Print Post Approved PP 241 613 0059 TWU News Sydney & Central The Official Journal of the Transport Workers' Union NSW Branch • Issue 49 • Summer2006/07 "That's what being a TWU member is all about." TWU Delegate Wins Workcover Safety Award TWU Heroes Speak Out at Conference 2006 ook IN THIS EDITION: • Victory for Casuals at Caterair • Long Haul Drivers Win Safety Fight • Protecting Australian Jobs • Get on the Roll • Ansett Remembered - the Fight Goes On TWU Ũ Members Plus s 2007 TWU Member Benefits and Discount Handbook Coming soon: Your new Members Plus book BREAKINGNEWS TWU Win: NSW IRC Rules Companies Accountable Truck driver across NSW are celebrating following the full bench of the NSW Independent Industrial Relations Commission ruling on 21 November that transport companies must be held accountable for the way goods are moved on our roads. Truck drivers who gave evidence from across the State gathered to hear the landmark court ruling which now requires transport operators to put in place safe rates of pay and be held legally responsible for the way they ask employees and owner-drivers to perform their work. “This ground-breaking decision that moves beyond WorkChoices is the first of its kind in NSW. It could not have been won without the countless number of TWU members who have spoken about the pressures of being a long haul driver in the transport industry,” said Tony Sheldon. One such driver present at the ruling was Robert Burles who welcomed the news saying it was a step towards making sure the number of fatalities and injuries on our roads are reduced. “For too long the big companies have treated drivers like battery hens with Tony Sheldon talks to members little regard as to how fatigued they after the decision: are or how they get the work done. Hopefully this ruling will put an end "This is an historic win for all to that by making sure transport transport workers and their families." companies don’t get off scot-free when • Drivers are able to take proper rest an accident occurs,” said Mr Burles. breaks (rather than imposed “rest” breaks where drivers are merely So far this year 81 people have been holding positions in delivery queues); killed on NSW roads in heavy vehicle accidents and hundreds more across • Companies provide and pay for all the country. OH&S “Blue Card” safety training so drivers know their rights and Thanks to the pressure applied by obligation; TWU members transport companies • Companies develop, in consultation must now legally make sure: with the workforce and where appropriate the union, drug and • Payment systems are safe and alcohol policies focused on the need adequate for each journey so that to address the causes of fatigue drivers are not forced to stay on the and other pressures such as client road for too long especially where pressure and the abuse of payment payments are based on kilometre systems. driven; Campaign Delivers for TWU Members at ACTION Buses The decision by TWU ACTION Bus members in Canberra to fight the government's plan to cut over $6 million from ACTION’s operating budget has paid off. As a result of the drivers’ determination to fight and their commitment to their workmates, the Government has revised its position with a new offer of a little over one million dollars in cuts. “Thanks to swift action, TWU members and their families have achieved a good result for drivers and the ACT community,” said Canberra TWU Secretary, Scott Connolly. My family and I Want More Action, Not Less! The ACT Government has recently announced its intention to introduce significant cuts to Action Buses. As a result, Action management are proposing massive cuts to: ➤ Weekend and off peak services that currently provide critical public transport services to the most needy and vulnerable members of our community, including pensioners, school children and the underemployed. Significant cuts to drivers working conditions and job security are also being proposed. “All TWU ACTION members deserve to be congratulated for their efforts and hard work. Action also wants all interchanges to be unmanned – putting the public and drivers at risk. At a time when demands for Action services are increasing like never before and as fuel prices continue to rise, the Government’s decision is an attack on all members of the ACT community. To convince the Government to reverse their decision, ACTION Drivers Need Your Help. Tell the Government you want more ACTION, not less! 444Please complete this postcard and return it to your driver or post it today ! act bus card.indd 2 “It was not an easy fight to win and involved months of community campaigning, stop work meetings and making sure countless of commuters were aware of the health and safety issues that were going to be jeopardised by such a cut.” As a result of the TWU 6/7/06 11:49:30 AM Over 10,000 petitions were presented to ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope campaign, split shifts have been reduced to a minimum over school holiday periods. Drivers have also been able to maintain all existing conditions and provisions. Your TWU • State Secretary Tony Sheldon • 31 Cowper St Parramatta 2150 • (02) 9912 0700 • www.nswtwu.org 2 • twunewssummer 2006/07 www.nswtwu.org TWUSECRETARY Stop Aussie Jobs Being Auctioned Off Overseas Stronger Than Ever You may be aware I have been re-elected unopposed as National and NSW State Secretary. I am honoured to lead our great union and the 85,000 TWU members across Australia at a time when workers need defending more than ever. ▼ The TWU has stepped up its fight against moves by the Federal Government to negotiate labour agreements that will allow the importation of foreign truck drivers into the transport industry. TWU Secretary Tony Sheldon talks to members at Toll Priority about the importance of maintaining fair rates and safe working conditions Truck driver Bruce Lyttle, speaking about the issue at the recent TWU Dozens of TWU members have been Delegates conference said he was ringing coalition members of parliament concerned that foreign drivers would to convince them that such a scheme have to do whatever was asked of would only help destroy the trucking them otherwise they would risk losing industry and force rates to unsafe their jobs and be deported. levels. “If the Government and some “TWU members all agree plans to members of the ATA are serious bring in workers from overseas will about fixing shortages then they mean foreign drivers will be paid below would back calls to strengthen the market rates to do the same job as industry and entice workers back, their Australian counterparts – driving not force drivers here to compete down wages and conditions for all in with the pay rates and conditions of the industry,” said Tony Sheldon. poorer countries,” said Mr Lyttle. "Any plans to lower wages will cause more drivers to leave the industry and put those who are left in dangerous situations because they will be forced to drive longer and faster to compete." Register The TWU has set up a register calling for drivers to sign up to the industry. To find out more call the TWU Call Centre on (02) 9912 0700. TWU "Family of the Year" also takes out Workcover Award At this year's TWU delegates conference Toll Delegate Ron Christiansen and his wife Michelle were awarded TWU Family of the Year. This recognises the great contribution of TWU families for their hard work and commitment. Ron was also presented with the 2006 Best Individual Contribution to Workplace Health and Safety Workcover award by NSW IR Minister John Della Bosca. www.nswtwu.org Congratulations also to the dozens of other candidates who have been elected unopposed, in particular Wade Noonan who was elected as Assistant National Secretary (Victoria) with over 80% of the vote. 90% of elected TWU officials are from the rank and file of the union offering you a direct say in how your union is run. In the last 12 months the TWU has fought hard against government legislation which has sought to cripple transport workers and their families. At a time when the Howard Government is trying to destroy the union movement, we have had significant wins in the workplace. Members' actions have meant TWU members' jobs have been reclaimed when the new workplace laws allowed them to be sacked. Members have fought hard to have their work and pay conditions reinstated. Members have stopped at nothing to make sure the Federal Government took notice of their opposition to the Independent Contractors Act. This meant members have won exemptions for owner