THE FIRST HALF OF 2025 has been a powerful display of what TWU members can achieve when we’re united, strategic and determined. Across Queensland and nationally, we’ve continued to build on the strong foundations laid last year, delivering real, tangible wins for transport workers in every part of the industry.
TWU members have led from the front, whether it’s been fighting for safe rates and conditions under our Transport Reform legislation, pushing back against unsafe gig models, or using Queensland’s Chapter 10A laws to demand better for owner-drivers.
From major progress in the road transport sector to growing strength in bus, waste and aviation yards across the state, our members are lifting standards from the ground up. Whether it’s through workplace action or coordinated national campaigns, it’s clear the momentum is with us.
And our strength has been on full display. In May, I was proud to march with hundreds of TWU members at Brisbane Labour Day. We also held a
Across Queensland and nationally, we’ve continued to build on the strong foundations laid last year , delivering real, tangible wins for transport workers in every part of the industry.
successful National Council in Brisbane, where we celebrated our wins and formulated plans for the upcoming 2026 campaign.
Queensland continues to grow in membership, unity and industrial power, and it’s clear that TWU members across the state are ready for the fights to come. With the first half of 2025 behind us, we’ve already set a strong course. The work continues, and with members like ours, I have no doubt we’ll keep building towards lasting change.
Yours in unity, Richard Olsen - Branch Secretary
STRONG AND INSPIRING
THE FIRST HALF OF 2025 has been a strong and inspiring period for TWU Queensland, with members driving industrial wins, growing our strength on the ground, and deepening our collective power across the state.
Our membership has continued to grow, and we’ve added dozens of new delegates and HSRs across the state. This growth reflects not only the trust members have in our union, but also our commitment to empowering them with the tools, training and support needed to lead in their workplaces.
Our campaigns are more focused than ever, and that’s being felt in workplaces across Queensland. We’ve seen major gains across road transport, aviation, bus and waste. All of this is driven by the tireless effort and unity of members on the ground.
In May this year, TWU members helped deliver a strong result at the federal election, electing candidates who support transport workers and safe, secure jobs. It was a clear reminder of the power of organised workers when we stand together and fight for a better future. Our union’s political engagement is focused and strategic, and has already ensured key allies in Parliament who will help us hold the new government to account.
We have also seen exceptional membership growth in our retail target companies, which puts
In May this year, TWU members helped deliver a strong result at the federal election, electing candidates who support transport workers and safe, secure jobs.
us in a strong position for what we have in store next year.
We’ve now turned our focus to the 2026 Our Roads, Our Skies, Our Future campaign, where we’ve aligned over 200 transport agreements. This is a deliberate, strategic move to build unprecedented collective strength. When transport workers unite in bargaining, we create the power to deliver industry-wide change that no group could win on its own.
MASSIVE WINS AT: IPSWICH WASTE, DNATA, MENZIES, CLEANAWAY NOOSA, GE AVIATION, AND MORE
SCHOOL BUS DRIVER WAGE INCREASE
SAME JOB SAME PAY AT QANTAS FREIGHT
FEDERAL ELECTION WIN TRANSPORT REFORM PROTECTED
THE TWU IS CELEBRATING the return of the Albanese Labor Government at the 2025 federal election, a victory that secures the hard-won gains of transport workers and opens the door to even greater reforms. This result is not just a political win; it’s a win for every TWU member who has stood shoulder to shoulder in the fight to raise standards, improve safety and secure fair pay across our industry.
Thanks to the efforts of members across the country, we’ve helped return a government that actually listens to workers. Over the past three years, the Labor Government has passed worldleading transport reform, enshrined gig economy rights, delivered same job same pay provisions, restored collective bargaining, and supported our
mission to lift standards in every corner of the transport sector. That work now continues, with momentum on our side.
This election was never just about politics. It was about protecting the wins TWU members have fought for: safe rates, job security, stronger protections for owner-drivers, and the right to be heard in the workplace. Had the LNP been successful, they made it clear that jobs, wages and industrial laws would have been among the first casualties. TWU members refused to let that happen.
