This month has shown, yet again, what happens when transport workers stand together with purpose. Across road transport, aviation, buses and the broader logistics industry, TWU members have delivered real outcomes, pushed for accountability, and demonstrated the strength of a united movement.
GKR long-distance drivers stood strong and after seven days on the grass, members held firm and forced the company back to the table.
The result was a rock-solid in-principle agreement delivering strong increases to kilometre and hourly rates, improved annual leave, and meaningful recognition of the skilled, demanding work our drivers do every day. It was a hard-fought win, by a group of staunch unionists, and a clear reminder that when we take action together, we win together.
MESSAGE FROM TWU WA STATE SECRETARY TIM DAWSON
This month was also the WA Labor’s State Conference. Delegates backed the TWU’s motions on owner-driver fairness, calling for stronger protections around contracts and disputes so that drivers aren’t left fighting unconscionable conduct on their own.
Our “Safe and Secure Skies” motion passed with strong support, reinforcing the need for stable, secure aviation jobs across the supply chain. And with bus driver shortages still at critical levels, our push to create better pathways to attract and retain drivers gained important traction.
These motions were not paperwork, they were commitments to real change.
We also took those values to the streets at Pride, marching proudly alongside members, allies and families. The MAC truck, generously donated by Toll, stole the show once again, a moving symbol of who we are: a union that celebrates diversity, stands up for equality, and makes space for everyone in our movement.
On the economic frontline, we rallied outside
Amazon during their Black Friday frenzy, drawing attention to the pressure they place on transport networks and the need for Amazon to meet Australian standards for Australian workers. No exceptions. No loopholes. Just fairness.
And as we approached the end of the year, we turned our attention to those who paved the way for us.
Our Veterans’ Christmas Lunch was a chance to connect, reflect and show appreciation to the retired members who built the foundations of today’s union.
We also raised money for Movember, at union bbqs and online, supporting men’s health initiatives, while Steering Healthy Minds continued its vital work assisting truck drivers with mental health resources and support — work that is literally saving lives.
This month wasn’t about ticking boxes. It was about building momentum.
And heading into 2026, momentum is exactly what we need.
A VERY MERRY VETERAN CHRISTMAS FEAST!
We were joined in the office on November 26th with a great bunch of our long time, retired members for their annual Veteran Christmas lunch.
Some of these Veterans have been members of their union for 30 years, each recouting their years on the road and how the industry has changed. We love having our Veterans join us in the office. It's always a special occasion seeing them every year.
STRONG AND UNITED GKR DRIVERS WIN MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH AFTER SEVEN DAYS OF INDUSTRIAL ACTION
TWU members at GKR Transport have secured a significant win, forcing the company back to the bargaining table and locking in a strong in-principle agreement after seven days of nationwide strike action.
Drivers across WA, QLD, VIC and SA/NT held the line for a full week, demonstrating the power of unity and sending a clear message that long-distance transport workers will not accept anything less than fair, safe and respectful conditions.
The in-principle agreement delivers major gains, including:
• 13% increase to kilometre/hourly rates over three years
• 19.5% increase to annual leave over three years — including 11.5% in year one
• Delegates’ rights locked into the Enterprise Agreement to keep the workplace strong and represented
These improvements will hit payslips from the next pay cycle, with back pay to 1 July 2025 delivered once the EA is approved, expected in early January.
TWU WA State Secretary Tim Dawson said the result shows what workers can achieve when they take action collectively.
“GKR drivers stood together, refused to back down, and showed exactly what unity looks like. This win is theirs. It sends a message to the entire industry that transport workers will not be taken for granted.”
This outcome positions GKR drivers strongly for future bargaining and sets a benchmark for long-distance transport conditions heading into 2026 and beyond.
“This is just a snapshot of what is to come in 2026, where the TWU has 210 Agreements expiring nationally, and more than 60,000 transport workers are in a position to take action for fair wages, safe jobs and strong conditions.”
“Stay strong. Stay united. This is what winning looks like,” Dawson said.
