WA BRANCH 2025 YEARLY WHEEL
WA BRANCH 2024 YEARLY WHEEL A MESSAGE FROM STATE SECRETARY TIM DAWSON 2025: A Year of Action, Unity and Real Wins for TWU Members As 2025 comes to a close, it’s clear this has been a year defined by action. Across road transport, aviation, court security and skills reform, TWU members in Western Australia have stood together to demand better — and delivered real wins that are already reshaping transport. These achievements weren’t handed down. They were won through organising, persistence and the willingness of members to hold employers and governments to account. Building Power Through Organising This year, the WA Branch strengthened its organising capacity, including through participation in the ACTU’s Organising Works program. That investment has meant more conversations on the ground, stronger delegates, and greater confidence for members taking action. Time and again in 2025, this organising strength translated into real leverage — proving that strong unions are built by backing workers to lead. Road Transport Reform: Turning Laws into Reality TWU members continued to drive world-leading transport reform in 2025, pushing to ensure new laws deliver safer work and fair pay in practice. In WA, the union continued its fight to lift standards for owner drivers, close loopholes for vehicles under 4.5 tonnes, and tackle the deep structural issues facing the industry. One of the most pressing challenges is an ageing workforce. Nearly half of Australia’s truck drivers are over 55, and more than one in five are expected to retire within five years. Without action, the skills shortage will only deepen — putting safety, productivity and workers’ livelihoods at risk. A Major Win on Driver Training After years of relentless campaigning by TWU members, 2025 delivered a breakthrough. The WA State Government committed $17.4 million to establish a union-won, TAFE-run Truck Driver Training Centre. This is what the TWU has been calling for — accredited, standardised training that gives new entrants real skills and restores pride to the industry. The centre will have capacity for 170 students per year and, from 2026, will include heavy rigid trucks and trailers, forklifts, a high-tech heavy vehicle driving simulator, and purpose-built roads for practical training. Critically, this addresses a long-overlooked gap: the lack of consistent safety induction and skills training for drivers. Too many workers have been sent onto the road without the preparation needed to operate safely. This centre is a decisive step toward fixing that. But the fight isn’t over. The TWU is continuing to push for a portable skills passport system — ensuring drivers’ training and qualifications follow them throughout their careers, improving safety, professionalism and workforce retention. Aviation Workers Standing Up in WA At Perth Airport, aviation workers showed the power of unity. dnata ground handlers voted overwhelmingly for industrial action, calling out unfair pay gaps and job insecurity that left WA workers earning less than their eastern states counterparts for the same work. Alongside Same Job Same Pay reforms now delivering real outcomes, these campaigns sent a clear message: WA aviation workers will not accept being treated as second-class. Defending Court Security and Custodial Officers More than 200 court security and custodial officers employed by Ventia took protected industrial action this year, demanding safer staffing, fair wages and respect for the essential role they play. While the fight continues, their action forced accountability and strengthened collective power across the sector.
2026 UNION FEES
Looking Ahead 2025 has delivered momentum — but there is more to do. With major agreements expiring in 2026 and 2027, the TWU is already preparing for the next phase. Every win this year was built on solidarity, and together we’ll keep lifting standards, building skills, and fighting for an industry workers are proud to belong to. In unity, Tim Dawson WA State Secretary, TWU
Please be informed the fees for 2026 are as
follows:
CASH / BPAY FULL YEAR $860.30 (1st Jan - 31st Dec) 1st July - 31st Dec) HALF YEAR $433.35 (1st Jan - 30th June or DIRECT DEBIT
day of each fortnight) Fortnightly $33.60 (debited on your nominated date each month) Monthly $72.80 (debited on your nominated 30th Jun each year) Half-yearly $433.35 (debited on 28th Feb & Yearly $860.30 (debited on 28th Feb each year)
REMEMBER YOUR UNION FEES ARE 100% TAX DEDUCTIBLE
📂
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
JANUARY 2025 ACTION AT K&S FUELS
MARCH 2025 DELEGATES TRAINING
MAY 2025 MAY DAY 2025
FEBRUARY 2025 IWWD
APRIL 2025 FEDERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN
JUNE 2025 GOLDSTAR BLUESCOPE WIN
JULY 2025 VENTIA STRIKE ACTION
AUGUST 2025 METROLL STRIKE ACTION
SEPTEMBER 2025 QUBE STANDS UP!