drivers. Members have lobbied hard so that the NSW government is putting in place chain of responsibility legislation which forces clients to be held accountable in the transport industry. I thank all TWU delegates, members and their families for their commitment in 2006 and look forward to being stronger than ever in 2007. Season's Greetings to all members and their families from officials and staff at the TWU. Tony Sheldon twunewssummer 2006/07 • 3 Workers Rally Against WorkChoices Kevin Rudd: Labor Will Scrap WorkChoices On Thursday 30th November TWU members joined rallies across Australia to protest against the Howard Government's extreme IR laws. "It is more important than ever for Australians to work towards electing a government that will protect workers, now and in the future," said TWU Secretary Tony Sheldon. New Federal Labor leader Kevin Rudd has promised that a Labor Government will scrap the Howard Government’s WorkChoices, and the AWAs – individual contracts – that strip workers of their legitimate entitlements and cut pay rates. “When I travel the length and breadth of this country and talk to working families, people ask this question: they are concerned about their kids becoming guinea pigs in this new dangerous experiment of John Howard’s, which he calls WorkChoices,” Mr Rudd said. “The Australian people want a strong economy, they want to look after their families and they want to look after themselves. But they don’t want to throw fairness out the back door. And that is what we have seen too much of with the Howard government.” “Australians are looking for a new style of leadership and are looking to protect fairness at work and fairness beyond work. They’re looking to protect that traditional Australian fair go.” 4 • twunewssummer 2006/07 www.nswtwu.org "I'd risk my life again" Seven months after losing both his legs assisting another driver at an accident, Startrack driver David McArdle received the inaugural TWU Member of the Year Award to a standing ovation at the TWU delegates conference. David was on his way to work early one morning when he stopped to help a woman who had run into the guard rail on the M4. He leaned into her car to turn on the Hazard lights and was suddenly hit by a semi-trailer and two more cars. Although this act of kindness resulted in the horrific accident that lost David both his legs, he insists he would do it all again. TWU representative Keith McGukin said it was the courage and strength shown by David throughout his ordeal that won him the award and the support of fellow TWU members. David has refused to let the loss of his legs affect his life and he spoke to delegates about his life following the horrific accident, “Lying in bed moping – where’s that going to get you? Nowhere!” David has been quick to get his life back on track and despite having undergone extensive and numerous surgeries he and his fiancée Jenny Sharp married as planned on November 11th. Since the accident the TWU has been working with fundraisers to raise money for David and Jenny. "Thanks to a generous response from TWU members we have reached our fundraiser target for David eight times over raising around $80,000 for the newly weds," said Tony Sheldon. David’s incredible courage and support from his family and the TWU means that David can get back on track and continue his life as planned. Surprise win for David - see page 6 “I am just an ordinary person. We are truck drivers and we are a professional bunch of people. We stop and help people out - that’s what we do. And we hope that if we are ever in that situation someone stops and helps us out,” said David after receiving the award from NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, John Della Bosca. Never Give Up Former cricket star and funnyman Kerry O’Keefe brought some light relief to the conference and entertained delegates with his stories. Through his own personal experiences he emphasised how important it is to keep fighting and to never give up. secure the future transport workers union (nsw & act) conference 2006 5twunewsSUMMER2006/07 CONFERENCESPECIAL2007 TWU Hero of the Year says CONFERENCESPECIAL2007 Delegate donates major prize: "That's what being a TWU member is all about." The cruise was donated by Captain Cook Cruises valued at over $3800. David AcArdle received an unexpected and generous gift at the TWU delegate’s conference through an act of generosity that moved all who were there. Some of our other prize winners Dennis Wilcox hands his prize over to David McArdle who was overjoyed at Dennis' generosity applause and a standing ovation from all the delegates. The winner of the major prize at The prize included a three night the conference, TWU delegate Captain Cook cruise for two Dennis Wilcox, donated his prize exploring the Fiji Islands - a to David. prize worth over $3,800. This generosity and David’s own story When it was announced that reminds us what it is to help out Dennis had won the prize at those in need. the conference he immediately announced, “I want to donate this As TWU President George Clark prize to David and Jenny.” emotionally said upon Dennis giving his prize to David, “That’s The moment was truly what being a TWU member is all memorable, the spontaneous announcement receiving a huge about.” All Workers Must Be Paid Fairly Chris Mercieca of Amazon Outdoors presents Chris Curry of Cootes Tankers at Shell Parramatta with an Alloy folding picnic chair and Steve Ackley of Sita Waste Services with an Overhead fishing Rod and Reel combo. David Andrew of Toll Minchinbury receives a box of fruit from Fruit Only. Toll Ipec LOD Jeff Osborne receives a $200 Wish Card from Allan Copeland of Australian Broking And Risk Services. Delegates Take Direct Action During a break in conference delegates took action on the misuse of 457 visas. Each rang local Members of Parliament and Ministers to express their concerns. They reported back to the conference and were congratulated on their swift action. The Federal Government’s plan to consider opening up The TWU will fight the 457 visa scheme to the trucking industry and bring in to make sure that workers from overseas will mean foreign drivers will be paid transport jobs are below market rates to do the same job as their Australian not auctioned off to counterparts. This will drive down wages, conditions and overseas workers. safety for all in the industry. (for more details see page 3) 6 • twunewssummer 2006/07 www.nswtwu.org Shadow Immigration Minister Tony Burke outlined to conference delegates examples of the shocking working conditions forced on some immigrants. There are implications for every Australian worker if overseas workers on 457s are paid lower than other Australians. 6twunewsSUMMER2006/07 WU W WU T WU W WU T U TWU T U TWU T U TWU W W W WU T U TWU T U TWU T U TWU W W W T T T U U U TWTUWHeroe TW TW TW TWU TWUs Award TWU TWU WU TWU WU TWU WU TW T T T U U U TW TW TW TW U U U W W W UT UT UT U TW TWU TW TWU TW TWU T WU WU WU WU T U TWU T U TWU T U TWU T W TWrded WU TW WU T U TWUAwa WU W WU Tto WU T WU T U TWU T U TWU T U TWU W T TW U TW TW WUandi anToutst W TWU for T ng U cont U U ribu tionW TW comm TW WU T U TW TWU Wand TWUitmeW ntUtoTTWU T U bersWand U Ttheir fami U TW T W TWU mem lies. UT U TW U U TW TWU TW TWU TW T W T U WU WU WU WU T WU T WU T WU T U TWU T U TWU T U TWU T W W W WU T U TWU T U TWU T U TWU W W W WU T U TWU T U TWU T U TWU Se W W cur W T ing T T the TFu WUture U TW TWU WU TWU W T T U TW TWU WU TWU WU TWU WU TW T T T TWU WU TWU WU TWU WU TW T WU T T 2006 öõ Heroes Awards 2006 At Conference, many delegates were awarded Hero Awards for for their outstanding contribution and commitment to TWU members and their families. Several delegates Craig Wilkinson, Ralph Lever, Debbie Reynolds, Peter Hannen and Peter Silles outlined their experiences to the conference. Waste Delegate Debbie Reynolds was one of the delegates awarded a “TWU Hero” Award at conference. Debbie and fellow members on the central coast have been fighting an attack made possible because of WorkChoices that will mean a $340 per week pay cut. “I will do what I can - why should we be put down because of what we do?” More information about this issue can be found on our website. To get involved please visit www.nswtwu.org Gary Low Lyle Martin Doug Fox Barry Beach Joe Brugnoni Warren Jenner Steve Purdy Paul Wellard Rick Mastop Bob Hayden Tony McNulty Ray Childs Paul Dewberry Tony Upton Rob Rullo Michael Evans Phil Ramendino Tony Mathews Julie Calabro Leslie Wells Luciana Rullo Barry Moore