SERVING A CLAIM ON AMAZON
Hundreds of union members protested at Amazon sites across the country as the TWU, SDA and MEAA make a claim on the company to pay its fair share for decent jobs, stop its attacks on workers and support Australian media.
The unions have condemned Amazon for its relentless and exploitative practices which have dragged down good Australian jobs and businesses, and eroded protections and safety standards for workers.
They also warn that Amazon’s huge tax avoidance and control of Australian data and content is an existential threat to many good Australian businesses.
The unions will be actively campaigning together for change and regulation of Amazon and its exploitative practices across workplaces, business supply chains and the community.
“FROM WORKER EXPLOITATION, TO SINISTER USES OF AI, TO MASSIVE TAX AVOIDANCE, WORKERS ARE SAYING ENOUGH IS ENOUGH:
THE UNIONS’ 10-POINT CLAIM ON AMAZON IS TO:
Pay fair wages
Pay its fair share of tax
Pay for the creative and media content used to train AI
Stop excessive worker surveillance
Use technology to create sustainable jobs that augment workers’ capacity rather than intensifying work
Create secure and sustainable jobs
Respect workers’ right to a voice at work through their unions
Improve practices before being rewarded with lucrative government contracts
Empower workers to speak up on safety rather than creating a culture of fear
Pay fair superannuation
In the 2024 financial year, Amazon Commercial Services raked in $3.12 billion in Australia, but paid only $24.9 million tax – just 0.8% of its earnings.
The TWU has made an application to the Fair Work Commission, using laws passed by the Albanese Government, to put in place fair minimum standards across last mile parcel delivery.
The SDA is currently involved in several disputes with Amazon on work practices and allowing workers a voice at work.
Together the TWU & SDA along with other unions have been calling for ethical procurement clauses in Government procurement contracts to hold companies that benefit from public contracts, like Amazon, to a better standard.
IT’S TIME FOR AMAZON TO PAY ITS FAIR SHARE FOR DECENT JOBS AND STOP UNDERCUTTING AUSTRALIAN BUSINESSES.”
The Transport Workers Union and Australia’s two largest on-demand delivery platforms DoorDash and Uber Eats together made a joint submission to the Fair Work Commission for the establishment of a set of minimum standards for workers in the on-demand economy.
The proposed Minimum Standards Order (MSO) includes legally enforceable new protections for workers and baseline standards that the TWU has campaigned for over many years, marking a meaningful step forward that strengthens protections and provides certainty for thousands of platform workers.
The agreement demonstrates how minimum standards for platform workers can be achieved while preserving the flexibility that is inherent in platform work.
The proposal strikes a balance to introduce a fair minimum rate of pay for on demand delivery workers for the first time, while supporting the sustainability of the sector.
DoorDash, Uber Eats and the TWU have agreed to key standards including:
Minimum safety net pay rates for all classes of transport types;
Dispute resolution processes;
A voice for platform workers, via engagement and feedback mechanisms;
Representation rights; and
Accident insurance for injured workers
This landmark achievement is the latest milestone in an ongoing collaboration between the TWU and the digital labour platforms, to improve the quality, safety and security of platform work.
Digital platforms play an important role in providing consum ers with the affordability and convenience they value, while supporting local business es across a variety of sectors and helping drive productivity and economic participation.
While recognising the significance of this step, the parties look forward to further engaging in the next stage of the Fair Work Commission process to establish minimum standards for platform workers.