OCTOBER 2025
NOVEMBER 2025
GKR PROTECTED INDUSTRIAL ACTION
NETWORK AGREEMENT
DECEMBER 2025 PRIDE MARCH
IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR SUPER IN SHAPE
For many, retirement can feel like a long way off. But no matter where you are on your retirement journey, with a little planning, your savings could go much further. Team Super’s Chief Retirement Officer, Sarah Forman, shares some quick tips that will make a difference to how you grow and manage your super.
The choices you make today can impact your lifestyle in retirement According to Sarah, it’s much easier to focus on short-term goals, such as a holiday or a new car. Saving for these is rewarding, tangible and often feels more urgent. But when it comes to long-term financial wellbeing, investing in your future is more effective. “If you can afford it, the best thing is to add extra money into your super account to ensure a healthy nest egg when you’re ready to retire. And thanks to the snowball effect of compound interest, even small amounts add up over time. So, the earlier you start, the more time your super has to grow. Now, don’t just give up your holiday or life pleasures. It’s about balance. I think of it this way: a holiday is a gift to
yourself now, whereas saving for retirement is a gift to your future self,” said Sarah. The snowball effect of compound interest Little extras can make a big difference.
Adding an extra $20 a fortnight to your super, could mean an extra $26,500 in retirement~. You see, even small contributions can really snowball over time. And the earlier you start, the better! Check out this Industry SuperFunds calculator to check how small changes now can grow your retirement savings over time. Don’t worry if you’re not able to put extra money into super, as there are other key things you can action now: 1. Know how your super is invested and what fees and costs you’re paying. 2. If you have multiple super accounts, consider combining them, so you’re not paying unnecessary fees* (if you're not sure, you can always use the Find my super tool via myGov). 3. Review your insurance to ensure you have sufficient cover.
matic insurance cover to eligible workers in high risk or dangerous occupations - like bus drivers! Be super curious According to Sarah, it pays to be curious about your super as knowledge builds confidence. “Know where your super is, what fees you’re paying, how your super is invested and the level of insurance cover you have. Not sure about your investment mix or level of insurance cover? Get in touch with your super fund,” finished Sarah. Already a member of Team Super? You can access all of the above account information online! Simply grab your member number from your last statement and log in via teamsuper.com/login. Not yet a member? Learn about the benefits of joining Australia’s top specialist fund for transport, energy and mining. To find out more visit: teamsuper.com.
Handy tip: Most super funds automatically give eligible members some level of insurance cover. It’s important to know what you’re paying for and how your cover works if something unexpected happens to you. Did you know? Team Super offers a range of flexible insurance options designed to protect you and your family, such as auto-
~ Calculation made using Industry SuperFunds Super contribution calculator. Based on a 30 year old earning $80,000 pa with a super balance of $50,000 and adding $20 per fortnight as a before-tax contribution. Calculation as at 18 July 2025. * Before combining your super you should consider the differences in insurance between your old and new funds (including unique insurance offerings under your old funds) and if the insurance cover through your chosen account is appropriate for your situation. You should also consider if you’ll be charged any fees. Team Super is Team Super Pty Ltd AFS licence 246864, the trustee for the Team Superannuation Fund. Refer to the PDS and TMDs on Team Super’s website at teamsuper.com when considering if their financial products are right for you. Any financial advice in this document does not take into account your financial situation, needs or objectives.
