray “Turkey” Turner sadly lost his
battle against cancer. Ray worked
with TAA, then the transition to
Australian Airlines, then Qantas for
28 years and he always took time
to have a chat, and to be a part of
union issues. Ray loved motorbikes,
car mechanics, fishing, his children,
his grandchildren and his holiday
place on the South Coast. Ray was
well-liked and well-respected with all
the staff at Qantas Sydney domestic
terminal. Ray never once complained
or moaned, he came to work and did
his job with pride and integrity.
He will be missed but not forgotten.
— Delegate Marc Carney
TWU News Winter 2010 • 21
ACT Sub-branch NEWS
Carrying more than one super fund?
By Sub-branch Secretary Klaus Pinkas
Landmark work-value case delivers 20%
wage rise for intensive care paramedics
Take a load off.
T
he professionalism and specialist
skill base of ambulance officers in
the ACT has been recognised with a
historic work-value determination in
Canberra on 29 March.
Every super fund charges
you running costs.
So why have more than one?
The decision arises from an application
made by the TWU in 2008 for a work
value determination for officers in the
ACT Ambulance Service. The case was
a result of a long-running campaign by
delegates to improve the conditions and
entitlements for members.
Get all of your old super into
TWUSUPER – you’ll save on
fees, reduce your paperwork
and grow your super.
It’s that simple!
Officers’ professionalism has been
recognised by Fair Work Australia’s
Commissioner Deegan with the
creation of a new classification
providing parity with other health care
professionals. The decision means officers
in the Intensive Care Professsionals (ICP)
classification will receive a salary increase
upwards of 21 per cent on base pay rates.
TWU Official Ben Sweaney said
Commissioner Deegan’s decision was a
watershed moment in the ambulance
industry.
“For many years ACT ICPs have
realised their place as professionals,
something now recognised
independently.
“The decision is the result of great
work by TWU delegates, ACTAS
members and representatives from
the department. Our combined
efforts have resulted in one of
the most significant work-value
decisions in recent history.”
The professionalism of pre-hospital
work is demonstrated through an
emerging paramedic profession, the
education of officers and the community
and political acceptance and regulation
of the practice.
Our ambulance officers are thrilled
that their skills and experience have
been recognised in the decision. ACT
members have fought long and hard
during this campaign and thanks to the
co-operation and support of all members
they can now enjoy a fantastic result.
Sixty years TWU: still going strong
Stop lugging around your
old super.
Call 1800 222 071
or visit twusuper.com.au
ACTU Secretary
visits TWU members
ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence visited
TWU members at Canberra Airport in
May with ACT Sub-branch Secretary
Klaus Pinkas. Jeff shared his support
for the TWU Safe Rates campaign and
thoughts on the challenges of the
year ahead: “The ACTU supports Safe
Rates and will do whatever we can do
to ensure it evolves into appropriate
legislation to protect truck
drivers.
“Whatever name
they use, the Liberal
party still believes in
WorkChoices — and
we need to make sure
we don’t go back to
WorkChoices. We need to
ensure the protection of collective
bargaining and the safety net stay,
and that Labor stay.”
Tim Ferris, baggage handler,
Qantas, Canberra Airport: “In our
job it’s important to be TWU — they
give you a hand and come to help
you out with any issues you have.”
Amazing milestone: TWU NSW
President George Clarke, ACT
Sub-branch Secretary Klaus Pinkas,
National Assistant Secretary Michael
Kaine, 60 Year member Dick Redman,
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP,
National Secretary Tony Sheldon, and
NSW State Secretary Wayne Forno
General advice only. Consider your individual circumstances before making any decisions. A copy of
the product disclosure statement should be obtained from TWUSUPER (at www.twusper.com.au or
by calling 1800 222 071) and considered before you acquire or continue to hold the product. Issued
by TWU Nominees ABN 67 002 835 412 as Trustee for TWUSUPER ABN 77 343 563 307.
