January 2026 Monthly Wheel

WA BRANCH JANUARY 2026 MONTHLY WHEEL

MESSAGE FROM TIM DAWSON

TWU WA BRANCH STATE SECRETARY

Illegal Sham Contracts Are Booming and Drivers Are Paying the Price

What an entrance 2026 has made already. The TWU has a massive year ahead as we fight to align more than 200 enterprise agreements across Australia to give all transport workers a fair go.

But there’s always something trying to stop workers in their tracks — and right now, it’s the rise of sham contracting across the trucking and gig economy.

Sham contracting has boomed since the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s illegal, yet it’s spreading like wildfire through the transport industry.

Too many drivers are being stitched up by employers who tell them they’re “contractors” instead of employees. The result? No superannuation. No workers’ compensation if they’re injured. No annual leave. No sick leave. No long service leave.

Drivers are being pushed to work under an ABN while doing set hours, driving company vehicles and working overtime without proper pay — the exact same work an employee would do, just without the employment protections.

These are protections that every worker in Australia is entitled to.

According to the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), workers stuck in sham contracts earn on average $111 less per week than employees doing the same job. They’re also pocketing $243 less than genuine independent contractors.

So, who’s winning here?

Companies are knowingly misleading workers and, in some cases, threatening to sack them if they don’t go along with it. it’s about time these companies are weeded out or forced to do the right thing.

Australia is already facing a serious driver shortage, yet instead of lifting standards to attract workers, some companies are racing to the bottom through sham contracting.

Law-abiding transport businesses are being undercut and forced to slash their contract rates just to stay in the game.

Too often, migrant and foreign workers with limited knowledge of Australia’s workplace laws are targeted, leaving them vulnerable and exploited and shifting the cost onto taxpayers.

Where Do We Go from Here?

In 2024, transport workers fought hard for reform — and we won important changes through the Closing the Loopholes legislation, which tightened parts of the law around independent contracting. But the fight is far from over.

Sham contracting has become so brazen that businesses are now openly advertising for “employee drivers with ABNs” on major job sites like Seek.

The lack of proper oversite has led to urgent calls made by the industry last November for the Federal Government to crack down on companies doing the wrong thing.

It’s clear, they are compromising our road safety and de-valuing the hard work transport workers do every day.

It’s time to start holding these companies to account by calling out the shortcuts and exposing the bad behaviour.

When we shine a light on it, governments are forced to act.

The TWU is here to ensure our members receive the entitlements they deserve and work under safe and humane conditions. If you think you’re being pushed into a sham contract, our legal team can help you take the next step.

Reach out to your organiser today or fill out the below survey to find out if you are an employee or being treated like one without the rights.

BUS DRIVERS STANDING UP FOR SAFETY

Our busy industry has had a rocky start to 2026, with increases in antisocial behaviour across Perth and even rocks being thrown through bus windows while drivers are out on route.

The TWU has been making it clear with the help of mainstream media, that this is not on.

"A couple of lunatics"

WATCH TWU BUS ORGANISER, CHRIS GIBBS, ON 7 NEWS NOW! SEE TIM DAWSON'S RESPONSE TO ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ON WA

BUSES

The TWU has been asking members to complete the bus incident reporting tool on our website to help us name and shame people doing the wrong thing on public transport.

This tool and our safety survey are vital in helping the TWU fight for improved safety conditions and security for bus drivers in WA.

The TWU WA has recovered more than $2,000 in unpaid meal allowances for yet another member working for multinational trucking provider Komatsu.

This marks the 11th TWU member win against Komatsu since 2023 over unpaid meal allowances.

We encourage all members to keep a close eye on their entitlements under their Enterprise Agreements or Awards to make sure your company is paying you correctly.

When members speak up, the TWU makes sure bosses pay up.

NEW TWU ORGANISERS JOIN THE TEAM!

The TWU is excited to welcome aboard two new members to our team, Josh and Jay!

Josh is experienced in community organising and worked for the Australian Medical association where he supported medical workers.

Jay was a Bus driver and TWU delegate for three years before coming on as organiser.