Across Queensland, members mobilised in the lead-up to election day, organising in yards, talking to their workmates, and making sure the transport industry had a voice. That work has paid off, delivering a result that ensures we can keep pushing for fairer conditions,
safer roads, and more secure futures.
We know there is still more to be done. From making sure transport reform is fully implemented, to holding employers to account and fighting back against unsafe gig models, TWU members are ready for the challenges ahead. With a re-elected Labor Government, we have the political support to match our industrial strength, and that makes real change possible.
This win is a testament to what happens when workers are united, organised and focused. It shows the power of the TWU at the ballot box and in the workplace. We thank every member who played a role in this campaign, and we look forward to the next chapter in our ongoing fight to improve the lives of transport workers everywhere.
$35 PER HOUR IS HERE
THE MAJORITY of bus drivers in Queensland are now earning at least $35 an hour, a life-changing pay rise, fought for and won by TWU members through the Our Public Transport campaign.
This wage increase reflects the real value of the work drivers do every day.
TWU members also secured major government investment in safety and staffing, delivering real improvements to the job and the network. This is the power of union action.
Now we’re building toward the next big fight: a strong
multi-employer agreement in 2027. That agreement will be our chance to lock in better pay, job security and conditions for drivers across the state.
BRING BACK BUS SAFETY FORUM
IN APRIL, it was revealed that Translink and LNP Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg made the decision to secretly put an end to the Bus Safety Forum.
The Forum had been the only structured platform where drivers, unions, operators, and government bodies came together to confront one of the most pressing and ongoing issues facing the public transport industry: violence and abuse directed at bus drivers.
The decision to discontinue the Forum was disappointing, dangerous, and completely unacceptable — especially given it was made without direct consultation with drivers and their representatives, those most affected by these serious issues.
Following a string of violent assaults, including a bus driver stabbed in the neck on the Sunshine Coast, the TWU called for the immediate action.
EMERGENCY ROUND TABLE
After sustained pressure, including a coordinated media campaign, the TWU secured an emergency Bus Round Table meeting with the Minister for Transport, Translink, Queensland Police, bus operators and the RTBU.
We pushed for faster rollout of full safety screens, enforcement of banning orders for serial offenders, stronger laws to protect drivers, improved facilities at turnaround points, and consistent policies across
the network. The Minister agreed to establish a new stakeholders’ forum where the TWU can raise these issues and committed to providing a written update by Friday, 22 August 2025.
NEXT STEPS
The round table was a step forward, but action is what counts. The TWU will monitor progress closely and hold the government, Translink, and operators accountable. If commitments are not met, we are prepared to escalate publicly and industrially.
CHAPTER 10A WINS
The TWU Industrial Team provides legal strategy and support for our union, working with officials to deliver great results for members. The team works on enterprise bargaining, protected action ballots, majority support determinations, delegate support, award and agreement interpretations, work health and safety disputes, and individual matters such as unfair dismissal, general protections, underpayments, and human rights issues.
IN THE PAST YEAR, the Industrial Team represented members in both individual and collective matters, resulting in the recovery of over $2.5 million for members. This is the largest amount recouped in a single year by TWU Queensland.
After years of Union campaigning, the Queensland Government passed the Chapter 10A Bill. This Bill is now law and ensures that Owner Drivers can now negotiate for fair rates of pay and appeal unfair terminations. Chapter 10A also allows the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission to make rulings to ensure that Owner Drivers can recover their costs and are not left out of pocket when fuel and other expenses rise.
CHAPTER 10A: FIRST MAJOR WIN
In 2025, our TWU Industrial Team has secured the first major win using these new Chapter 10A laws.
Recently, a Queensland Owner Driver and TWU member was unfairly terminated, and thanks to the new protections in these laws, the TWU was
able to build and lodge a case on behalf of our member and take the matter to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.
While certain details of the case are confidential, we can confirm that through the Industrial Team’s advocacy, the case resulted in the company agreeing to reach a significant financial outcome for our member.