T
WU bus drivers and ambos were the guests of honour at a function in Canberra in May to celebrate the ambulance officer
reclassification. Long-term members, who have been 25 and 30 years with the TWU, were also honoured, and Dick Redman
was the clear winner for the night, for his 60-year membership.
D Low fees D Run only to benefit members D No commissions
22 • TWU News Winter 2010
www.nswtwu.org
TWUS 29770
Dick joined the TWU in 1950. He not only served as a Delegate, but is very popular amongst his workmates, having started up
the Bus Drivers’ Social Club at ACTION and organised the houses for the social club at Batemans Bay!
www.nswtwu.org
TWU News Winter 2010 • 23
Premier lines up against WorkChoices
In a significant step for tens of
thousands of workers in the
Australian aviation industry,
the TWU, Flight Attendants
Association of Australia
(Domestic & Regional Division)
(FAAA) and the Australian
Licensed Aircraft Engineers
(ALAEA) have launched a new
Australian Aviation Unions
Federation (AUF).
Comprising the combined membership
of each member union, the AUF aims
to become the strongest and most
significant voice representing the
industrial, community and political
interests and aspirations of Australian
aviation workers and their families.
At formation, the combined
membership of AUF exceeds 20,000
employees in aviation and related
industries, making it the biggest
representative of organised labour in the
aviation industry. With a diversity of
membership covering the work of flight
attendants in our skies, the engineering
and technical staff keeping our airlines
flying, and the ramp, catering, baggage,
cleaning, freight, refueling and customer
service staff that handle customer
needs on ground, it will also be the
most representative organisation in the
industry.
“From this strategic position of
representative strength, our objective in
Stronger together: TWU
Secretary Tony Sheldon, FAAA
Secretary Jo ann Davidson and
ALAEA Secretary Steve Purvinas
sign the federation agreement
forming this federation is to unite our
respective expertise, skills and experience
to create a stronger voice for aviation
workers and their families,” TWU
National Secretary Tony Sheldon said.
K
ey transport unions said that Premier
Keneally’s decision not to attend the
official opening of the Newcastle Coal
Infrastructure Group’s (NCIG) terminal
in May should send a clear message
to NCIG executives that it needs to
reconsider
conside a non-union agreement struck
during
uring the dying days of WorkChoices.
A blue at Virgin
he Transport Workers’ Union will
make a case of unfair dismissal
against Virgin Blue after a number of
employees were sacked for looking at
pornography at work.
The TWU will claim that, while
watching pornography at work is
officially against the rules at Virgin,
the behaviour has been “a custom and
practice of the workplace for a number
of years and has been condoned by
management throughout this time”.
“Virgin should have proper training
regarding inappropriate offensive
material, starting with Richard Branson,
the editor of the in-flight magazine
Voyeur, and the entire staff and
management,” TWU National Secretary
Tony Sheldon said. “The change in
24 • TWU News Winter 2010
policy should not be made retrospectively
when the company in the past has
condoned or encouraged this culture
through management.”
One of the sacked workers told The
Sydney Morning Herald that sex had
always been part of the airline, from the
marketing strategies to staff recruitment
methods — and this had extended to
the culture of the workplace. Another
staff member said that only legal images
had been accessed and it had been done
with the consent — and sometimes
encouragement — of management.
The Transport Workers’ Union
encourages all union representatives to
be aware of anti-discrimination and
-harassment laws in the workplace and
how to effectively deal with potential
incidents. The Human Rights and Equal
Opportunity Commission website
defines sexual harrassment to include
“unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature
which makes a person feel offended,
humiliated and/or intimidated”.
Although in this case the conduct
was not unwelcome, the TWU urges all
members to be aware of their rights in
the workplace regarding discrimination
and harassment, and to talk to their
official, delegate or activist if there is a
problem.
