| I hope you and your families had a restful Anzac Day weekend, as we reflected on the brave sacrifice so many servicemen and women made for our Commonwealth. In the spirit of reflection, this Tuesday, 28 April was the workers’ International Day of Mourning, where workers paid their respects to those who have lost their lives at their jobs, in the act of providing for themselves and their loved ones. In conjunction with TWU officials and leadership, workers, unionists, local Blacktown Labor MPs and Councillors, I spoke at an event held by Blacktown City Council and their Mayor, Brad Bunting, to honour fallen workers. We in Transport know that our industry is Australia’s most dangerous, and I laid a wreath to pay my respects. |
During my speech, I spoke about how far is left to go in holding bad actors to account. In doing so, I singled out Cleanaway, who have the ignominious distinction of having five worker deaths in just two years.
Cleanaway are contracted by many councils, and they have a deplorable track record for poor workplace safety. Five deaths in less than two years is never normal, nor acceptable.
Meanwhile, the CEO pocketed $4.2M in the last financial year – despite 40% of shareholders voting against executive pay over “lack of appropriate accountability” over safety.
Along with me, multiple TWU officials, including National Assistant Secretary Emily McMillan paid their respects.
This year, as we negotiate over 200 Enterprise Agreements around the country, safety is also a paramount concern. Setting better sector standards also means improving safety standards, everywhere. Every death is too many.
As we get further into the 2026 fight, this week was a poignant reminder of what we’re fighting for.
In unity,
Richard Olsen
TWU NSW Secretary
With the 2026 campaign well and truly underway, and many members having endorsed their claims prior to Easter, this last month has seen continued momentum with bargaining and negotiations ramping up in earnest.
With over 200 Enterprise Agreements expiring this year, members know the stakes of the 2026 campaign. By fighting for better minimum standards everywhere, it will also ensure the union is on a better footing for 2029, 2032 and beyond.