| Members have been showing leadership in their workplaces this week, by taking protected industrial action, working in unity to prepare for bargaining, and by working to make their workplaces safer. This week, officials and delegates have been in yards making sure that workers are informed of their rights and prepared for the weeks and months ahead. We’ve seen workers at Mondiale say enough is enough, holding their employers to account and telling them to come to the table. |
And at Lindsay transport, we saw SafeWork issue an improvement notice, showing that no one is too big or powerful to brush aside safety. TWU HSRs have played a vital role in helping manage this outcome.
As we move into Winter, it’s important that we stay united and look after each other. The election result might mean that our recent wins are secured, but the fight for the future is just beginning.
Mondiale Workers Take a Stand
Workers at Mondiale Erskine Park have been taking protected industrial action this week, across their shifts, to take a stand for reasonable pay and conditions.
Mondiale have been persisting with an unreasonable offer, which would leave workers’ pay behind and withhold from them protections and opportunities to consult. By taking protected industrial action, members are letting management that the offer they’ve been persisting with is unfair, and nowhere near good enough.
State Secretary Richard Olsen says, “I want to congratulate Mondiale members for their relentless efforts over these last few weeks. Your union is on hand to help, and we’ll see this through together.”
We also had multiple delegates meetings this week, with Linfox, BevChain and FedEx. We discussed strategy, planning for the months ahead, and with our BevChain and Linfox delegates we also discussed the productivity training which has unlocked a 1% pay increase.
With FedEx delegates, we were proud to award our State President Tony Matthews with an award honouring his 40+ years of service to the industry. Tony recently finished-up as an owner-driver in Enfield last month, but will continue on as the TWU’s State President.
NSW Branch Secretary Richard Olsen says, “This week is yet another example of how busy our union has been. The TWU is proud to support members taking action for better pay and conditions, as we are also proud to conduct training with members to strengthen workplace safety.”
“It was a privilege to join our FedEx State Delegates in honouring Tony Matthews. I had much to say in Enfield about Tony’s relentless commitment to the union movement, but it was good to give him an award on our own terms, with our delegates present. I look forward to seeing more of Tony in the months ahead as our State President.”
Lindsay Transport Issued Improvement Notice
Following a serious incident last year involving a TWU member, SafeWork NSW has issued Lindsay Transport with an Improvement Notice. Following advocacy from members and an investigation, SafeWork has determined that Lindsay has failed to comply with section 38 of the WHS Act.
TWU HSRs onsite are working in consultation to ensure that risks to worker’s health and safety is managed accordingly.
The incident highlights the importance of HSRs in the workplace, and stands to show that big companies can be held accountable, following an improvement notice also being issued to Aldi in recent months.
State Secretary Richard Olsen says, “The issuing of this improvement notice provides some justice, and is a reminder that the fight for safety is ongoing. The TWU puts safety at the forefront, training and empowering HSRs, because we know that workplaces with HSRs are safer, and are more accountable to their workers.”