CHANGING THE GAME
These new laws are changing the game for Owner Drivers in Queensland.
They provide stronger rights, clearer protections, and a fairer system for transport workers doing it tough.
TWU ACTION DELIVERS STRONG PAY INCREASE
Union members at Ipswich Waste win a strong pay increase over the next three years. Workers have secured yearly wage increases of 5%, 5% and 3.75%.
THREE DAYS OF INDUSTRIAL
ACTION from Transport Workers’ Union and Australian Workers Union members, over 90,000 missed bin collections, massive community support, and pressure from all angles and levels of government have contributed to this great result for these workers and their families.
These workers have gone backwards in pay in real terms by 8% over the last three years, so this wage increase will be life-changing for garbos, council field staff, and their families.
“This is an incredible win for these union members, who fought so hard for a fair pay increase.”
“It’s a shame that it took 90,000 bins sitting on the streets for the Council to come to their senses, but we’re glad they’ve finally come back to the table and workers have won this result.”
“The message is clear to all councils and waste companies in Queensland. When workers’ pay and conditions are under attack, TWU members will stand up and fight back.”Josh Millroy, TWU QLD Director of Organising.
This agreement was certified by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission in May 2025, locking in these great wins for TWU members.
“The message is clear to all councils and waste companies in Queensland. When workers’ pay and conditions are under attack, TWU members will stand up and fight back.”
MENZIES WORKERS
have voted YES to a new national agreement, locking in:
CHECK-CIRCLE Backpay on all earnings
CHECK-CIRCLE Up to 33.5% pay increase across three years
CHECK-CIRCLE Stronger job security
CHECK-CIRCLE Better rostering, leave & consultation rights
This win is a major step in rebuilding a broken aviation industry, and a powerful example of what strong union representation can deliver.
Lifting standards across the board is essential to rebuilding a fair and safe aviation industry for all, as companies like Swissport drag the industry down with dangerous conditions, understaffing and wage theft.
HISTORIC
PENALTIES FOR QANTAS
MENZIES MEMBERS WIN SAME JOB, SAME PAY @ QANTAS FREIGHT
LABOUR HIRE WORKERS
at Qantas Freight are set to see a significant lift in their pay and conditions.
Increases to base rates, allowances, overtime, and shift penalties will bring them in line with their directly employed colleagues, delivering up to $8,000 more in their pockets each year.
STRENGTHENING JOB SECURITY
By lifting wages and conditions for labour hire workers, we have also strengthened job security for everyone at Qantas Freight.
When the company can no longer undercut permanent jobs through cheaper labour hire rates, we all benefit from a more secure, fairer workplace.
IN THE LARGEST employer penalty in Australian corporate history, Qantas has been ordered to pay $90 million for illegally outsourcing 1,800 workers.
This comes on top of the $120 million already won in compensation for those workers, covering both economic losses and hurt and suffering. Together, these victories mark a huge milestone in a fight that has lasted more than five years.
Every worker who stood strong should be proud. TWU members have not only secured justice but also sent a $90 million warning to corporate Australia: you can’t break the law and get away with it.
LOCKING IN A DEAL @ DNATA
AFTER NEARLY A YEAR of bargaining, a nationwide strike, and workers standing strong, dnata ground workers have reached an inprinciple agreement!
This deal locks in major improvements to pay, conditions and job security to lift industry standards—proof that when we fight, we win.
GREAT WIN @ JETSTAR
A MASSIVE congratulations to Jetstar Altara cabin crew on an incredible win. The Fair Work Commission has approved a Same Job, Same Pay order, delivering an average of $8,000 extra annually to crew who have been doing the same work as directly employed colleagues but for less pay.
This outcome was only possible because cabin crew stood together and demanded change. But our work is not done, and we will keep pushing to raise standards for all cabin crew across the aviation industry so that no worker is left behind.