Richard Smith Phil Connors Gary Blackmore Russell Stanford Wayne Shepherd Euan Scott-Bell Keith McCulloch Dean Ponting Scott McIntyre Robbie Woods Craig Wilkinson Frank Masaros Barry Hupton Ralph Lever Paul Walsh Col & Roz Neale Trevor Binskin Debbie Reynolds Hanson Toll car carrying TNT courier Toll Priority Toll R & H Boral Concret SCT Condon Hanson LOD Linfox Armaguard LOD ex Tooheys LOD Tollfast LOD Readymix LOD Hanson LOD TNT Auto LOD Toll Veh Dist LOD TNT LOD Tippers LOD TNT Express Partner of LOD Wife of LOD Partner of LOD Sita Busways Linfox Readymix Sth Coast Equip Scotts Transport Toll Patrick Seaton Chubb Linfox Armaguard Linfox Armaguard Connex-Villawood Westbus Westbus BPX Couriers TNT Couriers Special Award Linfox SMS TWU National & Kevin Wren Bruce Lelievre Geoff Malone Andrew McRae David Hemphill Peter Hannen Darren Neville Chris O’Grady Ivan Quinton Peter Silles Ray Smith Peter Oreskovic Denis Zorzi Michael Moore Bob Rignall Danny Dooley Scott Dawson Joe Mazza Mark Carney Sheryl Pulham Jim Dionysopoulos Lindsay Robinson Tony Sheldon State Secretary Red Bus Boral Armaguard SITA SITA ACT Ambulance ACT Ambulance Qantas ACTION Buses ACTION Buses ACTION Buses ACTION Buses ACTION Buses Toll Priority Toll DX Qantas International Qantas Domestic Qantas International Qantas Domestic Caterair Qantas International Virgin Pit Crew secure the future transport workers union (nsw & act) www.nswtwu.org conference twunewssummer 2006/07 • 7 2006 7twunewsSUMMER2006/07 CONFERENCESPECIAL2007 Heroes Take a Bow Scotts McColls want AWAs across the company ▼ The TWU is currently engaged in a national campaign to protect members from substandard individual contracts (AWAs) at the newly formed Scotts McColls Group. Purchased by private equity firm ABN Amro in 2005, the Scotts McColls Group has rapidly become the nation’s largest temperature controlled transport player. The group consists of Scotts Refrigerated Freightways, McColls Transport and ID Transport, employs 1,200 people and has a fleet of 450 prime movers. However, it’s the company’s approach to industrial relations that has members scratching their heads in confusion. The Group’s CEO seems to think that workers are happy to negotiate one-onone, without any representation or bargaining power. TWU members at Scotts know that they achieve more by standing together as a united group and will not accept the company’s ‘divide and conquer’ approach. Colin Abrahams from Scotts Refrigerated Freightways at Prestons said he was confident they could overcome the company’s push for AWA’s. “They hate that we work as a team and they want to split us up to get us on individual agreements. But I don’t think they realise what they’re up against. We are a full blooded yard and we are not prepared to stand by while our job security is threatened,” Mr Abrahams said. TWU Federal Assistant Secretary Wade Noonan and Sydney Sub Branch Secretary Bruce Penton join members. "We are not prepared to stand by while our job security is threatened." The TWU has run a comparison between the Scotts AWA and the union collective agreements at McColls. The comparison shows that the individual contracts at Scotts do the following: • Introduces flat hourly rates of pay for all hours worked; • Scraps overtime and meal allowances; • Reduces weekend and public holiday rates; • Cuts casual loadings; • Reduces the number of rostered days off per year; • Wipes any accrued sick leave for ex-ID Transport drivers; • Restricts future wage increases to CPI. Whilst, many Scotts workers were placed under enormous pressure to sign their contracts, the TWU now acts for a growing group of workers across the country who are determined to succeed in their battle to win a fair go. GA HIN ND FOOTWEAR U NIO N OI NT E RVIC SE ED IT UN EX TI L SAY AN D Enrolling to vote is free. If you have any questions about enrolling to vote contact the TWU Call Centre on (02) 9912 0700. www.nswtwu.org KIDSCORNER says Merry Christmas (from page 21) HAVE YOUR OT CL AJ ROLL E S UNION SU NI O GET ON T HE N, T 8 • twunewssummer 2006/07 ALTH SER VIC E WORKERS UNIO The Transport Workers Union PO Box 649 (no postage required) PARRAMATTA NSW 2124 OR 2. Visit your TWU at 31 Cowper St Parramatta, get your enrolment forms and complete them on the spot. HE HE RT PO NS 1. Call your TWU Call Centre on (02) 9912 0700, get your enrolment forms and post them to: FT RA ,T How Can You Get On the Electoral Roll? • O VE TI IA IT N You must be on the electoral roll to vote at the next Federal election. The laws have recently changed; when the next Federal election is announced you will have less then one day to get on the electoral roll - unless you are already on it. If you are not enrolled by then you will lose your right to vote. IN Get on the Roll and have your say about WorkChoices. ICA Passed: TWU Members Win a Fair Go for Owner Drivers The Independent Contractors Bill passed the House of Reps on 13 September and the Senate on 1st December with exemptions for NSW and Victorian Owner Drivers. This astounding success represents a hard fought campaign by TWU members and their families. Several Members of Parliament commended the work of TWU members in lobbying to achieve protections for owner-drivers. Protections for owner-drivers were consistently challenged since they were announced by the Government however TWU members continued to maintain pressure on the Government not to walk away from the commitment it made to ownerdrivers. Over 250 phone calls were made and over 50 letters and emails sent by drivers and their families to Senators reminding them of the importance of the protections, for their business and safety. Senators Glenn Sterle, Steve Hutchins and Stephen Conroy together with other MPs all made speeches in Parliament supporting owner-drivers. To read their speeches please visit the TWU website www.nswtwu.org There will be a National review into owner-driver laws in 2007. “I think the evidence the committee received from those workers – those owner drivers – was some of the best evidence that has ever been presented to a committee of this parliament." Jill Hall ALP Member for Shortland, Hansard 11/9/06 “It is clear that owner-drivers ... did wage a successful campaign to convince the government to place a clause in this bill. Indeed, I am sure that is the many other people affected by the bill had the capacity to drive large rigs around Parliament House and draw such visual attention to their concerns they might have got a fairer treatment too.” Sharon Bird ALP Member for Cunningham, Hansard 11/9/06 “..due in large to the very effective campaign by the (TWU), who fought so vigorously on behalf of their members – and I certainly congratulate them on how effectively they fought – against this legislation, owner-drivers in NSW and Vic have been exempted from this legislation.” Justine Elliot ALP Member for Richmond, Hansard 11/9/06 “..that exemption is a result of the hard work and determination of the (TWU) to secure an exemption from this legislation.. ...this government was very apprehensive about what the (TWU) might be able to achive if it took another course of action." Craig Emerson ALP Member for Rankin, Hansard 11/9/06 “I congratulate the Transport Workers Union for negotiating this concession. I attended a briefing which they put on in this place last year... members from both sides came to the briefing. It was a very moving presentation in which owner drivers begged to be allowed to have their union continue to represent them... the government has wilted under the pressure from the TWU and owner-drivers...” Chris Bowen ALP Member for Prospect, Hansard 11/9/06 “..if you ever wanted an argument for the power of trade unions, if you ever wanted an argument for trade unions being able to deliver a result..." Tony Burke ALP Member for Watson, Hansard 11/9/06 www.nswtwu.org twunewssummer 2006/07 • 9 Casuals Win Permanency at Caterair In a significant victory for a fair go, casual members at Caterair have won a hard fought campaign to become permanent staff. "This is a great step forward for these members and their families," said Senior National Airline Official Scott Connolly. "By being granted permanent status at Caterair these members and their families will have increased job security. With that comes an increase in financial and personal security," Scott said. The over use of casuals and labor hire staff has been a major issue for some time at Caterair and members have had to campaign hard to win. TWU Secretary Tony Sheldon meets with airlines delegates. Right: