IN-PRINCIPLE AGREEMENT
REACHED AT QUBE PICTON
TWU members at Qube Picton have been building power and fighting hard to secure a fair agreement — and it has paid off. TUW members at Qube Picton have reached an agreement in-principle!
Their new agreement includes:
✓ Same Job, Same Pay
✓ Delegate rights
✓ Increase in allowances
✓ 15.5% increase over 4 years
✓ 13% superannuation
Thanks to their union strength and density, these members were able to secure a good agreement! Congratulations Qube Picton!
VENTIA OFFICERS VOTED NO!
VENTIA OFFICERS PROVING THEY WILL NOT BACK DOWN
After almost 2 years of bargaining and 6 Strike Actions, Ventia put their sub-standard agreement out to vote for the second time. The TWU urged members to vote NO! This has been an ongoing fight, bringing workers together, demanding Ventia come to the table and negotiate a fair agreement that delivers on Same Job, Same Pay.
74% VOTED NO
The Next Steps:
Ventia told workers they couldn’t deliver Same Job, Same Pay without funding from the State Government. TWU members fought hard and lobbied the State Government, successfully securing $6 million to make it happen. But after winning the funding Ventia asked for, the company shifted the goalposts, claiming $6 million wasn’t enough and demanded an extra $3 million to deliver on their own promise.
The results of the second vote are in, and they prove Ventia members won’t back down!
The TWU will use new provisions in the Fair Work Act to apply for an Intractable Bargaining Determination, enabling the Fair Work Commission to rule on Same Job, Same Pay. Watch this space for updates
WA STATE GOVERNMENT
ANNOUNCES MORE REST AREA IMPROVEMENTS
The WA State Government has announced they have committed $7.5 million under the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Initiative (HRVA). For years, the TWU has highlighted the importance of high-quality rest areas for heavy vehicle drivers. Safe, accessible, and well-maintained rest areas are essential for truck drivers to manage fatigue, meet legal rest requirements, and protect both themselves and all road users.
These improvements will deliver safer and more practical facilities for drivers, helping to reduce fatigue-related risks, improve working conditions on the road, and support the vital work truck drivers do in keeping our supply chains moving.
IMPROVED REST AREAS ACROSS WA
✓
A new heavy vehicle rest area will be constructed on the Eyre Highway at Mundrabilla, designed to accommodate up to 36 vehicles up to 60 metres in length. The site will include essential facilities such as toilets, showers, a shaded shelter, lighting, and a security system The WA State Government has committed $5 million towards this project, bringing the total investment to $13 million. ✓
The WA State Government is committing $2,095,000 to implement the planned expansion of the Cranbrook HVRA from 8 heavy vehicle bays to 16 bays, and improve the existing solar power facilities
The WA State Government is committing $145,600 for the extension of the existing Rocky Gully HVRA to provide a 150m long parallel, heavy vehicle specific rest area with adequate lighting
A new public amenity facility and parking bay for public use within the town of Calingiri. This facility will segregate heavy vehicles from cars and caravans to improve safety. The WA State Government has committed $256,000 for this project
UBER DRIVER WINS LANDMARK LOST PAY CASE
For the first time ever, Uber has been ordered to award lost pay after unfairly deactivating a driver.
Mr Hotak, the driver, was assaulted and falsely accused. Instead of being supported by Uber, he was deactivated and experienced immense financial hardship.
The Fair Work Commission's ruling states that on March 24, Mr Hotak was driving for Uber when he picked up a rider and two passengers on Adelaide's party strip, Hindley Street.
The rider submitted a report to Uber that Mr Hotak had threatened the passengers with a baseball bat, which Mr Hotak denied.
Mr Hotak said he asked the passengers to stop using drugs in his vehicle and exit the car, after which the passengers assaulted him from behind and exited his vehicle.
A few days after the report was made, Mr Hotak received notice from Uber that his
account was being deactivated, which came into effect on April 8.
Before the incident, Mr Hotak had been driving 40 to 60 hours per week for Uber.
He had completed more than 6,000 trips in four and a half years and maintained a 4.99 rating out of 5.
Mr Hotak and the Transport Workers Union commenced an unfair deactivation case with the Fair Work Commission, and while the proceedings were underway, Uber reactivated the driver's account.
This week, the commission ruled Mr Hotak's two-month deactivation was "plainly unfair" and had a significant personal and
economic impact on the driver.
This landmark decision by the Fair Work Commission is a huge step towards fairness for gig workers and holding Uber to account for its AI-fuelled systems that are impacting real human lives.
pay
Mr Mohammad Hotak wins landmark unfair deactivation & lost
case
our roads, our skies, our future
SHAPING YOUR 2026 AGREEMENTS!
TWU members have been busy, gearing up for the 2026 fight! They have been completing surveys, letting us know the conditions they want to see in their yards.
Why? Because 2026 is not just another bargaining year. For the first time ever, In 2026, over 200 agreements across road and aviation will expire together for the first time. That's over 60,000 workers across the roads and skies, building power to lift everyone's pay, improve job security, and set sector standards
Your survey input helps shape the log of claims we take to the bargaining table. The stronger and clearer our collective voice,
WACTH NOW: TWU member and WA Senator, Glenn Sterle, commends the TWU in Parliament of the hard work and dedication of the TWU and their members following the largest Corporate Penalty case with Qantas.