SWISSPORT MUST STAND UP FOR SAFETY
RYAN, a TWU delegate and former Swissport worker, bravely spoke to the media to emphasise these issues and explain their effect on the aviation industry more broadly.
We’ve heard horror stories, including that of a young worker who suffered a severe injury just before Christmas last year, where he almost lost his leg.
Swissport and its clients, like Qantas, need to urgently clean up their act, before further injuries occur, or worse.
The TWU has renewed calls for a national Safe and Secure Skies Commission to stop the spiral of dangerously low standards and ensure there’s oversight across the aviation industry.
“WORKERS ARE BEING ABUSED, UNDERSTAFFED, AND SWISSPORT IS FAILING BASIC SAFETY STANDARDS.”
In May, over 50 transport workers and TWU Officials marched at the Brisbane International Airport, calling on Swissport to do better in ensuring safety for both workers and the public.
- Ryan, TWU delegate and former Swissport worker
LABOUR DAY
Bigger and Better Than Ever!
NATIONAL COUNCIL BRISBANE 2025
THIS YEAR’S TWU NATIONAL COUNCIL CAME TO BRISBANE IN MAY, AND IT WAS AN HONOUR FOR TWU QUEENSLAND TO HOST THIS EVENT. OUR UNION’S LEADERS FROM ACROSS AUSTRALIA CAME TOGETHER TO REFLECT ON A STRONG 12 MONTHS, AND LOOK TOWARDS OUR UPCOMING CAMPAIGNS.
DIRECTOR OF ORGANISING JOSH MILLROY STARTED THE WEEK BY DELIVERING THE QUEENSLAND REPORT, OUTLINING OUR MASSIVE WINS ACROSS WASTE, AVIATION, PUBLIC TRANSPORT, GENERAL TRANSPORT, AND STRONG MEMBERSHIP GROWTH IN 2024.
THE COUNCIL THEN WENT ON TO DISCUSS ALL OF OUR MAJOR INDUSTRIES, AND OUR FUTURE ORGANISING PLANS, WITH A FOCUS ON THE 2026 FIGHT, WHERE OVER 200 AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN METICULOUSLY ALIGNED.
THANK YOU TO OUR QUEENSLAND OFFICIALS AND DELEGATES WHO SPOKE ON PANELS AND HELPED CONTRIBUTE.
IAN BUCKINGHAM
TWU NATIONAL COUNCIL MEDAL
WE ARE PROUD to report that TGE Delegate Ian Buckingham was awarded the TWU National Council Medal, the union’s highest honour.
Bucko joined the TWU in 1984 when he started at NQX. In December this year he will have been a member of our great union for 41 years.
He was first elected as a delegate in 1988, and has held various leadership roles including Queensland Branch President, National Councillor and BCOM member.
It is difficult to think about the TWU in Queensland and not think of Ian Buckingham. There would be very few people in our great union who so perfectly embody the values of the TWU.
Selflessness, solidarity, and a relentless duty to his members and improving the lives of all transport workers.
CONGRATULATIONS BUCKO!
TWU MEMBERS working for Boral across South-East Queensland took multiple days of protected industrial action in April, following months of disrespect and inadequate wage offers from the company.
Workers’ wages at Boral had failed to keep pace with inflation in recent years, effectively going backwards by 9% in real terms over the past three years.
To add insult to injury, Queensland-based Boral truck drivers were earning $6 less per hour than their counterparts just across the border in Northern NSW.
Boral also refused to agree to a number of proposed clauses designed to guarantee job security and workplace rights for these drivers.
Despite raking in millions in annual profits, the company continued to deny the very workers who generate that wealth a fair share.
It was reported that strike action had caused significant financial losses and widespread disruption within Boral’s operations. Major infrastructure projects were placed at risk due to the company’s continued mistreatment of its workforce.
Boral members recently locked in a strong 13% pay rise over 3 years, off the back of this industrial action.
TAKING ACTION @ BORAL
WELL DESERVED WIN @ ORIGIN ENERGY
TWU MEMBERS AT ORIGIN have finalised their new agreement, winning a welldeserved 11% wage increase over three years, stronger job security provisions, and new training allowances.