Caterair Delegates The campaign included meetings with management, workplace petitions and preparing a claim on behalf of casuals. "This is a significant acheivement for the 99 casuals who will now become permanent," said local Organiser Mick Pieri, who congratulated the members for their success. The great news is that the successful EBA negotiations have delivered agreements with protections from WorkChoices covering all TWU members employed both in the kitchens and transport sector at Caterair. "I congratulate all members, especially delegates Cheryl Pullham, Kris Concontias, Phil Hay, John Brennan, Nielia Zabrasica, Fadi Gamean," said Tony Sheldon. Westbus drivers demand an end to bully-boy tactics Bus drivers like Darko Krizmanic stood up against management at Westbus telling the media about his dealings with an ex-army officer employed by Westbus: “We were terrified, scared and speechless. We simply did not know what to say.” Over forty Westbus drivers recently walked off the job in a bid to stop the continued harassment and abuse of staff by some members of management. On November 15, workers at the Bonnyrigg bus depot held urgent stop work meetings after one manager allegedly told intimidating army stories and another came to work wearing a replica gun in a bid to intimidate staff. One manger who was approached by three bus drivers and a union representative to resolve a workplace issue allegedly told the workers the 10 • twunewssummer 2006/07 way he had previously dealt with negotiations in Africa was to place a live bullet on the table and say to the union official “this is for you.” Complaints about how workers were being treated at the Bonnyrigg site were already running high but they were further compounded when another manager came to work wearing a pistol drivers claim looked very much like a real gun. Drivers met to discuss both incidents and demanded the immediate sacking of the two managers. TWU Assistant Secretary, Wayne Forno said these two incidents were not isolated but rather consistent with the pattern of ill-treatment emerging across the Westbus group. “If any of these drivers had behaved like that towards a passenger they would have been dealt with on the spot. That behaviour is unacceptable. Bully-boy tactics have no place at work,” said Wayne Forno. The Union and delegates are in negotiations with the company as this publication goes to print and are strongly putting their demands forward. Further action will be taken until this matter is appropriately solved. www.nswtwu.org Remembering the Ansett collapse: When will the Government Act? It was five years ago on September 12, 2001 when Ansett Airlines collapsed. Sixteen thousand families, owed thousands of dollars in unpaid entitlements and redundancy pay were left jobless. TWU members fought a strong campaign and so far almost 90% of money owed to Ansett employees has been recouped. As a result of the campaign, the Federal Government has been forced to improve entitlement protections for all workers but has so far continued to resist pressure and pay workers out completely, despite collecting over $284 million from travelling passengers in ticket taxes. We are not giving up and not giving in. Come and join us at Kirribilli House on December 22 (for a sixth year in a row) to keep up the fight. TWU News spoke with a survivor of the Ansett collapse, Industrial Officer in the TWU’s Parramatta Contact Centre, Bruce Clark. Bruce was employed at Ansett for 20 years before the collapse. How did it effect your family life? BC: My wife was only working part time so we had to survive on our savings and credit cards. There were no luxuries… sausages became a regular meal. The eldest of our children was doing his HSC and the youngest was in year 10 and both trying to concentrate on their studies. It was hard. What advice can you give to other transport workers? BC: You should ensure you are in a union, make sure you fill in a creditors application and give the proxy to your union to represent you. Attend any meetings that the union calls as this is the best way of giving and getting support through the movement. www.nswtwu.org Bruce Clarke, centre and Dave Lupton, right, with fellow Ansett workers at the time of the collapse. Five years later and workers are still waiting. Inset: Bruce now works at the TWU Call Centre How does your experience help you to give support to TWU members in your new job? BC: When members make contact they are after accurate advice and help. They also need to know that the union is there to support them. No Australian worker should have to wait five years or more to receive their legal entitlements after a corporation collapses. I think my experience helps me to explain to people what their rights are and that they have the support to stand up for themselves in their jobs. Are you still out of pocket? Five years ago the Prime Minister said every cent owed to the Ansett workers would be paid. Five years later, we’re still waiting. I am still owed $18,872.14. This Government has already had five years to guarantee 100% payment to the Ansett families and the families of every Australian worker who loses their jobs after a company collapses. How much longer do we have to wait before we can move on with our lives? TWU Secretary Tony Sheldon has called on the Federal Government to act on workers entitlements. “Until the entitlements of workers are 100% secure, more families like the Clarks will continue face the nightmare the Ansett families have lived through." For more details about the action on December 22 please visit the website www.nswtwu.org Qantas Members Stand Up Against Cuts in Lead up to Christmas Delegates at Qantas Domestic meet with TWU Secretary Tony Sheldon to discuss staffing levels and security TWU members at the international and domestic sides of the tarmac at Sydney airport have made it clear to Qantas that they are sick and tired of being pushed to extremes and having their health and safety put at risk because of management’s failure to address critical staff shortages. Currently, both sides of the ramp are critically understaffed, down over 50 full time positions with the company constantly proposing more jobs cuts and redundancies. At the international ramp, members and delegates have made it clear to management that the current staff shortages need to be urgently addressed, and that they are prepared to take further action to get the matter resolved. On the domestic ramp, members have already held a number of stop work meetings and requested an urgent independent investigation into health, safety and staff shortages. Manning levels, work practices and safety pressures across Qantas operations at Sydney airport need to be addressed. Unless this happens, as the pressures on staff and workloads increase in the busy lead up to Christmas, it is only a matter of time before there is a serious security or safety incident that the community work force will just not tolerate. twunewssummer 2006/07 • 11 Members Plus Deliv U TW Members Plus Ũ tary Sheldon • State Secre T Carr ying Tony Workers Union of NSW W Australia Transport wu.org • (02) 9912 0700 www.nswt U ➤ More great deals delivere your TWU Members Plus M embers Plus has once again scored some great savings for TWU members and their families. 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Ratchet Strap, Ratchet Strap 50mmx9m, 2500 KGS $18.95 ea. 8mmx9m Chain Combo with grab hooks. $49.99 ea. Leaver Loadbinder. $19.95 ea. Prices includes GST. Secure A Load more than Truck Equipment New transport equipment supply company Secure A Load are continuing to expand and develop their range of products. Secure A Load currently operate from branches in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. Their range of products include truck lashing and securing equipment, locking bars/door sets for Trucks, and Cargo protection Products. Please take the time to look at our web site for a larger selection of transport lashing equipment. A compact and hard working air compressor, the new entry level Blue Tongue Budget Air Compressor is the best budget tyre pump for most 4WD users. At just $264, the Kit comes in a hard wearing nylon bag that includes the pump, a compressor hose, a digital pressure gauge, spare fuses, and attachments for inflating footballs and airbeds. It easily inflates all four car tyres with a maximum air pressure of 150 PSI. Single vehicle application recommended. 