| We have started the month, as always, active on many fronts and face to face with our members. In the last week alone, we’ve had meetings with members from the waste industry, bus workers, Swissport, our Toll State delegates, and Toll Industrials BlueScope members. This is not even to mention the countless yard visits our Officials undertook this week, to be at the coalface of disputes that effect our members – and celebrate wins too, such as our BBQ with our Linfox Dulux Warehouse members, who are celebrating 100% density. |
Following last week’s historic win in the NSW Parliament, we also had the opportunity to share what Chapter 6 reform means with many of our members over the course of this week.
And with the federal election only a month away, the spectre of losing our hard-earned reforms from the last three years looms large. Protecting the rights won by the blood, sweat and tears of our members is an ongoing fight. Now is not the time to rest, we are relentless.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: CHAPTER 6 REFORM BECOMES LAW
Last week, TWU history was made as members went to Macquarie St and saw the reforms to Chapter 6 of the Industrial Relations Act finally pass the NSW Parliament.
Since then, we’ve had the chance to see many members face-to-face and share the good news as to what Chapter 6 reform means to small businesses, owner drivers and gig workers.
This was the culmination of a relentless, hard-fought campaign.
Chapter 6 had needed reforming for many years. While the transport industry evolved, and the gig economy began to flourish, the law was left behind. The Transport Workers’ Union and our members were the first to call for it to be modernised, but for over a decade we were rebuffed by the former government.
Prior to the last State Election, then-Opposition Leader Chris Minns made an election commitment to reform Chapter 6, and we’re pleased he’s kept his promise to transport workers.
If you’d like to learn more about Chapter 6, read our digest here: https://bit.ly/c6digest
State Secretary Richard Olsen said, “The Transport Workers’ Union has been relentless in pursuing reform to Chapter 6. A week on, it’s important to remember the tireless efforts that our members put into making this possible. This law means that owner drivers and gig workers can no longer be ignored in NSW.”
Assistant State Secretary Nick McIntosh said, “After a long-fought campaign, it has been rewarding to discuss the changes to Chapter 6 with our members face-to-face this week. It’s important that we remain vigilant to ensure hard-earned protections are not taken away.”
KEEPING UP THE FIGHT FOR BUS DRIVER SAFETY
| Following a recent meeting that TWU leadership and bus industry delegates had with key personnel at Transport for NSW, the TWU continues to advocate for the safety of bus drivers. Since then we have continued to meet with delegates and members in meetings where conditions, and particularly safety continue to be in focus. |
| The TWU continues to call on Transport for NSW to commit to improving the conditions of bus drivers in the industry. The horror stories that Transport for NSW staff heard from our members in late March are only a fraction of the reality NSW bus drivers face doing their job. We will continue to fight and make our voices heard to Transport for NSW to ensure that meaningful action is taken and that the labour of bus drivers is not taken for granted. State Secretary Richard Olsen reiterates, “I congratulate our bus delegates for taking a stand and making their voices heard. Through your courage and leadership, the industry will become a better one. The treatment you are currently subject to is appalling, and the TWU calls on Transport for NSW to make serious commitments in remedying the current industry climate.” |
FEDERAL ELECTION: ONE MONTH AWAY
Last week the Prime Minister called the date for the federal election for May 3.
Since the campaign kicked-off in earnest, Peter Dutton has made it even clearer that he will wind back Industrial Relations reforms from the last three years.
He has been explicit in saying he wants to wipe out the last three years’ achievements for all workers.
As we reach the final stretch, the TWU will continue to fight to ensure our rights at work are the top priority for the Government.
Learn more about the upcoming election here: https://www.twu.com.au/2025-election/