After more than nine months of bargaining, members and delegates stood strong together and will now reap the rewards.
AROUND THE GROUNDS: QUEENSLAND UNIONS
It’s been a powerful season of action across Queensland, with unions from all corners of the state standing up for fairness, respect and safety at work.
QTU: TEACHERS WALK OFF THE JOB
IN AUGUST, more than 50,000 Queensland teachers took strike action, walking off the job and marching through cities across the state. The action, led by QTU, wasn’t just about winning a fair pay deal – it was about demanding safer conditions, greater respect, and stronger rights at work. Teachers sent a clear message to the state government that they won’t accept being undervalued while doing some of the most important work in the community.
QNMU: NURSES AND MIDWIVES TAKE A STAND
QNMU MEMBERS are taking protected industrial action in response to a deeply unfair offer from the LNP Government. Nurses and midwives are fighting back against a proposal that would strip away nation-leading wages, reduce consultation rights, weaken workplace protections, and open the door to widespread outsourcing of public health services. Their actions – including wearing pink and other forms of low-level bans – are a clear show of strength from a workforce that refuses to be pushed aside.
QCU: EQUAL RIGHTS EQUALS RESPECT
MEANWHILE, Queensland Unions are leading the charge with the Equal Rights Equals Respect campaign, calling for the full implementation of Respect@Work laws across the state. These laws, passed under the previous Labor government, are designed to protect workers from sexual harassment and discrimination on the job. But the LNP Government has stalled their rollout, putting Queensland workers at risk. Union members and community allies are rallying together to demand action – because everyone deserves a workplace that is safe, respectful and free from harm.
ACROSS QUEENSLAND, UNION MEMBERS ARE STEPPING UP – AND STANDING STRONG.
FIGHTING FOR OUR ROADS, OUR SKIES, OUR FUTURES
OFF THE BACK of TWU
members campaigning for new tools to lift pay and conditions, we’ve seen huge wins across road transport and aviation.
After making world-first applications using new transport reform laws last year, we’re getting closer to seeing decent minimum standards in road, with the consultation phase wrapping up.
Those applications—for maximum 30-day payment terms, decent rights for food delivery workers, and standards in the last mile sector—will go hand in hand with automatic rights that have kicked in against unfair deactivations and unfair contract terminations.
SAME JOB SAME PAY LAWS
Jetstar and Qantas Freight workers used Same Job Same Pay laws won by TWU members and will see increases of up to $8000 a year, as well as more direct employment opportunities and other wins.
We know that these tools alone are not enough, and members across the country are using their strength in numbers to fight for better.
DNATA ACTION
At the start of the year, dnata workers went on strike around the country for themselves and their families, but also for their industry, for a return to the lifetime careers that roles in
National Secretary Michael Kaine
It’s been a huge first half of 2025.
aviation used to be.
Virgin workers, after a claim on the airline’s owners Bain Capital, won a $3000 share scheme as Virgin went public.
FedEx members are fighting back against the company’s use of low-paid, high-risk labour hire which is a huge threat to job security.
BIGGER ACTIONS IN 2026
We’re gearing up for even bigger fights as we get closer to 2026.
Next year, with over 200 Enterprise Agreements aligned to expire across road transport and aviation, we have the best opportunity yet to make
sure our industries work for us and the community—not just overpaid executives.
We’re fighting for:
WE NEED YOU
And we need as many people in the union as possible to pull it off.
So if you know someone who’s not yet—tell them to jump on board.
LANDMARK WIN@ NOOSA
TWU members at Cleanaway Noosa took six days of industrial action this year in their fight for a fair wage rise and stronger workplace rights, leading to a great result for workers and their families.
AFTER LOSING more than 3% in real terms over the past three years, these essential workers said enough was enough. While their pay fell behind, Cleanaway reported a staggering $158 million in profits in 2024 alone - a clear sign that the company could afford to do better by its workforce.