10% off the Blue Tongue Budget Air Compressor Kit if purchased before 31 March 2007 (offer valid at NSW Sydney Opposite Lock stores only) Contact: Call 1800 62 4444 or visit www. oppositelock.com.au Special: 10% discount for TWU Members New Caledonia. Pacific Sun T Grade special departing 28th January 2007: 9 Nights visiting New Caledonia and Loyalty Islands. Cabin has one upper and one lower bunk. Prices from $995.00 per person. Tasmania from $574.00 per person 7 nights accommodation with TasVillas around Tasmania, 7 days economy manual car hire Includes a bottle of Janz Champagne from one of Tasmania's world class wineries. Tropical North Queensland Pay 3 stay 4 deal The Lakes Cairns Resort from $248.00 per person The resort with it all: familes will enjoy the resort activites, couples will appreciate the hotel services and everyone will love the resort lifestyle. Conditions apply and are subgect to availability at time of booking. All prices quoted are twin share. To receive these discounted prices, please quote your TWU membership number. TWU MEMBERS BENEFIT CARD • TWU MEMBERS BENEFIT CARD ers For You and Your Family d to you by membership ke Bristol Paint & Decorator Centres Full range of paints, accessories, wallpapers and borders. Computerised colour matching and a colour consultancy service. Huge range of paints including Taubmans, White night and Bristol ranges. Virtual Communities Latest Technology • Lowest Prices Acer 4072 Laptop Acer Laptop4072 $1748 or $12.35 per week* subject to approval Pentax E 10 Digital Camera Pentax E 10 Digital 6.0 megapixel Camera $299 Beaurepaires special offer on Beaurepaires & Goodyear products Private Motor Vehicles including 4WD We now belong to the Beaurepaires Partner Program. As a TWU/TCFUA member you are entitled to obtain a 10% discount off the quoted price on Dunlop, Goodyear, Olympic or Sava brand Tyres (normal service and fitting charges apply). – Get your best price first. Simply go to the Beaurepaires Partner Program web site (http;//partner.beaurepaires.com.au), enter your details, print the voucher and present it to your local Beaurepaires store. 30% discount on Interior Broadwall paints (this is a great discount please highlite) FREE DELIVERY. If you do not have access to a website – go to the store. They will print the 10% discount voucher in the store and then use it reduce your price. FREE 30 day help desk support. Century Batteries 20-30% on most other ranges. 24 stores in NSW and 3 in ACT. Low Cost finance avail on purchases over $1000 cond apply. Go to the store and show your union card – we are on a net buying price for car or truck batteries. Phone 131 686 for nearest location or visit the website to view the range www. bristol.com.au 1300 131 789 Other benefits of your Members plus program Coates Hire 25% off the hire rates of any equipment hired with a special deal as well for weekends Pick up late Friday and return Monday morning. And pay for only one day at the discount rate. Ring: 131552 Waeco Fridges full range (PORTABLE 12V OR 24V) 10% off Phone 1800 632 416. Repco Authorised Service Centre. Get your vehicle serviced with Australia”s largest service network. With any vehicle service over $100 TWU/TCFUA members receive 10% off labour. Ring 132868 for your nearest service centre.This offer is available nationwide. Discount approx 30% Trucks Go to the store show your union card and you buy at a net price for TWU/TCFUA members. For your nearest store call 13 28 81 for NSW and the ACT. WWWDISCOUNTNEWCARSCOMAUUNIONS &/2$ (/,$%. 4/9/4! (/.$! 6/,+37!'%. 475-%-"%2"%.%&)43 Discounts of up to 22% for Transport Workers Union members DNC list over 1000 new car models from 30 brands Fairfield City Farm. Farm based attractions, a variety show, exhibits and a big range of native and farmyard animals. Enjoy1 free admission when you purchase a second admission (excludes family pass) Phone 9823 3222 This is a FREE service for all Transport Workers Union members When looking for a genuine discount without the hassles of negotiating a bargain you can now make a no obligation enquiry quickly and easily online via www.discountnewcars.com.au/unions /VERMODELSFROMBRANDS h(5'%3!6).'3v/..%7#!23 #ALLOUR&2%%CUSTOMERSERVICEHOTLINE WWWDISCOUNTNEWCARSCOMAUUNIONS • TWU MEMBERS BENEFIT CARD • TWU MEMBERS BENEFIT CARD Boral Brothers Depart TWU Veterans Stand Up for James Hardie Asbestos Sufferers The “old hands” from Boral Transport at Tomago. (From left to right) Les Lindsey (Co Delegate), Les Lawrence (Delegate), Jimmy “Jimbo” Williams, George “Fog” Redman, Graeme “Noddy” Carr With a combined 74 years of TWU membership behind them, three of the “old hands” from Boral Transport at Tomago are retiring. Jimmy “Jimbo” Williams, George “Fog” Redman and Graeme “Noddy” Carr have put in the hard yards over the years, fighting for the rights of their families and their workmates. They are part of the history of the yard and are responsible for the working conditions and rates of pay in place today. They leave a legacy of union activism for future generations to take on board. Congratulations on your retirement fellas and good luck! In September TWU Veterans joined protests challenging James Hardie company directors to pay up their asbestos liabilities rather then take a 150% payrise. After six years of campaigning and two and a half years of intensive negotiations with James Hardie, unions and asbestos victims groups secured a final deal from the company to compensate Australian victims of its asbestos products on the 21st of November. James Hardie and the NSW Government signed a tax office approved, Amended Final Funding Agreement which will see James Hardie make its first payment to the asbestos compensation fund as soon as February next year. The only thing left to do now before James Hardie commences paying money into the fund is for the agreement to be voted on by James Hardie shareholders which should occur in February next year. Payments will commence immediately after shareholder approval. Australian unions played a vital role in securing this agreement. TWU Veterans recently campaigned for the asbestos victims in Martin Place Sydney. This result proves that together, we can win. The bank for TWU members T Low Cost Home Loans T Award Winning MasterCard T High Interest Savings Account T Low Cost Personal Loans T Business Banking Products Call today on 1300 654 993 or visit www.membersequitybank.com.au Applications are subject to credit approval. Fees and charges apply. Terms and conditions available on request. This is general information only and you should consider whether the product is appropriate for you. 46640 LIB_AD19/1106 TWU-NSW-49 couriers ATTENTION ALL COURIER DRIVERS - DON'T MISS THIS! We Must Protect Hi Daryl, Australian Jobs Dear Daryl I'm a cour Ask a senior member of your industry about your rights. Daryl Ackers and Tony McNulty from Toll Fast give advice to a concerned member. Hi Arnold, The answer to this question will mainly depend on what you agreed to with your principle contractor when you first started, as it will differ in each yard. This is why it is important to keep track of anything you have signed or any information you have been given about the terms of your employment. You might find that if you ask around the yard, other drivers have experienced the same thing. ier, and I have been doing a set ru n for the past 8 months, but the company wants to change my run. I re ally would prefer to stay with the one I know. Wha t rights do I have to k eep my current run? I would appreciate your advi ce. Cheers, Arnold It is important that when you do bring it up with your contractor, that you put it in writing to the manager involved so that you are given a written response. This is your record of the request made. I cannot see any reason why you should have to change runs. It would be quite rare for something like that to be written into a contract. As we know in this industry, the manager might not be around when you need to confirm what was said originally. Maybe it would be a good idea to talk to your delegate about calling a meeting to discuss it with your colleagues. You will have more success if you band to together on these issues. If you are not given a satisfactory answer or no response, contact your driver representatives or TWU organiser. You can then follow the disputes procedures as set out in the Courier contract determination. If you need a question answered, write to Daryl: info@nsw.twu.com.au At the TWU Secure the Future Conference TCFU Branch Secretary Barry Tubner spoke to Delegates about the importance of Government policy in protecting