2026 UNION FEES
Please be informed the fees for 2026 are as follows: CASH / BPAY FULL YEAR $860.30 (1st Jan - 31st Dec)
YEAR $433.35 (1st Jan - 30th June or 1st July - 31st Dec)
DIRECT DEBIT
Fortnightly $33.60 (debited on your nominated day of each fortnight)
Monthly $72.80 (debited on your nominated date each month)
Half-yearly $433.35 (debited on 28th Feb & 30th Jun each year)
Yearly $860.30 (debited on 28th Feb each year)
LABOR STATE CONFERENCE
On November 8th and 9th the mighty TWU carried several motions at the WA Labor State Conference, to better the lives of transport workers. State Secretary Tim Dawson, Assistant Secretary Shane O’Brien, TWU Bus Organiser Chris Gibbs, and TWU officials took the opportunity to move and pass motions aimed at improving conditions for workers and their workplaces, including:
OWNER DRIVERS (CONTRACT AND DISPUTES) ACT 2023
Resolution Text:
This conference recognises that the Owner-Drivers (Contracts and Disputes) Act 2007 needs updating to:
1. Reflect a changing industry
2. Extend to vehicles under 4.5 tonnes including last mile couriers and gig economy workers
3. Ensure safer workplaces and safer roads
4. Extend basic rights and dispute resolution to all owner-drivers
5. Recognise the essential role of small vehicles in modern logistics
6. Create a level playing-field across the transport sector
Resolution Text:
This conference recognises the efforts and strategies put in place to uplift LGBTQIA+ youth and believes the WA Labor government has a duty to protect and educate all students regardless of sexual orientation. This conference accepts that not all sexual education is for everyone, and believes sex-ed should be inclusive of all sexual orientations.
WA Labor:
Supports the amendments to sexual education programs to be inclusive of all sexual orientations. Will educate students on STDs and STIs that can affect all sexual orientations Will expand sexual health promotion for LGBTQIA+ youth. Will educate all students on medications, preventatives and protections that are used for sex by people of varying sexual orientations
ATTRACTING AND RETAINING
WA BUS DRIVERS
a. recognises that the WA bus network is a vital component of the integrated system that links train lines with outer suburbs and connects communities;
b. acknowledges bus drivers are a key component of closing the loop in public transport, and respects the important role they play;
c. recognises that reasonable turn-around times, high-quality amenities, and action on anti-social behaviour are key to attracting and retaining skilled bus drivers; and d. recommits WA Labor to the following standards for WA bus drivers:
i. a living wage;
ii. safety at work; iii. security of employment; and iv. dignity in retirement.
Amendment Text:
e. Prioritise full-time jobs in government contracted services
SAFE AND SECURE SKIES
Amendment Text: That WA Labor
1. Calls on the Albanese Labor Government to adopt a worker-centric approach to urgently needed Aviation industry reform
2. Recognises that aviation is a public good which warrants effective government regulation, oversight and planning to create and maintain good Australian jobs in our cities and regions, and protect essential transport routes for businesses and communities.
3. Calls on the Albanese Labor Government to ensure that an appropriate capacity exists to make binding and enforceable orders on all aviation supply chain participants, including:
a. Comprehensive dispute resolution mechanisms
b. Maximising secure jobs,
c. Complying with 'same job, same pay' principles in all hiring practices across the supply chain, and
d. The ability to inquire and make recommendations to the government about any issues facing the sector, including the use of fair procurement
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU TO ALL TWU DELEGATES WHO ATTENDED THE 2 DAY WEEKEND AND SPOKE ON BEHALF OF TWU MEMBERS
This Conference:
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.
We also had the great pleasure of being joined by a Mac Truck, proudly donated by Toll -
This wasn't just a parade; it was a powerful statement of acceptance, love, and the ongoing fight for equality. For TOLL, having our team members actively participate in such a significant event reflects our deep-rooted values. We understand that a truly inclusive workplace extends beyond our depots and offices, into the communities where our people live and thrive.
ENDORSING THE 2026 CLAIM
GROWTH ON THE ROAD TO RESPECT
We're continuing our great work building momentum on the Road to respect, with WA bus drivers joining the TWU every day!
This month the TWU Safety committee met with the Ministers' office to continue the great work our delegates are doing to advocate for their work places. Including getting safety screens rolled out in buses, winning back-packs for bus drivers and winning cashless fares with the new credit card/ debit card machines to roll out in December.
We're also continuing to recruit in new areas. Kinetic has recently won the tender for external Perth airport work at both domestic and international airports, and we're building new membership as we work towards 2026/2027.
MOVEMBER BBQS
TWU members and officials grew their MOs this month to help raise money for Movember supporting men’s health initiatives, while Steering Healthy Minds continued its vital work assisting truck drivers with mental health resources and support — work that is literally saving lives.
