WINNING
TWU MEMBERS AT BORAL WIN BIG !!
FINALISING THEIR NEW UNION BARGAINED AGREEMENT.
The fight began in November 2024, when the TWU presented our log of claims. Boral refused to enter negotiations, instead telling workers they would simply be handed a company offer — no bargaining, no consultation.
But Boral workers stood strong. Backed by their union, TWU members took Boral to the Fair Work Commission, forcing them to the table and demanding fair negotiations.
Bargaining officially began in January 2025, with Boral rejecting nearly all claims in the first round. But that didn’t stop the workers. Through months of negotiations — and with union density growing to 80% during the process — TWU members stayed united and determined.
By June 2025, a strong union-endorsed agreement was reached, delivering major wins for Boral workers:
10.5% pay rise over two years
Increases on all allowances
Improved penalty rates:
• Time and a half on Saturdays
• Double time on Sundays
• Double time and a half on public holidays
Delegate rights
First aid allowance
Shift penalties
And much more
Through their union strength and power, TWU members at Boral successfully delivered a wage increase that keeps up with inflation and gives workers the rights they deserve at work.
AN AGREEMENT WORTH VOTING FOR AT NETWORK AVIATION!
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!
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!
METRONET has been a major success in connecting outer suburbs by rail — but it’s the hard work of our bus drivers that kept commuters moving. For two years, rail-replacement buses filled the gap, and now as normal services return, it’s clear: bus drivers are more essential than ever.
Bus drivers are the beating heart of the public transport community — show them respect everyday! learn more about the Road to respect: https://www.twuwa.org.au/road-to-respect-wa
A huge thank you to transport minister Rita Saffioti for coming out to the Southern River Bus depot in July to thank bus drivers who were involved in bus-replacement services during the Armadale line closure — keeping the people of Armadale connected.
OUR DELEGATES ARE LAUNCHING
2026 AT OUR DELEGATES' CONFERENCE ON
Attended by 113 Delegates and a range of guest speakers, politicans, officials, sponsors, and staff, the TWU WA Delegates' Conference on July 31st was a great day, celebrating the successes of our Delegates, hearing their stories and discussing the agenda of what is to come, especially with 2026 right around the corner.
2026 is going to be a big year - with over 200 Agreements expiring and the potential of over 60,000 transport workers walking off the job, we have the power to enact change!
It's time for a safe, sustainable and viable transport industry.
Whether that is addressing skills shortages and retaining good operators in heavy haulage - re-building the industry in aviation back to its former glory - or protecting our bus drivers with safety measures and dignity in retirement our union - the mighty TWU - is ready for the road ahead!
ARE RELENTLESS
ON JULY 31ST FOR OUR ROADS, OUR SKIES, Our Future
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Barry Pearse
This award recognises outstanding achievements in building Union power at your workplace within your first twelve months as a delegate.
Barry Pearse hasn’t been a TWU delegate for very long and has already started a whatsapp group and is working collectively with the workforce to gather information and map the movements of subbies in an effort to address full utilisation issues at the workplace.
Barry is recruiting in his yard and is running his yard dealing with individual issues. And shows great promise as a dedicated delegate.
Congratulations Barry!
REGIONAL DELEGATE OF THE YEAR
Don Potthoff
A regional delegate and a HSR at his site, Don has assisted his organiser in recruitment and sorting out site issues on a day to day basis
He is passionate about looking after the drivers at his depot
There is no hesitation bringing issues to management to fight for the drivers
Don's also been instrumental in combining the regional with the metro agreement which builds more power and gears us up for strike action in the not too distant future
Congratulations Don!
RAY 'MACCA' MCMILLAN DELEGATE OF THE YEAR AWARD
The winner of this inaugural and prestigious award: has been a delegate for approx. 2 years
He is always dedicated and passionate about the union. And goes the extra mile
He has been recruiting strongly in the linehaul sector of our union AND NOT JUST in their own yard – actively signing up members from other sites even identifying TWU delegates from other sites and actively getting them to follow his lead.