STEERING MINDS INTO 2026 SECRETARY OF STEERING HEALTHY MINDS EMMA FLYNN GIVES A REPORT OF 2025
The Steering Healthy Minds (SHM) program has become a valuable initiative for promoting mental health and wellbeing within the transport industry, particularly across Western Australia (WA). Specifically created to address the unique challenges faced by transport workers, such as isolation, long hours, and high-pressure environments. The program provides practical tools, peer support, and access to professional resources that promote resilience and better mental health. In 2025, the program’s impact in WA has been far reaching. Over 300 transport
workers have engaged with SHM in 2025 alone; this reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health in a sector traditionally focused on physical safety. Through training, awareness raising, and tailored resources, participants have reported improved coping strategies, stronger workplace connections, and a renewed sense of wellbeing. Curtin University found that SHM training delivers measurable outcomes with workers leaving sessions significantly better equipped to act. Recognition of mental health risks increased by 200%, and confidence to offer help rose by over 250%. Before attending SHM training, only 9% of participants could accurately identify signs of depression or suicidal thoughts; this figure rose to 27% immediately after training. This year, SHM proudly secured three presti-
gious awards, these include: • A 2025 Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Award, celebrating its proactive approach to reducing psychological injury risks. • An Australian Road Safety Award, recognising its contribution to safer roads through mentally fit drivers. • A Global Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Award, highlighting its world-class standards in health promotion and accessibility. Looking ahead, SHM aims to expand its reach even further, leveraging partnerships with industry leaders and government bodies to ensure mental health support becomes standard. If you want to get involved with SHM and join in on one of the many Mental Health First Aid training sessions running across 2026, email SHM at peers@steeringhealthyminds.com.au
2026 STARTS NOW! As 2025 comes to a close, we want to thank every transport worker who’s stood together this year. Because of your efforts, we’ve made huge progress in our 2026 campaign to lift standards across our industry. • Thousands of surveys collected, thousands of new members joined and local organising plans underway. • Over 200 Enterprise Agreements aligned for the first time ever, giving us the collective power to bargain and take action as one. • We’re taking the fight to the top of the supply chain – making wealthy clients like Aldi, Amazon, and Qantas pay their fair share for decent jobs. In 2026, we’ll be standing together across transport road and aviation, to win real change for all transport workers. Every yard, every member, every action counts. Enjoy a safe and restful break. Get ready: next year, we make history.
LAUNCHING 2026 CAMPAIGN OUR ROADS, OUR SKIES, OUR FUTURE
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Barry Pearse
Barry Pearse from Linfox was named Rookie of the Year. Though he's only been a delegate for under a year, Barry has shown he won’t back down until his workmates get the outcomes they deserve. He’s proven to both his fellow workers and the union that he’s a fighter.
REGIONAL DELEGATE OF THE YEAR
Don Potthoff
Congratulations to Don Potthoff from Swan Transit Bunbury was awarded Regional Delegate of the Year. Don has been relentless in his efforts—signing up new members across the regions and standing strong for the workers at his site.
DELEGATE OF THE YEAR
Dallas Ferris
A special congratulations to Dallas Ferris from Centurion, who won the inaugural Ray 'Macca' McMillan Delegate of the Year award. This award honours TWU WA President Ray McMillan, who has been a union member for over 45 years and our branch president for more than 20. His dedication to the union is unparalleled. Dallas’ leadership over the past year, his commitment to holding his employer accountable, and his tireless efforts to protect his workmates make him a worthy recipient of this prestigious award.
TWU WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Kerren Campbell
Congratulations to Kerren Campbell for winning 2025's 'TWU Woman of the Year'. Your dedication, leadership, and tireless commitment to making a difference have inspired everyone around you. This award is a testament to the incredible impact you’ve made for the union movement, and the advocacy your display, ensuring the best conditions at your yard for your workmates. You have proven in a male dominatied industry that women can lead, inspire, and drive real change in the transport industry. Well done Kerren, keep up the good work!
TWU WA MEMBERS ARE RELENTLESS! TAKING ACTION TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS IN 2025 K&S PROTECTED ACTION JANUARY 2025
LINFOX WALK OUT FOR SAFETY FEBRUARY 2025
On Monday 24th of Feb, workers at Linfox held a stop work meeting to stand up against displeasure with their employer. Workers weren’t happy with the way management was operating and alleged misconduct that was occurring. Workers took a stand and were able to achieve their desired result. Many ongoing issues still need resolving, but it pays to take a stand. And the power and strength of a site like Linfox it proves that being in the union and collective action pays off.
