As I write to you, members across road and aviation have been striking. FedEx, Qantas, and Certis Security just to name a few.
Some companies have come to the table and struck landmark agreements, which raise members pay and conditions, keep up with the cost of living, and help slow down industry fragmentation as we look towards 2029.
Others have seen that members are serious about standing by one another, and standing up for fair deals.
Most of you have known about the 2026 campaign for some time. We’ve spent years gearing up for this opportunity to have a crack at beating the fragmentation that’s damaged our industry. This is not the last time we’re going to be having this fight, but it was certainly important we got this one right.
Nothing has distracted us from our resolve in bringing road and aviation workers together in this way for the first time, both fighting for better sector standards and fighting for better conditions and a more sustainable industry writ large.
Even the fuel crisis that rocked our nation couldn’t shake us from our 2026 campaign for our roads, our skies, our future. Whilst Australians could not control what happened beyond our shores, we could hold clients accountable to make sure that transport workers have a more sustainable industry, and that we did. The Fair Work Commission’s ruling, forcing clients to acknowledge their role in the supply chain and the impact fuel rates have was nothing short of historic. And it was possible because the TWU led the charge, and led the charge fast.
Transport workers keep Australia moving and are on the frontlines of any crisis, of any supply chain catastrophe. But you have shown up time and time again, getting Aussies where they need to be and keeping food on the shelves, because you know what you’re doing and you know you have a job that matters.
This year, with over 200 Enterprise Agreements expiring at once, we’re fighting to make sure that you get the job security and renumeration you deserve for the work you do. This deep into negotiations across many employers, many things are fluid, but what is rock-solid is the solidarity and relentless spirit of TWU members.
If you’ve recently joined the union this year, I extend my warmest welcome to you, and thank you for putting your trust in the Transport Workers’ Union. You are in good hands, and we are privileged to represent you.
It was also great to see so many of you at our recent Delegates Conference.
Let’s work together to make the rest of this year a triumph.
Tony Matthews • TWU President