Australian jobs and industry. Following a panel discussion on Chain of Responsibility, Barry said that NSW had ground-breaking laws in Chain of Responsibility because TCFU and TWU members had fought hard to push for laws that would follow the supply chain to the top when prosecuting unsafe worklaws. "We dealt with a responsive government and I congratulate NSW IR Minister John Della Bosca for his support, but it was a long fight for members and one that will not end until we see safe, effective rates for workers at one end of the chain and reponsible management at the other," Barry told the conference. Tooheys campaign gets the thumbs up from Harry Quinn Life member and retired ex- Secretary of NSW Transport Workers Union Harry Quinn, congratulates NSW TWU President George Clarke on the success of the Tooheys campaign where the jobs, entitlements and fair compensation of 57 Brewery drivers were secured. Harry Quinn has watched the progress of the union for over 40 years and was very impressed with the current leadership team and said “their outstanding efforts (show what) a strong union fighting for its members is all about.” www.nswtwu.org twunewssummer 2006/07 • 15 TWU-NSW-49 16 • twunewssummer 2006/07 www.nswtwu.org Training TWU Power Builders During 2006, 137 delegates have been trained as TWU power builders in 4 different training programs. Training has been identified as a great way to build the confidence, skills and activism of delegates, especially in campaigning and enterprise bargaining. The TWU runs four in-house training courses tailored to the specific needs of TWU delegates. ■ Delegates Introduction (1 day): designed specifically for delegates with no previous training or less than 6 months experience. ■ Building Power (2 days): designed for delegates with 12 months experience or who have already completed Delegates Introduction. Aims to build skills in organising and power building to win at work. ■ Advanced Organising (2 days): designed to develop the skills of experienced delegates so they can play a leadership role in organising within their company or industry for major campaigns or wage negotiations. ■ Organising around OH&S (1 day): Designed to provide delegates with broad OH&S skills, and strategies on how they can become actively incocled in the OH&S structure in their workplace. We spoke to four of the delegates at a recent 2 day Building Power Course. Bob Vance - Patricks Logistics, Arndell Park “Meeting other people at the training course gives you an insight into how they solve their own yard issues. It helps you to think about the different approaches you might take in your yard. You develop more sophisticated strategies for dealing with industrial disputes. The “old-style” unionism just doesn’t exist any more so we have to find new ways to move forward.” Henry Brown - TNT Chullora “Training courses change the way you think about your role as a delegate. We’re not here because of Howard and his laws, and we’re am not here to cause problems for the boss. We’re here because we care about our workplace. Sadly, these laws do have an impact, but training is important because it helps you think about ways to get around them, legally.” Darryl Woods - Camsons Minchinbury “I recommend all new delegates do the training courses. It gives you the information, communication skills and listening skills to get to the source of the issue and gives you the confidence to deal with it. You come back with more of an understanding of your award, of the new IR laws or with information about your EBA.” John Egliens - Tolls, Yennora “I realised during the training course, that you’ll be a lot more successful if you have all the facts under your belt before you meet with management on an issue. You need to be ready and prepared. It opens your eyes to the different things you can do as a delegate and teaches you a step by step process for how to approach things.” Delegates training is run in each sub-branch throughout the year. For more information about delegates training, contact your organiser. www.nswtwu.org ACT Ambos Demand More Support At a recent meeting TWU ACT Ambulance Service (ACTAS) members voted unanimously to pass a formal vote of no confidence in Senior ACTAS and Emergency Services Authority (ESA) management. The members, who are sick and tired of having their urgent staffing and resources needs ignored by management and the bureaucracy in the ESA have also demanded an urgent independent inquiry by the Department of Justice and Community Safety (JACS) and the TWU into ACTAS and ESA management practices. "The ESA continues to rely on the goodwill and willingness of Ambulance officers to go beyond the call of duty and get the job done in the interest of the ACT community,” said TWU ACT Secretary Scott Connolly. "This is not good enough." “Management and the ESA have known for some time that ACT Ambulance Officers are at breaking point. Staff workload has massively increased. Sick leave, fatigue and resignations are rising steadily. Rosters and minimum crewing numbers are constantly under strain and officers are being required to work excessive amounts of overtime just to keep the service on the road,” Scott Connolly said. The TWU argues that Senior ACTAS management and the ESA are fully aware that on-road Ambulance paramedic resources have not increased since 2001 despite a massive increase in officer workload. For the past 5 years the service has been able to survive on the goodwill of staff. “With staff workloads through the roof and the services capacity to respond to life threatening category one cases within the standard 8 minute response times reported to be as low as 50%, the goodwill of staff is all but exhausted,” said Scott. “Management and the ESA are not supporting staff, and recently suspended a highly commended officer without first providing them the opportunity to respond.” "Therefore the members have also voted to immediately exercise their rights to take adequate breaks between shifts and not work voluntary overtime until their colleague is reinstated," said Scott. twunewssummer 2006/07 • 17 If you work in the secure areas of a port, ship or offshore oil and gas facility, you may need a Maritime Security Identifi cation Card (MSIC). You should apply right now. Wearing the card will become mandatory from 1 January 2007 and penalties could be applied right now if you haven’t got your application in. What to do: Ask your employer or issuing body if you need an MSIC. For a list of issuing bodies or to get more information on this new identity card, call the Department of Transport and Regional Services on 1800 052 002 or go the website: www.dotars.gov.au You must show your MSIC every time you enter the secure areas of ports from 1 January 2007. Many ports might ask you to show your MSIC before then. Time is running out CALL 1800 052 002 Apply now for a Maritime Security Identification card to get more information on this new identity card or go to the website: www.dotars.gov.au hmaC054566 Australian Transport & Logistcs Co. Pty Ltd 6-10 Burrows Road South, St Peters, NSW 2044 Ph: (02) 9516 0800 Fax: (02) 9516 0899 Mobile: 0418 919 983 Flynn Transport Pty Ltd 4 Rifle Range Road, Tuncester, NSW 2408 Ph: (02) 6622 8222 Fax: (02) 6622 0020 Mobile: 0410 661 002, 0415 661 923 Rove Transport P.O. Box 8268, Tumbi Umbi, NSW 2261 Ph: (02) 4388 6131 Fax: (02) 4388 3127 Mobile: 0412 965 809 Kingston Heavy Haulage P.O. Box 476, St. Marys, NSW 1790 Ph: (02) 4732 8400 Fax: (02) 4721 1532 NSW Freight Lines 8-10 Bosci Road, Ingleburn, NSW 2565 Ph: (02) 9829 4044 Fax: (02) 9829 4068 Mobile: 0418 749 746, 0412 315 887 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 & 12m3 9712 5356 www.aussieskips.com.au TWU-NSW-49 P.O. Box 376, Five Dock 2046 GIVE BLOOD TWU-NSW-49 H.V.C. Movement Engineers Pty Ltd For all Your Industrial Relocations Own Recycling Yard for better resource recovery Offering: • Machinery Handling • Containerisation • Storage • Project Management • Industrial Relocations • Complete Turnkey Operations Ph 9642 0088 – Fax 9642 0188 P.O. Box 656, Padstow, NSW 2211 www.relocate.com.au moving@relocate.com.au 18 • twunewssummer 2006/07 Reliance Freight Services P.O. Box 6293, Baulkham Hills BC, NSW 2153 Ph: (02) 9634 1809 Fax: (02) 9634 1372 Roadside Transport Services 27 Coombes Drive, Penrith 2750 46 Raymond Avenue, Matraville 2036 Ph: (02) 4731 8866 Fax: (02) 4731 8696 Ph: (02) 9316 3500 Fax: (02) 9316 3555 Jets Transport Express 1581 Botany Road, Botany, NSW 2019 Ph: (02) 9666 1733 Fax: (02) 9666 