TAKING ACTION PAYS OFF! METROLL AUGUST 2025
DNATA GROUND AND PASSENGER SERVICES AUGUST 2025
WHEN WE FIGHT - WE WIN! VENTIA COURT SECURITY JANUARY, FEBRUARY AND JULY 2025 Continued and relentless pressure on Government and the system from TWU members at Ventia taking a stand has paid off. TWU members are now recieving $256 extra per fortnight. This is a step towards same job same pay in the court security transport sector. But the fight continues. An Intractable Bargaining Declaration is before the courts and set to go to trial in February 2026. Its a fair fight, and TWU members at Ventia have been more than patient. Proof that when we fight we win - watch this space!
GKR LINEHAUL NOVEMBER 2025
ORGANISING WORKS 2025 >>> Strengthening Our Membership Through Organising Works In 2025, the WA Branch of the Transport Workers’ Union took an important step to better support and grow our membership by bringing on a trainee organiser through the ACTU’s Organising Works program. As our membership continues to diversify across road transport, buses and aviation, it became clear that members needed more direct support on the ground — organisers who could spend time in workplaces, listen to workers’ issues, and help turn collective concerns into collective action. Investing in a new organiser was about strengthening how members are connected, represented and empowered. Through the Organising Works program, the TWU welcomed Chiara Staines as a trainee organiser. Many members will have already met Chiara through bus inductions alongside Chris Gibbs, or through her full-time organising work with aviation workers, particularly catering and passenger services staff.
Her role has focused on building relationships, supporting delegates, and ensuring members know their union is present and active in their workplaces. The Organising Works program combines practical, on-the-job organising with structured learning, giving organisers the tools to engage members effectively. A strong focus on campaign planning, industrial history and strategy ensures organisers understand not just how to organise — but why it matters. For Chiara, the program has built confidence and capability. “It’s given me the foundation to step up, back myself, and support workers to give things a crack together.” For TWU members, the benefit is clear: more support in workplaces, stronger delegate structures, and organisers who are equipped to help members organise, campaign and win. Chiara brings strong values and drive to her work and will continue supporting members to improve conditions across the transport industry — particularly for women and working people in all sectors.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO
ATTEND UNIONSWA IWD CONFERENCE
This year marks 115 years since the first International Women's Day celebration in 1911. The theme, Gender Equality: It's for Every Body, honours the achievements of union women and advances our ongoing fight for workplace justice and fairness for all women and workers. Event Details: • Date: Friday, 6 March 2026 • Conference Time: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm • Location: Leederville Function Centre, 246 Vincent Street, Leederville • Rally: 5:00 pm at Solidarity Park (Transport will be provided) • Cost: FREE • Who: Women & gender diverse members of UnionsWA affiliated unions
IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING LET US KNOW HERE https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NNJXZW3
SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY During the month of April, the TWU reached out to our women members in transport and surveyed them on the realities of sexual assault and harassment within the industry. Women working in the transport industry unfortunately have witnessed and experienced workplace sexual harassment at an unprecedented rate. Over 52% of women in the transport industry have witnessed an incident of sexual harassment
at work and over 39% have personally experienced such an incident. Of those who personally experienced an incident, only 12.5% felt confident in reporting it to their superiors and of those who did report, 87.5% didn't believe the incident was dealt with appropriately. Women deserve to feel safe in their workplace, to be appropriately supported when it comes to sexual assault and harassment, and for perpetrators to face appropriate consequences.
BUS DRIVERS FIGHT
In 2025, the TWU’s Road to Respect campaign delivered real, tangible gains for WA bus drivers—proving that collective action backed by clear demands gets results. Through sustained pressure, drivers secured trials of new safety screens and the rollout of contactless payments across the network. These changes are already improving safety on the job. Moving toward a cashless system removes one of the biggest a catalyst for anti-social behaviour and theft on buses, reducing conflict and creating safer workplaces for drivers and passengers alike. This is what respect looks like in practice: practical reforms that protect workers.