For more information on workplace discrimination and
harrassment, go to http://www.hreoc.gov.au/info_for_employers/
www.nswtwu.org
✘ Base rate s
s t
io n Por
di t h :
o n i t de
s c d w clu
IG’ re i n
NC mp a t ah
c o a ra
W
T
o f p ay a re
a ro u n d
17 p e rc e n
t lo we r t h
a n e x is t in
ag re e me n
g
ts ($
t h e P WC S 49,621 — ag a in s t
$58,031).
✘ Le ave lo adin
g s o f 17.5
P WC S
% — ag a
in s t 45%
at
✘ No abilit y
to h ave d
is p u te s a r
Fa ir Wo r k
bit rate d b
A us t ra li a
y
(c u r re n t a
p ro v ide f o
g
r c o n c il ia
t io n a n d a re e me n ts
✘ S upe ra n nu
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p e rc e n t — io n c o n t r ib u t io n b
y e m p lo ye
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6.9 p e rc e
✘ Training to
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b e at te n d
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t ime a n d
d in wo r k
p ay me n t
in c lu de d in e rs’ o w n
ag a in s t d
s a la r y —
o uble t im
e at Po rt
✘ Re dundancy
Wa rat ah
p ay me n ts
— c o n s id
at t h e b a
e ra bly b e
re m in imu
lo w t h e P
m
✘ O ve rt ime M
WC S le ve
ls
o n d ay–S a
do uble t im
t u rd ay: le
s s t h an
e — ag a in
s t do uble
t ime .
www.nswtwu.org
rg
Right: TWU
National Secretary
Tony Sheldon
addresses the
crowd outside the
coal loader
Above: The TWU
was out in force at
the NCIG protest
The new coal loader will undercut
existing wages in the Port Waratah
the exi
Coal Service (PWCS) facility and hurt
local community.
the lo
There are millions of dollars in
T
profits coming out of the Hunter
pro
region now and for the foreseeable
re
future. The companies responsible need
fu
tto ensure that they do not undercut the
community rate of pay for vital wok in
the industry.
NCIG, made up of companies
including BHP, has refused to
negotiate.
The Premier, in declining the
invitation, said that she shared the
concerns of the transport unions
and said, “I do not, and have not ever,
supported WorkChoices.
“While federal law is not within
state powers, I have concerns about
industrial relations conditions and the
NCIG decision to register and use an
agreement in the final days of the
federal WorkChoices laws”, the Premier
said in a letter to the Transport Unions
Federation.
“Further, the Australian people
delivered an unequivocal verdict on
WorkChoices in the 2007 Federal
election.”
The no-show list for the event
included federal minister and MP for
Charlton Greg Combet, federal MP
Newcastle Sharon Grierson, state MP
for Newcastle and Minister for the
Hunter and Tourism Jodi Mackay,
Newcastle Lord Mayor, John Tate, and
NSW Minister for Ports Paul McLeay.
Working together, the union has
managed to sign up all employees and
will continue to fight for equality for
all workers in Newcastle.
Tony Sheldon
TWU National Secretary
TWU News Winter 2010 • 25
NATIONALUPDATE
Aviation alliance launched
Workers’ Memorial Day
S
tate Secretary Wayne Forno visited
Newcastle to mark Workers’ Memorial
Day on 28 April, visit members and build
support for Safe Rates and the 20 June
Convoy to Canberra.
Newcastle and Northern Sub-branch NEWS
By Sub-branch Secretary Mick Forbes
Geoff Jones awarded life membership
Wayne held a press conference in the
Newcastle CBD, bringing home the
Safe Rates message to coincide with the
commemoration which honours the 7,000
Australians who die each year through
work-related incidents and diseases. The
day’s motto is “remember the dead and
fight for the living”.
moments as a representative of the TWU
Newcastle Sub-branch, I have never
felt more pride than being awarded life
membership of this great union.
“It’s a humbling experience when your
workmates turn to you for help and
advice as a delegate and it’s something I’ve
enjoyed doing — and now to be awarded
life membership is a great honor for me
and my family.”