Both will be vital in uniting TWU members across 2026, as we embark on our goal to unite ALL workers in the fight to make wealthy clients pay their share for decent paying jobs with safe conditions!

The 2026 campaign is well and truly underway.

With surveys now complete, TWU members across Australia — in the air and on the roads — are reviewing their claims and setting their priorities for the fight ahead. From cabin crew to drivers, ground crews to logistics workers, members are uniting around a shared vision for safer jobs, fair pay, and a stronger industry.

TWU members know that real change is won through collective strength. That’s why recruitment is surging, conversations are happening in depots and crew rooms, and momentum is building every day. Together, members are laying the groundwork for what is shaping up to be the largest industrial fight in Australian history — and they’re ready to win it.

TWU MEMBER STORY: VETERAN, DAVID MORRIS

TWU member David Morris caught up with the Union this week to talk about how improving safety on our roads, limiting instances of racism and uplifting women in transport can unite all transport workers together in the fight for equal wages and conditions.

Mr. Morris has more than 30 years of experience in driving trucks between states.

When the TWU asked what he loved most about the union, Morris responded with “integrity,” and conceded that all transport workers needed to have more respect for each other in the fight for equal pay and conditions across the industry.

"It has always been a dog-eat-dog world and it has always been a race to the bottom. Subcontractors and contractors doing the work aren't able to provide for their families because they're continuously being undercut."

TWU IS CALLING FOR A HEAT POLICY NOW!

Ground crew workers at Perth airport are literally roasting out on the tarmac with temperatures surging as high as 45 degrees.

That’s why TWU WA members are calling for a heat policy at Perth Airport NOW! We want the airport, airlines and ground handling companies to ensure workers have:

Easy access to cold water in staff rooms, out on the tarmac and in baggage bays

Electrolytes

Cooling PPE: breathable uniforms that provide UV protection and cooling neck ties

Working air conditioning in all vehicles

Industrial strength cooling fans & air-conditioning in all baggage bays

Aircraft air-conditioners left on during cleaning

More frequent breaks during high heat with additional staff rostered if needed

Every employee deserves to work under safe conditions, if you work on the Perth airport tarmac, join the fight with TWU WA today and send us photos of what it’s like working Perth Summers on the tarmac

BUILDING UP STRONG UNIONIST

Sofie, from the Labor Movement Internship (LMI), had the opportunity to shadow TWU organisers and meet with members in general transport and logistics, buses, at the Fair Work Commission and at Perth airport.

The LMI program is designed to create connections between activists and the labour movement by expanding the knowledge and values of the trade union movement and the understanding of what the TWU does for workers.

Sofie spoke with workers about the importance of having a party that works for workers, and how building workers power within Labor will better align the party with the values unions fight hard for every day

Thanks for joining us Sofie!

But the challenges facing transport workers are growing.

New technologies, including surveillance systems, MT Data, algorithmic management, and AI, are already being used to monitor workers, shift risk, and undermine job security. Without strong laws, these tools will be used against workers, not for them.

Through determined campaigning, TWU members helped win Transport Reform and the Australian Road Transport Advisory Group (ARTAG), a national forum that puts workers, not just employers, at the table to shape the future of road transport. ARTAG exists because TWU members demanded a better, safer, and fairer industry.

These wins were not handed to us; they were fought for.

That’s why legislative reform matters.

The Closing Loopholes laws, Transport Reform and the 2024 amendments made to strengthening the Owner Drivers (Contracts and Disputes) Act have shown what is possible when unions have real political influence. But employers are already searching for the next loophole. That means the fight doesn’t end when legislation passes, it continues inside the political process itself.

That power only exists if working people are organised inside the party formed by working people: the Australian Labor Party.

If union members don’t participate at the

political level, decisions will be made without workers, and big business will happily step in. The result is laws that favour employers and weaken protections for workers.

This is your chance to get involved, to use your voice in the party, ensure a better life for transport workers and make a better future for our kids and their families.

Complete the survey now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6Z7HJHD and win one of 5 TWU Prize packs" including a TWU flask, a TWU Cap, a TWU shirt, TWU key ring, TWU backpack, TWU phone cradle, and a TWU monopoly set.