The closure of the Armadale line was another major test for the system—and for our members. Rail replacement buses kept communities connected, often under intense pressure. Drivers stepped up, and communities responded in kind, pulling together to ensure people could still get to work, school and home. It was a clear demonstration of the essential role bus drivers play in keeping WA moving. But the Road to Respect doesn’t stop here. In 2025, we surveyed members to shape the next phase—covering pay and conditions, safety and security, and dignity in retirement. These priorities will drive our bargaining and campaigning ahead, because respect isn’t a slogan—it’s something we organise and fight for.
WA BUS DRIVERS FORCED
TO SPEED
The Increase of tight bus schedules and traffic congestion are putting pressure on Transperth drivers to speed. Data released by the Public Transport Authority showed bus drivers were issued 293 traffic infringements between July 2023 and June last year, a sharp increase on the previous financial year. WA Bus Drivers feel an obligation to speed to ensure they can meet their unrealistic deadlines and deliver passengers on time.
WATCH NEWS CLIP
The State Government and the department of transport needs too revisit how they go about rostering drivers, the drivers' spreadbreaks and timetables. That if drivers feel the need to speed to meet them, are unrealistic. It is up to the department to set realistic schedules, NOT for the drivers to speed to meet them! Join now for a better bus industry and join the Road to Respect!
IT’S BEEN A HUGE YEAR IN AVIATION FOR THE TWU! TWU AVIATION WINS: 2025 IN REVIEW This year we delivered historic wins that show the strength of TWU aviation members. We secured $120 million in compensation for illegally sacked Qantas workers, and $50 million in penalties for TWU – that we’ve already begun investing in our campaigns to improve pay and conditions of all aviation workers. We worked with the Federal Government to save REX and get it back in the air. We launched the Safe and Secure Skies campaign to drive long-term reforms that put aviation decisions in workers’ favour. Workers walked off the job at dnata for the first time at Perth Airport in 20 years, and proved Perth aviation workers won't be messed with. We delivered huge victories with improved pay for pilots at Alliance and VARA. We won improved agreements for ground workers at Network and Dnata, for storeworkers at VARA and catering workers at dnata We welcomed new members across Perth Airport at companies like Swissport, CSA
2026: THE YEAR AHEAD
2026 is going to be an even bigger year for TWU Aviation. For the first time in Australian history, road and aviation workers have come together to align over 200 agreements, giving us a huge opportunity to tackle the decimation of aviation jobs and calling on aviation clients like Qantas to do more for workers. We’re driving the ‘Our Roads, Our Skies, Our Future’ campaign across road and aviation to lift the entire transport industry. We’ll keep pushing the Safe and Secure Skies claim on government, regulators, aiports and airlines to deliver long-term reform that protects workers. We’re preparing for national days of action where aviation workers —pilots, cabin crew, ground workers and screeners, will stand united to demand improvements for workers. We’ll fight to consolidate freight and ground operations to stop the race to the bottom, push for a Cabin Crew Award variation to lift standards, and advance an updated Bain claim and Virgin group fight. On top of that, we will establish a National Pilot Committee to lead pilot campaigns, will join an international union delegation in 2026 to raise standards globally.
2026 will be a big year. We have the power to achieve everything we’ve set out to do if we
THE WORKFORCE STOOD STRONG AT DNATA DESPITE THE PRESSURES AGAINST THEM AND HAVE SET THE GROUND-WORK FOR STRONG AGREEMENTS AHEAD!
T! POR ISS SW HEY SAFETY IS NOT
A LAST RESORT
TWU MEMBERS TAKE ACTION
Congrats to around 300 Swissport workers who have spoken about the appalling work and safety standards in the TWU WHS survey conducted by TWU members.
The results of this survey are damning.
54%
Say they’ve experienced wage theft
Last week, TWU members and officials marched at Brisbane International Airport calling on Swissport to urgently address its appalling work conditions. TWU members also called on clients like Qantas to be held accountable for its supply chain. The march was held at the same airport where a 21year-old worker almost lost his leg in a serious workplace safety incident on Christmas Eve last year.
