| As we approach the Easter and Anzac Day period, I find myself reflecting on some of the wins we’ve already achieved this year. The TWU has wasted no time in 2025, standing side-by-side with our membership to hold bad actors to account. These last few months we’ve been in yards, in courthouses, on the road and in Parliament, fighting for causes across the transport industry. We’ve continued to notch wins, even in the leadup to Easter. |
Whether we’re facing down Transport for New South Wales to demand safer conditions for bus drivers, fighting with Jetstar, Dnata and more to achieve better agreements for workers, achieving a historic transport legislation win in the NSW Parliament, or helping members receive a payrise through union-fought productivity training increases, we’re at the coalface of the industry and working in solidarity with our members to achieve fair outcomes.
When the next few weeks are over, we will only be one week away from the federal election. Peter Dutton’s been happy to pose with trucks for a photo op these last couple of weeks, but he’s promised to repeal all of the hard-fought reforms that we’ve won these last few years if he becomes Prime Minister. We’ve been fighting for decades to come this far; we have a long way to go but we’ll be back to square one if we elect a Dutton government.
For those of you working these next few weekends, your labour is valued. We know more than anyone that transport workers keep NSW moving.
We wish all of our members and their families a safe and happy Easter period, and that those of you working this weekend receive fair rates and conditions for your work.
Dnata Backs Down on Pay Frequency Changes, Consultation Continues
This month, TWU bargaining representatives met with dnata catering management. Thanks to the pressure of TWU members, dnata agreed to not change the frequency of members’ pays.
This is the direct result of workers’ pressure, particularly off the back of other poor behaviour from dnata, and shows what can be achieved when members stand as one.
The union has since started consultation with dnata about the proposed “roster alignment” change. Representatives made it very clear to the company that workers do not support these changes, and have continued to make that clear in recent weeks.
The TWU have continued to consult with dnata Catering management, to ensure members’ voices are heard and that the company doesn’t unilaterally make decisions that effect workers’ rosters.
Celebration For Our State President
Yesterday, TWU leadership, delegates, members and more gathered in Enfield to congratulate our NSW Branch President, Tony Matthews, on moving on from his career as an owner driver after more than 40 years in the industry.
Tony is a stalwart of our movement, and will continue to serve as the TWU (NSW Branch) President going forward.
The union looks forward to seeing more of him in the months ahead, and congratulates him on moving onto his next stage.
Speaking at the event, State Secretary Richard Olsen said, “I’ve known Tony for as long as I’ve been in the TWU. He has always shown a level of decorum and wisdom in industrial disputes which are a huge benefit to the union and have made workplaces across NSW safer and fairer. This is a loss for [FedEx], but means that we’ll be seeing more of him. Congratulations to Tony on an extraordinary career and to the next stage ahead.”
Federal Election: Around The Corner
As mentioned above, the TWU has been proud to achieve some hard-fought wins these last few years, particularly the transport reform we’ve been able to achieve in Canberra and NSW.
After decades of advocacy, it can safely be said that the current government – in terms of reform – has been the most pro-transport industry government in over a decade.
In recent weeks, Peter Dutton has made it even clearer that he will wind back Industrial Relations reforms from the last three years. While he’s not afraid to pose in a truck with a big Liberal logo on it, he’s 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/