Deaths in the transport industry
account for more than 25 per cent of all
workplace deaths.
Wayne’s message was simple: “No more
truck drivers should have to die doing
their job, just so that large retailers can
make an extra buck,” he said.
G
Officials, delegates, and members tell the community about the fight for Safe Rates
Injured and
short of cash?
Get an Injury Loan now.
*
If you are currently going through a personal injury claim, ASK can help
you take care of your financial situation. With an Injury Loan you will be
able to get back on your feet fast. When banks won’t help, we will.
Call 1800 JUST ASK
You deserve a fair go. Just Ask.
Wayne congratulated Geoff on his
achievements over the years in the fight
for improvements to truck drivers’
working conditions and contract-carrier
determinations.
“Life membership is not an honour
to be taken lightly and we have a high
respect for Geoff and what he has done
for our members over 36 years,” he said.
We congratulate Geoff on his life
membership and hope he has more time
to surf now he has retired as Chairman.
Members at Toll Carrington support Safe Rates
D
elegates Mark Wilkinson and Dave Hardes called a
meeting at Toll Transport in Carrington and invited
NSW State Secretary Wayne Forno and Newcastle and
Northern Sub-branch Secretary Mick Forbes to speak about
the Safe Rates campaign. Members at the yard were very
much in favour of the campaign and took a vote to show
their support.
According to Mark Wilkinson, “It is important for all
transport workers to have safe and sustainable rates of pay
and legislation that will ensure safe practices in the road
transport industry — not only for owner-drivers, but also
for employee drivers.”
( 1800 587 827 )
“Safe Rates is something that will eventually affect us
all,” Dave Hardes added. “We need enforceable legislation
to ensure there is not a race to the bottom when it come to
rates and safety.”
*Terms and conditions apply - approved applicants only.
26 • TWU News Winter 2010
eoff Jones, from Newcastle, was
the Sub-branch executive, most recently
awarded life membership in April.
as Chairman. Geoff retired as Chairman
Geoff has worked in the transport industry this year, handing over to Ian Jack.
for 38 years and has been an extremely
What Geoff values more than
active TWU member for all of those years.
anything about the TWU, he says, is
It all started when Geoff returned
“the respect and friendship I received
from Vietnam and landed himself a job
from my men as a Delegate and
with TNT in 1973. He joined the TWU
executive representative”.
immediately.
When presented with his life
Geoff became a Delegate in 1974, and
membership by State Secretary Wayne
moved on to be a long-term member of
Forno, Geoff said, “Out of all the proud
www.nswtwu.org
www.nswtwu.org
TOLL Carrington TWU members vote to
support the Convoy to Canberra
TWU News Winter 2010 • 27
New Deals For Members • Campbells Wholesale Groceries
 Don’t pay Retail again!
ws.
the catalogue delivered with TWU ene
 New Specials every fortnight check
 Over 12,000 products in stock
 Mostly single purchases, no liquor.
TWU Members just show your Members
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Plus Card - the card that SAVES!
Harbour, Northmead, Orange,
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ra,
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ots
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Newcastle, Tamworth, and Wagga Wa
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More Choices, More Savings
Your favourite stores, the best discounts!
Offer valid for new members only.
SAVE everyday when you pre-purchase Gift Cards.
South Coast and Southern Sub-branch NEWS
By Sub-branch Secretary Richard Olsen
Putting the focus on
workplace safety
We marked Workers’
Memorial Day on 28
April with a ceremony in
Wollongong.
Right: South Coast and
Southern Sub-branch
Secretary Richard Olsen,
South Coast Official Lee
Lawler, Branch committee of
Management member Brian
Beckwith, Premier Illawarra
Delegate Dave Cole, and
Duren Transport Delegate
John Soper attended the
ceremony.