1966 AUSSIE SKIPS Rawson Container Services P.O. Box 451, Muswellbrook, NSW 2333 Ph: (02) 6543 5185 Fax: (02) 6543 5186 ©COPYRIGHT SUMMIT ADVERTISING PTY LTD 2006 PUBLISHERS & ADVERTISING: SUMMIT ADVERTISING PTY LTD 59 CHETWYND STREET, NORTH MELBOURNE VIC 3051 PHONE: (03) 9329 7571 FAX: (03) 9326 5107 TWU-NSW-49 TWU-NSW-49 www.nswtwu.org International Integrators Action Day Wherever you are across NSW your TWU can help with legal advice The TWU has teamed up with the Health Services Union and McClellands solicitors to provide TWU members access to personal legal advice right across NSW. On November 9, TWU Members joined UPS, FedEx, TNT and DHL workers across the globe to take part in an international day of action. Claire Moore spoke in Federal Parliament about the day of action. More and more often, TWU members work for companies which are based overseas. The Teamsters, the Transport and General Workers' Union UK, Verdi Germany (the world's largest union) together with unions from Canada, India, the United States, Hong Kong, Colombia, France, Germany, Morocco, South Africa and many more took part to ensure that the integrator companies got the message – that transport workers are organising themselves globally to secure the future. Meanwhile, Australian companies like Toll are expanding their operations overseas. With decisions about your future being made on a global level, it is important that your TWU builds relationships with overseas unions. One area which has been targeted for international union co-operation is integrators. On 9 November an international day of action was held at UPS, FedEx, TNT and DHL organised through the International Transport Workers’ Federation. To read Senator Moore's speech please visit the TWU website www.nswtwu.org TWU members held meetings and called for improved organising rights by passing motions which were passed on to company management. Senator T T T T Low Cost Home Loans Award Winning MasterCard High Interest Savings Account Low Cost Personal Loans Business Banking Products NEWCASTLE Friday 19 Jan Friday 2 Feb Friday 16 Feb Friday 2 Mar Friday 16 Mar Friday 30 Mar Friday 13 Apr Friday 27 Apr Friday 11 May Friday 25 May ORANGE Mon 19 Feb Call Stephen Wilde on 0413 085 808 or Canberra office on 02 6272 0700 Call today on 1300 654 993 or visit membersequitybank.com.au Applications are subject to credit approval. Fees and charges apply. Terms and conditions available on request. Please consider if the InterestME Savings and Business Direct Savings Accounts are right for you with a Product Disclosure Statement available from Members Equity Bank. 46471 LIB_AD19/1006 TWU-NSW-49 www.nswtwu.org All appointments must be made through your TWU Official or by calling the TWU Call Centre on (02) 9912 0700. WOLLONGONG Friday 2 Feb Friday 16 Feb Friday 2 Mar Friday 16 Mar Friday 30 Mar Friday 13 Apr Friday 27 Apr Friday 11 May Friday 25 May The bank for TWU members T In our Parramatta, Sydney and Canberra offices appointments can be made daily. Dates when legal advisors will be in regional offices are listed below. In Orange, Tamworth and Wagga we will be using HSU offices. A full list for 2007 is available on the TWU website www.nswtwu.org TAMWORTH Friday 20 Apr WAGGA Friday 26 Jan Friday 2 Mar Friday 13 Apr Friday 25 May Special Offer from TWU Members Plus: FREE WILLS. (CONDITIONS APPLY) twunewssummer 2006/07 • 19 Australia’s Original Dairy Farmers. Australia’s Dairy Best Dairy Farmers is committed to producing the finest quality dairy products using only the freshest ingredients available. Our milk is the key ingredient in successful brands such as Dairy Farmers, Ski, OAK and Danone. So when you select any product from the diverse Dairy Farmers’ range, you are choosing Australia’s Dairy Best; quality and goodness made with fresh Dairy Farmers Milk. 100% Australian Owned TWU-NSW-47 QANTAS EXPRESS PARCEL SERVICE INC. COUNTRY EXPRESS TRANSPORT • OVERNIGHT EXPRESS • STORAGE • WAREHOUSING • ALL AREAS OF NSW Represented By Jupiter Air Oceania Ltd Fax 9728 0099 12 Birmingham Avenue, Villawood www.hillstransport.com.au TWU-NSW-49 TWU-NSW-49 Renovate your portfolio with our new property capabilities. RUTTLEY FREIGHTLINES PTY LTD 229 Canterbury Road Revesby, NSW 2212 QANTAS FLIGHT CATERING LIMITED Ph: (02) 9771 4566 Fax: (03) 9771 4366 proudly supporting Occupational Health and Safety in the workplace TWU-NSW-49 KURNELL LAND FILL COMPANY Small Loads Catered For & Accepted. Keen Discounts for large jobs, sorted loads & volume business. ■ RECYCLING CENTRE KLF, LOT 1123 CAPTAIN COOK DRIVE, KURNELL PENINSULA (3km past Cronulla High School) All Materials On Site Available For Resale & Recycling including Brick, Building Products, Firewood, Soil FAX: 9668 9978 TWU-NSW-49 9668 8539 or 9668 8564 Express Direct Services 56-58 Jedda Road Hoxton Park, NSW 2171 Ph: (02) 9607 2555 Fax: (02) 9608 8555 TWU-NSW-49 TWU-NSW-49 FOR PROMPT AND EFFICIENT SERVICE CONCRETE ORDERS/SALES 1300 651 611 AFTER HOURS: Mobile 0418 274 452 or 9634 1392 TWU-NSW-49 Delivery to Inner and Western Sydney Areas OPERATING HOURS: MON-SAT 6.00am TO 4.00pm LONGER HOURS OPERATION NEGOTIABLE FOR SPECIAL JOBS Accepting All Excavated, Road Construction and Demolition Materials, including Sand, Soil, Rock, Shale, Clay, Brick, Mortar Concrete, Bitumen, Glass, Ceramics, Tile, Timber Products, Plasterboard, Metal & Turf No Hazardous, Putrescible or Liquid Waste Accepted Asbestos Products Prohibited DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS WITH MANAGEMENT FOR FULL INFORMATION CONTACT: For more information: 1300 730 032 www.perennial.net.au QUALITY PRE-MIXED CONCRETE A Registered Business Name of Breen Holdings Pty Ltd A.C.N. 000 039 225 WASTE DISPOSAL DEPOT 9691 2111 Unit 3, 55 Kent Road, Mascot Perennial Real Estate Investments Australian Listed Property Securities Level 29, 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne 3000 Ph: (03) 9923 7188 Fax: (03) 9657 4322 TWU-NSW-49 International door to door service Fast efficient service 9728 0000 ■ TWU-NSW-49 1300 362 362 TWU-NSW-49 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10 & 12m3 skips available Servicing all Suburbs EXCEL CONCRETE (NSW) PTY LTD ADMINISTRATION: Ph. 8833 5600 Fax. 8833 5611 www.excelconcrete.com.au Harris Park TWU-NSW-49 Colour Competition Colour this picture in then send it in for your chance to win a great prize ! Great p rizes Toy vo ucher plus TW U poster cap, and sticker s. KIDSCORNER Ho Ho Ho What do you call Santa Claus when he doesn’t move? Santa Pause What do you get if you cross Santa and a detective? Santa Clues What does Rudolph want for Christmas? A Sony Sleighstation 2 What do you call Santa Claus’s dog? Santa Paws From the TWU Who delivers presents to baby sharks at Christmas? Santa Jaws How does Good King Wenceslas like his pizzas? Deep and crisp and even What do you have in December that you don’t have in any other month ? The letter "D" Find the answer. Circle all the letters below and find out KIDSCORNER's hidden message to you with the letters that remain. The winner of last edition’s colouring competition was: Sam Smith, Aged 5 from, Duffy in the ACT. Sam won a $50 gift voucher at Westfield. Congratulations Sam! www.nswtwu.org ANSWER: see page 8 Send entries to Kids Stuff c/o TWU News PO Box 649 Parramatta 2124. Don't forget to include your name, address and age. Good Luck. LIST (circled) BELLS SANTA HAT BETHLEHEM WORKSHOP PRESENT SLEIGH STAR MANGER CLAUS ELF JESUS YULETIDE NOEL DASHER LOLLIES VIXEN TREE TOY twunewssummer 2006/07 • 21 ® LOGISTICS SERVICES Phone 1800 656 532 • National Rail & Road Transport Fax (02) 8335 8457 www.greyhoundfreight.com.au • Warehousing & Distribution National Distribution to over 10,000 locations Phone: 9721 5444 Fax: 9721 5455 9721 5499 Fax: (02) 9840 5230 Operations TWU-NSW-49 is proud to have been selected by the Transport Investment Fund to work with it in maximising and protecting the retirement incomes of all participants in the Transport Industry. TWU-NSW-49 We’re an all-Australian co-operative of dairy farmers and daily convert milk from around 500,000 cows into a variety of dairy products. For example, Devondale, our growing national brand of milks, butters, creams, cheeses and milk powders. For sure, Devondale, and all our other dairy foods, means jobs for the transport workers at Murray Goulburn A Partnership of Fast delivery of satchels, express parcels and air freight Australia-wide, World-wide. SYDNEY AIRPORT MASCOT 9582 1500 FOR SERVICE PHONE: Service to Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Temora, West Wyalong Murray Goulburn Co-Operative Co. Ltd. Container & General Cartage 20 Canal Road St. Peters, NSW 2044 TWU-NSW-49 Tel: 131 COMPUTERTRANS 9 Grand Ave Camellia NSW (02) 9684 6599 Fax: (02) 9684 6682 Specialising in fragile freight Australia wide TWU-NSW-49 TWU-NSW-49 P.O. Box 5734, Wagga Wagga, NSW 2650 MCS TRANSPORT Australian air Express *Conditons apply 627 Sydney Depot: 2 Cunningham Street Moorebank 2170 TWU-NSW-49 A: Adding Value and Managing Risk in the Transport Investment Fund Tactical Global Management Limited Level 10, Waterfront Place, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane, Queensland 4000 TWU-NSW-49 • MOTOR • INCOME PROTECTION • LIABILITY • TRANSIT • DANGEROUS GOODS Contact Les or Carol Phone 02 9567 7722 Direct Hopper Transport TWU-NSW-49 COURIERS “Anytime, anyhow, anywhere – we’ll get it there” Tel: 13 16 10 SYDNEY • MELBOURNE • BRISBANE • PERTH email les@tcis.com.au Interstate Carriers Ph: 9523 4592 or 0418 929 448 TWU-NSW-49 TWU-NSW-49 STATE STREET GLOBAL ADVISORS BONDS EXPRESS COURIERS is proud to be an investment manager for the Transport Investment Fund. Sydney Wide Couriers & Taxi Trucks FAST, PROFESSIONAL, RELIABLE © 2006 STATE STREET CORPORATION. 