Click here/Scan to watch the media coverage of TWU members’ Swissport action
67%
Say the’ve inadequate staff members
50%
Say their safety concerns are not resolved
73%
Say they feel pressured to work unsafely
This is a huge first step in our plan to make a real change at Swissport for workers across Australia.
FORMER SWISSPORT WORKER SPEAKS OUT
Ryan Cresdee, a former Swissport worker, addressed the media highlighting Swissport’s serious neglect of workplace safety standards.
Click here/Scan here to watch Ryan Cresdee’s media address
$90 MILLION PENALTY LARGEST EMPLOYER PENALTY IN CORPORATE HISTORY In the largest employer penalty in Australian corporate history, Qantas has been ordered to pay $90 million for illegally outsourcing 1,800 workers. A massive congratulations to every worker who fought for justice over the past five years. Against all odds, TWU members have sent a $90 million warning to corporate Australia: you can’t break the law and get away with it. Qantas must now take responsibility for the ongoing crisis in its supply chain, starting with deadly pressures and safety breaches at Swissport.
SIGNIFICANT QANTAS PROFITS SHOULD BE RE-INVESTED BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE: SAYS TWU Justice Lee’s decision on the penalty took into account Qantas’ “wrong kind of sorry” for the outsourcing, the company having argued the workers should receive no compensation at all following the High Court's ruling. Workers in Qantas’ supply chain at companies like Swissport are still struggling with low pay, insecure jobs and safety issues, as well as plans to introduce invasive video and audio surveillance to silence workers.
NETWORK AGREEMENT
Over the past year, TWU delegates and activists from Network Aviation Ground Crew have been recruiting members and building power in their yard — and it's paid off! After 6 months of back and forth with Network in negotiations, the TWU member-led bargaining committee have reached an in-principle agreement with Network! The members at Network increased their membership sevenfold, gaining enough power to plan protected industrial action to walk off the job, if necessary. Their commitment, union power, and serious threat of action were enough to bring Network back to the table, moving on their key claims. Their new in-principle agreement will now see amazing wins: 15% wage increase over 4 years 20 full-time roles will be created at the start of the agreement 10 days domestic violence leave in agreement (+5 days in company policy) Roster committee enshrined in agreement After a drafting process, the agreement will go out to vote. The TWU members have proved we can win improvements to our agreements, and when we fight, WE WIN!
TWU ACTION ON SWISSPORT’S POTENTIAL ROSTERING BREACHES TWU members have raised concerns that Swissport may be breaching Clause 17.5 of its Enterprise Agreement, which requires Swissport to provide employees with electronic rosters showing planned shifts for the next four weeks, at least two-weeks in advance. Reports from Brisbane and Sydney show that Swissport is only issuing two-week rosters, and Brisbane rosters even lack the required two-weeks notice. This limits employees’ ability to track overtime and plan ahead, especially during the busy Christmas season. Breaches like this also undermine work-life balance protections and expose Swissport to potential civil penalties under the Fair Work Act. Your union legal team has written to Swissport demanding urgent response and compliance. We will keep members updated on Swissport’s response and any further action taken toenforce your rights under the Enterprise Agreement.
FEDERAL + STATE ELECTION
Securing strong support for Labor in 2025 required deliberate engagement with workplace leaders, broad member education, and targeted on-the-ground campaigning. The campaign began with obtaining delegate buy-in. The 2024 Delegates Forum brought together key workplace leaders who would be central to mobilising members. Delegates were briefed on the Labor Government’s industrial relations reforms and their tangible impacts, including stronger
wage growth, easier access to collective bargaining, faster minimum wage increases, and downward pressure on inflation.
The forum concluded with unanimous delegate endorsement for the Branch to support and campaign for Labor’s re-election.
Senators Glenn Sterle and Tony Sheldon addressed the forum, outlining how Transport Reform legislation could rebalance power in supply chains and give TWU members greater control over markets.
With delegate support secured, the focus shifted to educating the broader membership. A statewide program of yard meetings explained the legislative wins, the importance of allowing reforms time to deliver results, and the threat posed by a Coalition government.