Inset: Richard Olsen, MUA
South Coast Secretary
Gary Keane, Member for
Wollongong Noreen Hay and
Minister for the Illawarra Paul
McLeay, show their respect
for the dead, and support for
preventing workplace deaths
in the future.
www.nswtwu.org and follow the links
within the members area.
Try Quickflix for FREE with up to 8 movie rentals
over 30 days. If you enjoy Quickflix then continue
to rent DVDs after your trial.
If you don't, then cancel your trial and you won't pay
a thing. Visit the TWU website for details.
Visit www.nswtwu.org and follow the links to Gift Cards
to view the latest new Gift Card inclusions and to place
your order.
Better working conditions with new depot at Premier Illawarra
See website for full details. To receive a discount, you must pre-purchase Gift Cards from Where To Enjoy member benefits.
You cannot present your member card at the stores listed above, you must pre-purchase the discounted gift cards to receive the discount.
Cinema Tickets
Pre-purchase movie tickets and save
up to 30% off the normal retail price.
What to do:
Visit www.nswtwu.org & follow the links to Tickets.
Or
Call 1800 352 600 and quote “Where To Enjoy” to order.
Tickets are pre-purchased and are posted to
your address. See website for full details.
M
embers at Premier Illawarra now have upgraded driver facilities
and more parking for the bus fleet, which will alleviate the
overcrowding problems from the old depot and greatly improve safety
on site.
HARVEY WORLD TRAVEL Parramatta & Wetherill Park
‹ 5% discount off holiday packages including accommodation and airfares*
‹ 5% discount on Domestic and International Accommodation booked 25+
days in advance*
‹ $100.00 per person discount off selected international and
domestic coach tours
‹ 5% discount off selected Adventure tour operators
including Intrepid Travel
‹ Minimum 30% off P&O and Princess Cruises fares,
including onboard credit on selected departures*
This is all happening as part of the move from the old depot to the
new depot at Unanderra.
SPECIAL
DEALS
FOR TWU
MEMBERS
A lot of work has been done to get the depot operational but there
is still work to be done.
Our delegates are working closely with the company to ensure a
smooth transition to the new premises.
‹ 30% off Covermore Options Travel Insurance including
24hr emergency assist.
Contact Michael Porter mporter.parramatta@harveyworld.com.au
Parramatta: Ph: 02 9635 6433 • Wetherill Park: Ph: 02 9604 1455
www.harveyworld.com/au/parramatta
Delegate David Cole and Co-delegate Les Wenham
are pleased that drivers have improved facilities
These specials only available at HWT Parramatta and Wetherill Park. Lic 2TA5273. * Flights to be quoted at
time of booking. * Conditions Apply. * Subject to availability. Some deals may be cancelled without notice.
28 • TWU News Winter 2010
www.nswtwu.org
www.nswtwu.org
TWU News Winter 2010 • 29
S
enior officials from The All Japan
Federation of Transport Workers’
Unions visited TWU HQ in Parramatta
on 12 April, allowing us to build on
our strong relationship with Japanese
transport unions and share intelligence
about the operations of companies in
Australia and Japan.
All Japan Federation of Transport
Workers’ Unions President Masao
Yamaura said the federation represents
120,000 members in Japan working at
600 companies, covering mainly truck
drivers.
TWU State Secretary Wayne Forno
Colour this picture in then send it in for
your chance to win a great prize !
Building
strength:
Wayne Forno
with the
All Japan
Federation
of Transport
Workers’
Unions
delegation
welcomed the Japanese unions to
Australia and discussions were focused
on the major employer groups in the
Australian transport industry, how the
TWU is approaching negotiations with
them, and how the TWU is getting the
best outcome for our members.
Great p
A $50 rizes
vo
plus TW ucher
U
poster cap,
and
sticker
s.
KIDS
Working Together
Wayne and President Yamaura
agreed to continue to build strength
by working together and sharing
information on companies which
employ our members in Japan and
Australia, starting with TOLL.