Same thing happened when he drove to Kalgoorlie – signed up members who weren’t in his yard, but who felt passionately about changing the industry.
He’s always actively recruiting and building power wherever he goes
He is relentless – everything the TWU stands for. And he keeps his organiser on his toes. We’re proud to have him and proud to give him this award.
Congratulations Dallas Ferris on achieving the Delegate of the Year 2025
Thank you to our Sponsors!
THE TEAM SUPER DIFFERENCE
Team Super is proud to have supported the TWU (WA) Delegates Conference on 31 July, celebrating the work of the Transport Workers’ Union delegates throughout Western Australia.
As the top specialist super fund for transport, energy and mining, we are committed to helping our members achieve the retirement they deserve. The Team Super difference:
Top performing fund – Team Super has been awarded Money magazine’s Best Super fund of the year for 2025, and the Best-value super fund for young people for the second time in a row
Insurance for transport workers – We’ve got your back. Our flexible insurance cover options can help financially protect you and your family if you’re unable to work or if the unexpected happens.
Advice when it matters – All Team Super members can request a complimentary first appointment with Team Super Financial Advice.
Find out more at teamsuper.com or by using the details below. Want more information?
Our team is here to help your colleagues make the most of their super. They’re available to meet over the phone, online, or in person. Tailored workplace education sessions are also available. To find out more you can contact: Marinko Markovic – Manager, Employer & Stakeholder Services (South)
Phone: 0428 505 026
Email: marinko.marcovik@teamsuper.com
TRANSPORT WORKERS' MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!
Steering Healthy Minds (SHM) is making a real difference to the way mental health is understood and spoken about across the transport industry.
Since launching, the program has trained over 900 people, giving workers and leaders alike the confidence to have meaningful conversations and support each other in a way that’s practical, relevant, and grounded in real life experience.
At the core of SHM’s offerings is the delivery of Standard Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, adapted specifically for people working in transport.
These two-day, face to face courses are designed with the realities of the job in mind.
Referencing long hours, isolation, and high pressure environments amongst others.
The training equips participants with the skills to recognise the signs of declining mental health, offer initial support, and guide someone towards professional help where needed.
Feedback from participants consistently tells us that what they learn isn’t just theoretical, it’s being put into practice.
People are stepping up, checking in with their work mates, and helping to shift the culture towards one where mental health is part of the everyday conversation, treated with the same importance as physical illness or injury.
This impact hasn’t gone unnoticed with SHM receiving three awards from the Personal Injury Education Foundation (PIEF), recognising innovation and leadership in injury prevention.
Further, 2025 has been a standout year, with SHM receiving the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) Award, a
national Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Award, and a prestigious Global Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Award.
These honours reflect the quality of the program and the strength of its connection to the people it serves.
The SHM initiative was created by listening to workers on the ground, and designing a program that is relatable and specific.
It’s not about one off sessions or box ticking exercises, it’s about creating change, reducing stigma, and helping one another.
With momentum continuing to build, Steering Healthy Minds is helping to create safer, more supportive worksites across the country.
We encourage everyone to get on board, and attend a training session.
TWU MEMBERS AT VENTIA CONTINUE THE FIGHT
Court Security and custodial officers from Ventia took protected industrial action another 2 times in July in the relentless pursuit of safe wages
They've reached an impasse with their employer, but continue to knock down the door every time the company closes it in their face.
In early July over 400 workers took their fight to head office, marching through the city to stake their claim.
When we fight we win and these workers have proved they're up for the fight!
Keep it up - we're backing you all of the way!
PREPARING TO FIGHT AT METROLL AND QUBE PICTON
TWU members from Metroll and Qube Picton are edging closer to taking protected action for better wages and conditions.
Metroll workers recently voted up their protected action ballot and will aim to exercise their industrial rights for improved wages and improved safety at their site.
Transport workers at Qube Picton are also gearing up for a fight after their employer refused to move on key claims.
TWU Organiser Charlie Nichols will meet with the company again before the work force makes a decision to exercise their industrial rights.
Both of these sites are tough as nails and preparing to stick together to win.