We will also be hosting an ALP BBQ on February 7th in Port Kennedy. Come down and talk politics with the TWU.

STEERING TRANSPORT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

health initiatives.

Last year, 13 transport companies across WA participated in SHM mental health first aid courses, arming their employees with the resources, skills and support needed combat mental health.

Many people think working in transport is all about physical strength and pushing through tough conditions. But often, it’s the mental strain of long hours, isolation and pressure that weighs heaviest on workers.

To address these issues and support workers to live a mentally healthy, life both on and off shift, the TWU formed a national initiative in 2023, called Steering Healthy Minds (SHM).

This initiative comes as a first for the Australian Transport industry. With more than half a million people employed across maritime, aviation, transport and logistics, and rail, it’s no wonder that 7% of all mental health claims are made by transport workers.

SHM Company Secretary Emma Flynn said those working in the transport industry face unique challenges and that a “tailored approach” is needed to improve mental health in this industry.

Since its inception, SHM has welcomed training from both TWU members and non-members working in transport to reduce stigma, promote awareness and empower workplaces to support mental

TWU Member and Perth bus driver, Terrie, has worked in transport for the past 7 years. She said that before sitting the SHM course, she had no idea how to support her co-workers.

“Before doing this course, I found one of my colleagues rolled up in a ball in our locker room crying her eyes out. She was new, she was under pressure, and I just didn’t know how to help her. I sat with her, but I didn’t know where to point her for help."

Similar sentiments have been echoed by other workers, which has aided in minimising the stigma surrounding mental health in the transport space.

“When this course came up, I decided that’s what I needed. Since then, I’ve had a lot more confidence in helping others. We were given a lot of information about where to get help and just how to sit and talk with people,” Terrie said.

Since the initiative began in 2023, more than 1100 people in transport have been trained in MHFA nationally. Workers have learnt about the different types of mental illness, signs to look-out for in their co-

workers and how to act, and when to stop and care for themselves.

Industry-led plan, the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Roadmap (20252028) for improving psychological health and safety for road transport, warehousing and logistics, confirmed that truck drivers struggling with depression were six times more likely to be involved in an accident than those without depression.

46% of all mental health conditions in transport were due to “vehicle incidents.”

These numbers show that taking part in mental health first aid can be lifesaving.

It offers a way forward for some who may have felt trapped under pressure by gruelling workloads and serves as a stark reminder that mental health is as serious as physical health, and at times can’t be “toughed out.”

This year, the TWU is calling for companies to take mental health first aid more seriously and upskill their workplace to be a safe and welcoming environment for anyone seeking mental health support.

IN THE CONVERSATION JANUARY 2026 MONTHLY WHEEL

The Transport Workers Union has been cited by Independent news outlet, The Conversation, as an example of how union power can drive real change across Australian industries.

The news outlet commented on how the TWU has “scored surprisingly big wins,” while other unions were being recognised for the wrong reasons, including bullying, corruption and violence.

This year, The TWU is taking the fight with our members to the top of the supply chain to ensure fair and equal standards for pay and conditions are set nationwide across the industry.

These are just some of the comments made about the work the TWU executes for ALL workers across the transport industry!

The Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has welcomed a landmark framework agreement between technology giant Microsoft and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), putting workers, including those in transport and logistics, at the center of Australia’s transition to artificial intelligence.

WOMENS NETWORK UPDATE

The TWU had our inaugural Women’s Network meeting for 2026 on January 11th!

TWU Organiser Chiara Staines hosted the catch up at our branch in Kewdale.

With special visitor and current member for Rockingham, Magenta Marshall, women in transport discussed:

- Improvements to female amenities and toilets

- Improving Family and Domestic Violence leave protection and education

- An increase in flexible working arrangements for carers and parents

- Broadening the scope of reproductive health leave, and

- Sex discrimination within the workplace and how to create a safe and respectful environment

The TWU also unveiled our incident reporting tool for women to utilise when instances of sexual harassment, discrimination or bullying take place on the job. It’s part of our mission to ensure all women working in transport are treated equally and with respect. If you’re a woman in transport and you’d like to have a say at our next meeting on March 1st, register your interest today!