Although strike action is always a last resort, these workers made a powerful statement about the value of their work. For the community, it served as a reminder of just how vital these garbos are in keeping Noosa running.
Servicing the Noosa Shire Council, the Cleanaway workers have been under increasing financial pressure as the cost of living continues to rise. Their campaign didn’t just hold the company to account, it also called out the Noosa Shire Council, which bears responsibility for the delivery of local waste services.
In May, TWU members at Cleanaway Noosa have claimed a landmark victory after months of bargaining and seven days of industrial action, locking in major gains on pay, job security, and working conditions.
Workers voted over 93% in favour of the new enterprise agreement, which delivers several key
wins, including:
CHECK-CIRCLE A pay rise of at least 9.68% over 3 years – some workers will be earning $5.28 more per hour by October next year.
CHECK-CIRCLE Legal Indemnity for Drivers/Operators –ensuring workers are protected if something goes wrong on the job.
CHECK-CIRCLE A $2,500 End-of-Contract Bonus – the first ever won at a Cleanaway site, increasing economic security for workers and their families.
CHECK-CIRCLE Additional paid work break – recognising the physical demands of waste work.
This is the first time a Cleanaway site has locked in an end-of-contract bonus, and it won’t be the last. This sets a new standard in the waste industry traditionally plagued by insecure contracts.
Tracey’s story
The single mum who nearly lost everything to workplace bullying
TWU member Tracey Manson was a hard-working, independent single mum who was proud to provide for her seven-year-old daughter. After forging a career in warehousing and machine operations and landing a job in the logistics industry, Tracey was enjoying her working life. Passionate about fair working conditions, she became a union delegate, representing her colleagues and making sure her fellow workers were educated on their rights and entitlements.
But after months of bullying and harassment, Tracey went from a union delegate fighting for workers’ rights to a woman too afraid to leave her house. The very workplace bullying she tried to protect others from became her nightmare.
What is a psychological injury?
Not all workplace injuries are physical. Bullying and harassment at work can cause significant psychological harm and may warrant a workers’ compensation claim.
The psychological impact of bullying and harassment in the workplace
It started with sexually suggestive messages and unwanted touching from a manager, and when Tracey didn’t reciprocate, she was pressured to work more overtime and allocated to areas in the workplace that would exacerbate a pre-existing back injury. When she reported the incidents to her supervisor, things only got worse. Issues with her pay and leave became frequent, and she was often left off the roster.
Months of relentless bullying and harassment from her managers and colleagues left Tracey a shell of her former self, with her mental health and life in tatters. In turn, her physical health began to decline with regular headaches, nausea, and low energy. She couldn’t face going in to work and lay in bed most days with debilitating anxiety and depression. Without an income, Tracey was facing homelessness and struggling to provide for her young daughter.
How Maurice Blackburn helped Tracey get the compensation she deserved
After being referred by her TWU union organiser, Maurice Blackburn took on Tracey’s case and helped her put together a chronology of events and submit a WorkCover claim for benefits for the psychological injury she had endured in her workplace. Yet despite clear evidence of bullying and harassment, WorkCover rejected the claim, stating that the behaviour of Tracey’s manager was reasonable – a common outcome for claims like hers.
Determined to secure the compensation Tracey deserved, Maurice Blackburn’s lawyers encouraged her to pursue a review of the claim and held Tracey’s employer and WorkCover accountable every step of the way. It wasn’t an easy road, but after many months, the claim review was successful, and Tracey was awarded compensation for her time away from work and medical expenses or her injury.
With Tracey’s claim finally accepted, her Maurice Blackburn legal team quickly set to work preparing a case for common law damages, aiming to secure compensation beyond the standard statutory benefits. The process wasn’t easy, as her employer pushed back at every step. Yet, thanks to Tracey’s determination and the unwavering support of the TWU and her legal advocates, she was able to reach a fair settlement through out-of-court negotiations. This outcome provided Tracey with financial security and a foundation for a better future.
