| This week has presented many great victories that are a testament to the strength of this union. On Tuesday, I joined representatives from the Federal Albanese Labor Government and NSW Minns Labor Government to announce the $80 million joint funding for Western Sydney’s first dedicated heavy vehicle rest area. As National Driver Fatigue Week ends, we know how important it is to be well-rested before undertaking long drives. Fatigue is the silent killer on our roads, the NSW Government revealed a 47% rise in fatal fatigue-related crashes in 2024. Until now our Truckies have been deprived of a proper place to rest. This is a TWU win, and it will save lives. I say more on this below. On Wednesday, our hard-won deactivation rights for gig work members kicked in. It’s worth repeating that these rights, fought for and won by TWU members, are leading the rest of the world towards a regulated gig economy that puts people over profits. This is just the start of our efforts to end driver exploitation in the gig economy. We look forward to seeing the progress of our initial applications for minimum standards orders in the gig economy. |
$80 MILLION FOR WESTERN SYDNEY’S FIRST DEDICATED TRUCK STOP
| After years of TWU campaigning for a better deal for Truck drivers, the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments announced that land has been secured for a brand-new Western Sydney truck stop. The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will each contribute $40 Million as the first step to creating a purpose-built rest stop for Truck Drivers to rest, shower, eat, and rejuvenate. The greenfield site at Eastern Creek, five minutes from the M7 and ten minutes from the M4, is well-placed for the convenience of drivers hauling freight through Sydney between Victoria and Queensland. As Western Sydney’s first dedicated truck stop, this long overdue infrastructure will be crucial to the health and safety of transport workers on the job once developed. The TWU NSW welcomes the fulfilment of the Minns Labor Government’s election pledge, and thanks the Albanese Labor Government for its support in delivering for transport workers. TWU NSW Secretary Richard Olsen said, “the union welcomes this first step by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments. “Securing the land is an exemplary first step towards the construction of Western Sydney’s first purpose-built, dedicated rest stop. “Now we look forward to consultation with the NSW Government on the shape and infrastructure of this rest area. We will work together to ensure Truck Drivers get the very best facility to foster their health and safety.” TWU Member and Owner Driver Frank Black said, “as a long-distance Owner Driver for 30 years, I know firsthand how important these dedicated rest areas are. “Dangerous industry pressures are a source of constant stress for Truck Drivers. The opportunity to rest properly after long hours on the road will be a lifeline for all drivers passing through the area.” To see more, click HERE |
TWU NSW Secretary RIchard Olsen joined by Owner Driver Frank Black, Australian Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Catherine King, NSW Minister for Roads John Graham and NSW Senator Tony Sheldon.
WORLD FIRST GIG PROTECTIONS
| From Wednesday the 26th of February 2025, tens of thousands of gig workers can no longer be kicked off apps by AI for no reason. Under new laws won by TWU members and passed by the Albanese Government, gig workers now have the right to a fair process, a human voice, and access to the Fair Work Commission. Gig Workers now have:the right to union representation,the right to receive clear written notice of deactivation, the right to respond in writing or verbally, andthe right to a warning and a chance to improve. Owner drivers, facing dangerous pressures, also gain crucial protections against unfair contract terminations. These lifesaving protections will lift safety in road transport and ensure fairer conditions for gig workers and owner drivers. Combined with applications we’ve made in parcel and food delivery, TWU members are building a safer, fairer future for the entire industry. And this is just the start. |
STARTRACK UPDATE
The Startrack Protected Action Ballot (PAB) is still open for TWU members to vote YES.
Despite commitments from Startrack’s CEO in 2021, the company is pushing for an agreement that expires in 2028, with no wage increase in 2027.
StarTrack has shown a repeated pattern of broken promises, refusing to commit to agreed outcomes and backtracking on your endorsed claims.
StarTrack’s attack on job security, wages, and conditions cannot go unanswered.
In moving to the PAB, TWU NSW supports our members in their fight for decent wages and conditions. Startrack workers endure the lowest superannuation contributions of all the major road transport companies.
The workers, united, will never be defeated!
RT HEALTH OFFERS EXCLUSIVE TWU OFFER