They also made clear which political parties opposed the reforms and the risks of a change of government.
workplace meetings were held, reaching more than 2,100 members. Member activation followed. Noticeboard materials were distributed to every yard, supported by a monthly competition to ensure election messaging was clearly displayed. Transport Reform briefings became a standing item at delegate meetings and training sessions. The communications team produced seven targeted videos featuring delegates explaining why Transport Reform mattered and why voting Labor was critical. These were SMS’d to members in key electorates, alongside a statewide generic version.
Members were urged to vote Labor to protect and build on these gains. In total, 52
In marginal seats, campaigning intensified. Members were contacted through targeted videos, doorknocking, phone calls, and letterbox drops. TWU members staffed prepoll and election day booths across key electorates. The results were decisive. Labor strengthened its hold on Tangney, retained Hasluck and Pearce, won Moore from the Liberals, and secured the new seat of Bullwinkel, demonstrating the effectiveness of a member-led, workplace-focused campaign.
THE RESULTS
✊ 👷🏽👷 📬 📞 🕚 📱
Labor held Tangney with a 4% increase in majority. Hasluck and Pearce remained in Labor hands. Moore was won from the Liberals by Labor’s Tom French. Bullwinkel, the newly created seat, was won by Labor’s Trish Cook by ~990 votes.
1208
MEMBERS DOORS KNOCKED
(IN TANGNEY, BULLWINKEL PEARCE & MOORE)
52 ELECTION YARD MEETINGS
2500 LETTER DROPS 330 MEMBERS CALLED 208 HOURS ON POLLING
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU TO ALL THE TWU MEMBERS WHO GOT INVOLVED!
34,422
POLITICAL SOCIAL MEDIA VIEWS
IN 2026 WE REMIND WHO WORKED TO GET THIS GOVERNMENT ELECTED & PUSH FOR INCREASED REFORMS FOR WORKING PEOPLE.
PRIDE MARCH 2025
QUEER OR STRAIGHT, YOU'RE OUR WORKMATE The TWU was proud to march in PrideFest 2025! Standing together to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ workers who make up our industry. The TWU joined UnionsWA, CPSU/CSA, SSTUWA, UWU, NTEU and AMWU to show that unions stand strong with LGBTQIA+ workers — fighting for safe, respectful and inclusive workplaces for all
AT HOME BEHIND THE WHEEL IN JUNE, PRIDE MONTH, WE ASKED OUR MEMBERS TO TELL THEIR STORIES. Leece, a 67-year-old transport worker, spent over 40 years in the transport industry, spending most of her time transporting dangerous goods. Leece was born in a male body, however, in the early 70’s, Leece discovered that she was experiencing gender identity issues, feeling as if she is a woman trapped inside a man’s body. “I thought I must be the only one in the world that felt like that,” Leece told us. In an already isolating industry, working long hours alone in a truck, her journey toward self-understanding was painfully lonely—fearing speaking out on what she was going through. “Why me? Why was I born this way?” she often asked herself. Her mental health suffered as she wrestled with her identity in silence, feeling as though life had played a cruel joke on her. As a trans woman in a male-dominated industry, Leece faced many forms of discrimination just because of who she is.
Despite Leece’s years of experience, she was often overlooked for permanent roles and training opportunities. “People with less experience, even just HR licences, were trained and hired full-time,” she said. “But not me.” “I loved the transport industry, even when they hated me,” Leece explained. “It feels like home.” Leece understood that being open about her gender identity would have negative impacts on the way she was treated at work, but she was willing to accept that because she loved what she did. “I put up with heaps of drivers not talking to me, or talking behind my back. But that’s fine. Why should I give up a job I love, no matter what others think of me,” she said. Despite the challenges she faced, Leece still found positives in the transport industry. In recent years, she connected with support groups and made it her mission to help others by sharing her story.
“I just want to encourage others out there like me to come out and stay in the transport industry, not disappear,” she said. Today Leece stands proud of who she is and as a voice for visibility and change. Leece’s story is a reminder that the transport industry is so diverse and welcomes people of all walks of life.