She is now getting her life back on track and has the means to support her daughter and pay for her ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.
Tracey’s story is one of courage and perseverance, demonstrating the value of having dedicated lawyers in your corner. Many Australians endure psychological injuries in the workplace every day. Maurice Blackburn’s expertise in workers’ compensation claims, combined with its dedication to justice and client well-being, proved invaluable to Tracey and her family.
If you have suffered a psychological or physical injury at work, our experienced team of lawyers at Maurice Blackburn can guide you through your legal options.
CAIRNS
REGIONAL LABOUR DAY
ROCKHAMPTON
TOOWOOMBA
TOWNSVILLE CAIRNS
SUNSHINE COAST
GOLD COAST
GE AEROSPACE WORKERS TAKE ACTION
TWU members at GE Aerospace had spent months negotiating for a fair deal from their massive multinational employers.
DESPITE REPORTING RECORD
PROFITS in 2024, workers struggled to keep pace with inflation, some even working second jobs on the weekend. GE wages have fallen behind competitors, making it harder to attract and retain the experienced, high-performing engineers the aviation industry relies on.
Workers at Brisbane Airport took part in multiple stop-work actions after the company responded to minor work bans by refusing all work and withholding pay. The company’s overthe-top reaction only strengthened members’ determination to win a fair outcome.
These members maintain and service jet engines for major clients including Qantas, Virgin, the Australian Defence Force, ST Aerospace,
Northrop Grumman, National Jet and Ryukyu Air Commuter. Their work is critical, highly specialised, and essential to national safety and defence capability.
The action showed the risk of losing more skilled engineers from the industry, with years of costcutting and poor pay already driving many out. Without change, more jobs could shift offshore. Members stood firm, fighting for pay that reflects their critical work. They also pushed for important changes to conditions, including proper recognition of overtime, consultation on a trial four-day week, and the removal of a misleading bonus scheme that had never delivered on paper promises.
Now, members are close to locking in some great improvements off the back of this collective action.
MASSIVE WIN @ K&S FREIGHTERS
Members at K&S Freighters stood strong together throughout the bargaining process and have come out the other side with a massive union win!
THE COMPANY’S initial offer fell well short of a decent wage increase to keep up with the cost of living. Through union power we went on to win:
CHECK-CIRCLE 9.1% wage increase over two years
CHECK-CIRCLE 6.1% first year increase back paid to 1 Oct 2024
CHECK-CIRCLE Paid union meetings and inductions
CHECK-CIRCLE 6-month casual conversion
CHECK-CIRCLE 14.5% superannuation plus any future legislated increases
CHECK-CIRCLE Improved consultation
CHECK-CIRCLE Improved classifications
CHECK-CIRCLE And more!
SAFETY WIN @ PORT OF BRISBANE
These proud members have been supported by their company in removing a number of unsafe twin pick container forklifts from their depot. This swift action was thanks to these members’ efforts in maintaining 99% union density in the workplace.
After a number of reportable incidents, these members contacted the TWU for assistance, using section s84 of the WHS Act to cease unsafe work to remove the threat.
The company agreed with the workers (they’d be brave not to!) and acted in their favour, by removing the offending vehicles.
THE END OF 2024 also saw a great win for Cleanaway waste workers on the Brisbane City Council contract. Workers earned strong wage increases, significant back pay, driver and
operator indemnity, job security clauses and more.
The 11th hour deal averted industrial action across Brisbane, showing the power of a potential strike affecting crucial
council services in Australia’s largest local government. This comes after improved delegate and HSR structures have rapidly increased density in these yards.
GREAT WIN @ STARTRACK
Negotiations have concluded at StarTrack, where the TWU member-led bargaining team has fought for and won a suite of strong improvements for workers.
With an 11% pay increase over three years, superannuation lifted to 13%, 6-month casual conversion, 20 days family and domestic violence leave, job security improvements, more union rights, and a unified national agreement, members will enjoy the benefits of a hardfought TWU campaign. This result will also further lift industry standards.