Maurice Blackburn - compensation lawyers
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™;gZZÅghiXdchjaiVi^dc[dgILJbZbWZgh#
™;gZZiZaZe]dcZVYk^XZ#
™;gZZL^aa[dgndjVcYndjghedjhZ#
™Cdl^c"CdX]Vg\Z#
Name:________________________________________________
Contact the TWU for a referral on 9912 0700.
Age: _______________ Phone: ____________________________
™BdidgKZ]^XaZ8dbeZchVi^dc8aV^bh™Ldg`eaVXZ8dbeZchVi^dc
™BZY^XVaAVl™HjeZgVccjVi^dc>chjgVcXZ8aV^bh™CZ\a^\ZcXZ8aV^bh
™8dbbZgX^VaAVl™8aVhh6Xi^dch™Di]ZgaZ\VahZgk^XZh
Address: _____________________________________________
1. What do snowmen
like to eat for
breakfast?
_____________________________________________________
Frosted Flakes!
Send entries to Kids Corner c/o TWU News
PO Box 649 Parramatta 2124.
2. Where do snowmen keep their money?
www.ActivityVillage.co.uk - Keeping Kids Busy
HnYcZnCZlXVhiaZEVggVbViiV8VcWZggVLdaadc\dc\
In a snow bank
Once again it was a tough job
picking a winner from all of our
super entries. Harry Cloake (aged
5, from West Wallsend) was
the winner of our Spring edition
competition.
6YkZgi^h^c\gZhig^Xi^dchegd]^W^ijh[gdba^hi^c\djg[jaagVc\Zd[hZgk^XZh#
8dciVXindjgjc^dc[dg[jgi]Zg^c[dgbVi^dc#
8dcY^i^dchVeean
www.mauriceblackburn.com.au
Maurice Blackburn Regional visits: Coffs Harbour: 13 July, 24 August • Armidale: 14 July, 25 August •
Keep up the good work and send
your entry in!
Tamworth: 15 July, 26 August • Wagga Wagga: 14 July, 24 August • Dubbo: 21 July, 31 August
Parramatta and Sydney - daily by appointment • Newcastle and Wollongong - by appointment
30 • TWU News Winter 2010
www.nswtwu.org
www.nswtwu.org
3. What do you get when you cross a
snowman and a vampire?
Frost Bite
4. What do you call a
snowman in the summer?
A puddle!
TWU News Winter 2010 • 31
CORNER
Colour Competition
Close co-operation with
our Japanese friends
transportworkers’unionconference2010
august26and27
Delegates, Co-delegates, & Activists in
non-delegate yards: It’s conference time!
“Come along to Delegates’ Conference 2010 to celebrate a year of wins, and
to discuss our strategy for the coming year. It’s a great opportunity to swap
stories and news with your fellow delegates, and I look forward to seeing you
on August 26 and 27.”
TWU NSW Secretary Wayne Forno
Conference will be
held on 26th - 27th
e
August 2010 at th
se,
Rosehill Racecour
James Ruse Drive,
Rosehill.
Find out more ring
(02) 9912 0700.
Special Guest Speakers
Glenn Boss
three times
Melbourne
Cup winner
Mark
Winterbottom
V8 super car
champion
With the triple Melbourne Cup
triumphs, Glen Boss is one of
Australia’s most accomplished and
successful jockeys piloting Makybe
Diva to successive victories in the 2003,
2004 and 2005 Melbourne Cups.
Mark signed with FPR in 2006 and has
earned his renewed three-year FPR
contract with the team after a stellar
performance from year one, when he
finished third overall. He returns to FPR
in 2010, in his fifth consecutive season.
Many more special guest speakers and also hear from your
fellow TWU members about current campaigns and actions.
Come along to Conference 2010
and have a say about your future!
Over $20,000 in great prizes to be won, including our
major prize valued at over $3,000 – a package holiday
for two adults to Norfolk Island with 7 nights at the
Bounty Lodge self contained apartment. Return airfares,
breakfasts with 7 day’s car hire are included.