06-SGA0930A1106 SWIRE INDUSTRIAL SERVICES TGM Specialist Insurance for Transport Operators Ph: (02) 9601 4246 Fax: (02) 9601 4289 For more information, visit www.ssga.com.au Fax: 9516 3233 Q: TWU-NSW-49 Riverina Fragile Freight TWU-NSW-49 Asset Management Ph: TWU-NSW-49 Milk is a Big Employer at MURRAY GOULBURN Wallara 13 12 13 www.aae.com.au MENTION THIS ADVERTISEMENT AND RECEIVE 10%* DISCOUNT OFF DEPOT TO DEPOT RETAIL RATE Fax: TWU-NSW-49 Ph: (02) 9840 5200 TWU-NSW-49 Level 4 3 Horwood Place Parramatta, NSW 2150 •Specialised materials handling & processing •Bulk haulage •Dangerous goods handling Port Kembla Ph: 02) 4226 2022 Fax: 02) 4226 2069 Newcastle 1300 369 300 TWU-NSW-49 GREEN FREIGHT Pearce Street, Wodonga 3690 Ph: 02 6024 4255 Yackandandah Road Myrtleford 3736 9 Haye Avenue, Wangaratta Ph: 03 5721 6144 Sydney 25-4 49 Nelson Road Yennora 2161 Ph: 02) 4969 5919 Fax: 02) 4961 5671 Unit 5/4 Avenue of The Americas Newington, NSW 2127 TWU-NSW-49 TWU-NSW-49 Our Commitment to our Future 100% UNION Our Commitment to our Future. For All Toll, Patricks and Virgin Transport Work ers. This meeting of Transp ort Workers Union employed by the members, Toll Group (includ ing Patricks and Blue) resolves to Virgin stand shoulder to shoulder with our members nation fellow ally and defeat the harsh new industr laws that seek to ial cut our wages and conditions, remov right to collectively e our bargain, and under and the security mine our job securit of our children. y On this day, we as proud union memb following comm ers make the itments: ■ We will organ ise to maintain a strong and united workplace. TWU TransportWorkersUnion: Your Milk Industry Union Milk Industry Profile ■ We are comm itted to maintaining fair wages and rates under union safe collective agree ments across the entire Toll Group . ■ We are prepa red to À ght agains t excessive outsou of work to protec rcing t our job security. ■ We will Àght nation ally, workplace to protec in every Toll Group t the collective interes Transport Worke ts of rs Union members and their familie s. SECURE THE FUTURE Members employed by the Toll Group (including Patricks and Virgin Blue) have resolved to stand shoulder to shoulder with fellow members nationally and defeat Howard's harsh new industrial laws. Members right across Australia are signing the following pledge: • We will organise to maintain a strong and united TWU workplace. www.nswtwu.org • We are committed to maintaining fair wages and safe rates under union collective agreements across the entire Toll Group. • We are prepared to fight against excessive outsourcing of work to protect our job security. • We will fight nationally, in every Toll Group workplace to protect the collective interests of Transport Workers Union members and their families. To find out how you can sign the Pledge for the Future contact your TWU Delegate or ring the TWU Call centre on (02) 9912 0700. Tip Drivers Launch Industrial Action Tip truck drivers employed by Hanson Construction in Newcastle and the Central Coast recently took industrial action against the company’s refusal to allow an independent party to adequately settle disputes. Over 40 TWU members were involved in the protests on November 10th at Kulnurra and Brandy Hill Quarries in a bid to have the Industrial Relations Commission fully arbitrate workplace matters. TWU Official Todd Dunn said that without the right to have an independent party such as the Industrial Relations Commission adequately settle workplace disputes, all conditions agreed to under current Enterprise Bargaining Agreements would be put in jeopardy. “Hanson Construction now wants to join their workers up to Howard’s unfair industrial relations system so that hey can dictate to their employees how they will address all www.nswtwu.org workplace issues and be free to do as they please,” said Todd. TWU members employed at Hanson believe that if Hanson get their way, the very integrity of their current enterprise bargaining agreement is in jeopardy. "Pay rates, span of hours able to be worked, overtime and basic entitlements that ensure safety can all be lost," said TWU Sub Branch Secretary Mark Crosdale. “A deal is no longer a deal in this country. This is what John Howard’s new Australia looks like and will continue to look like unless we fight back for our rights. The only way to do that is to join together and unite for strength at work and to ebsure that the Howard government is not re-elected at the next federal election," said Mark. “Our member won’t tolerate being bullied into agreements that suit only the needs of employers and will fight to protect their right to access a fair method of arbitration,” said Mark Crosdale. Joe Chehadeh has worked for Dairy Farmers since 1972 and has been a delegate for the past 28 years. Joe has seen a lot of changes as the company has grown. TWU News spoke to Joe for some insight into the milk industry. What kinds of things have changed for the industry during your time? “One of the biggest changes has been the improvements to safety. There wasn’t very much in the way of safety when I first started. It was a big effort that everyone took just to get the company to give us all jackets. Now safety is very important.” “Also, we never thought much of casual workers years ago. There was a big divide. Now they are a very important part of the union in this yard.” Have all of the changes been positive ones? “Unfortunately one area I wish I had not seen change is the relationship between the workers and the management on site. We used to have a fair fight, sometimes we’d win and sometimes we’d lose, but it was fair. All the workers would be together and we’d use our collective strength to win the improvements like safety. Now it’s a different story. You drop your guard once, just once and John Howard’s laws will be in here.” How can the milk industry workers overcome these pressures? “It just means we have to stand together more than ever to be able to negotiate at their level.” twunewssummer 2006/07 • 23 Your TWU website Keeping you up to date Your TWU website provides you with today's news and events as they happen. The website features news and updates, a photo gallery of TWU members in action, campaigns and more. There is a special "MEMBERS ONLY" section where you can keep your details up to date - ensuring you receive the best service from your TWU. Look out for some updated features in 2007. 1. Don't forget to click on the subscribe to TWU e-news so you can receive regular bulletins and details of TWU activities by email. 1 2 Fill in your email address here Fill in your first name here Fill in your surname here 3 2. Just fill in your name and email address and click submit. 3. While you're there why not register your interest in being an active member and join the team that is delivering better rates and better safety in your industry. 4. Make sure you register for the Members Only section of the site by clicking on the Members Log In. 5. This will enable you to log on and check your membership details. It also means when we need to publish material for members only - you won't miss out. The first time you register you will need your TWU membership number so you can register your password. If you need any help contact the TWU Call centre on (02) 9912 0700. 4 5 www.nswtwu.org