ANNA STEWART MEMORIAL PROJECT
It was great to have TWU Delegate Darcy join us on site as part of the Anna Stewart Memorial Program in September.
The Anna Stewart Memorial Program is a week-long initiative that recognises the need for developing women in leadership and works to address issues faced by women in their workplaces.
Darcy participated in the program and had the opportunity to speak at sites and experience a day in the life of an organiser.
The transport industry improves when we make it easier for all ages and stages of life to be a part of it. No matter your race, gender or sexuality.
Attracting and retaining women in the industry is a challenge, but a challenge that is worthy.
Thank you to each of the sites, TGE IPEC, Dnata, and SCT for having us along.
ECOLAB MEMBERS WIN GREAT AGREEMENT
TWU WIN at Ecolab! TWU members stood together and negotiated for a fair agreement at Ecolab, securing them with:
✅Wage increase of 5.5% in Year 1 and 2, and CPI + 1% in Year 3
✅Safety Bonus Paid Quarterly rather than yearly
✅Sign-on bonus of $1500
✅Call out Fee of $300
✅New classification structure seeing many employees receiving a pay increase on top of 5.5%, overall pay rises ranging from 5.5% to 13.6% in year 1
With continued union strength and power, workers at Ecolab can continue great wins that see's them better off.
SAVING BUNBURY BUS STATION
Bus Drivers in Bunbury have raised concerns that they often feel unsafe using the station amenities due to anti-social behaviour and poor hygiene standards. Every worker deserves access to clean, safe, and secure amenities. This is a basic human right and a fundamental workplace standard that must be respected and upheld.
TWU officials and members met with workers and community members in Bunbury to discuss the conditions and safety risks at the Bunbury Bus Station. Many drivers reported that they often go entire shifts without using the bathroom, as they feel the amenities are either unsafe due to antisocial behaviour or too unhygienic to use.
✅ All Bus stations should be safe, secure and hygienic
✅ The station needs to prioritise the safety of workers and the community
✅ All bus drivers deserve their basic human right to use the bathroom on shift
TWU WINS BACK 3 YEARS
WORTH OF BACKPAY FOR MEMBER
One of our long-time members was able to win back 3 years’ worth of backpay, after being misclassified under his award.
Our member was performing duties at a much higher level than those outlined in the award classification under which he was being paid, and he had been misclassified for the entire period of his employment.
TWU Organiser Kim Scarlett and the TWU Industrial Relations Team went into bat for this member, and he was repaid every cent he was underpaid.
This win is a reminder that misclassification and underpayment can happen to anyone –and that the TWU is here to fight for what you’re owed.
Are you concerned you are being underpaid or misclassified, relative to your EBA or Award Classification? If you are, contact your Delegate or Organiser today.
Watch now: ABC Southern WA Radio covers safety concerns at Bunbury Bus Station and the risks faced by drivers.
DELEGATES GEARING UP FOR 2026
In September, delegates from across our worksites came together for training to strengthen their skills, share experiences, and build the power we need to win fairer, safer workplaces. Delegates are the backbone of our union, standing up for their workmates every day, and this training ensures they’re equipped with the tools to lead, organise, and fight back when bosses try to cut corners. With strong delegates, we build strong workplaces.
With 2026 fast approaching, TWU delegates are gearing up with the training required to best lead their sites in Australia's largest coordinated industrial action the transport industry has ever seen.
RECOGNISING MEMBERS
Long-time member and TWU Delegate John “JD” Davis was recently recognised by his employer, Skippers Transport, for 45 years of loyal service.
A truly iconic Western Australian transport company, Skippers has a history of delivering the best and JD has been a part of that proud history for most of his life.
JD was recognised with an award from Managing Director David Quinlivan and one of his closest mates, Senator and former TWU Organiser Glenn Sterle.
CLEANAWAY KIMBERLEY
WORKERS FIGHT BACK
Workers at Cleanaway Kimberley have sent a powerful message, with 80% voting NO to the company’s proposed agreement after Cleanaway tried to push it through without notifying the TWU. Their attempt to sidestep genuine bargaining has backfired! TWU members stood strong and rejected Cleanaway’s dodgy deal.
Next steps:
The TWU will now prepare the first log of claims to present to members, kicking off real negotiations to secure a fair agreement.
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.
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 ac counts, 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.
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 in-
vested 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.
JOIN THE TWU WOMEN'S NETWORK
TWU women are meeting in the next few weeks to continue discussions of issues that women face in the transport industry. A recent women’s safety in the workplace survey highlighted that over 46% of respondents have witnessed an incident of sexual harassment or assault and over 84% who have reported incidents to management don’t believe that it was adequately or appropriately handled.
This is unacceptable. Women in transport deserve safe, fair workplaces and the same respect afforded to their male counterparts. By joining the TWU Women’s Network, you’ll be part of driving real change. Together with women across one of Australia’s deadliest industries, we’ll be shaping policy, fighting for safer and more equal workplaces, and tackling the industry-specific challenges women face every day.
RSVP HERE
PrideFest 2025 is almost here! Join us on November 29th, 2025, in celebrating our LGBTQIA+ workmates and their contributions to our industry, economy, and community.
RSVP NOW
