| This is a week that will go down in TWU history. After years and years of relentlessly fighting for changes to Chapter 6 in the NSW Industrial Relations Act, last night the NSW Parliament passed reforms into law that will see Chapter 6 updated for the 21st century, finally fixing unfair exclusions that had a harmful impact on many of our members, and holding the supply chain to account. We have more to say on what these reforms mean below. To see the changes explained, read more here. |
The TWU is fighting across many fronts to support our members. Across our industry, we’re holding businesses and governments to account, and we never stop until we get a result, like the one I’m very proud of this week.
This morning, the Prime Minister called the federal election for May 3. Across state and federal government, we’ve managed to achieve some real steps forward these last few years. Now is not the time to rest – to protect our hard-earned rights, we need to remind politicians of all stripes at this election to commit to transport workers.
LONG FOUGHT-FOR WIN: CHAPTER 6 REFORM BECOMES LAW
Yesterday, a delegation of TWU members went to Macquarie St to make sure the reforms to Chapter 6 of the Industrial Relations Act got through the final hurdle of passing the NSW Upper House.
The long fought-for changes will include, but are not limited to:
- The removal of archaic exclusions for protections, such as the delivery of milk and bread, and modern gig workers;
- Making changes that allow the IRC to resolve disputes and make binding contract determinations for owner drivers with up to three vehicles, and
- Giving the IRC more power to resolve disputes, including through issuing interim determinations.
Throughout the day, the Union received a great deal of support – not just from members of the NSW Labor Government but across the political spectrum. In the end, we received support from the majority of the Upper House, with the shameful exception of the opposition.
Chapter 6 has needed reforming for many years. While the transport industry evolved, and the gig economy began to flourish, the law was left behind, and our calls for reform from the previous government went ignored.
The TWU received an election commitment from the then-Minns Labor opposition to update Chapter 6, and we’re pleased that they’ve kept their promise. In particular, the contributions by the Hon. Sophie Cotsis, the Minister for Industrial Relations, and others, are commended for getting this made into law. Sophie in particular has been onboard since the very beginning.
State Secretary Richard Olsen said, “The changes to Chapter 6 are long fought-for reforms that give owner drivers some much needed protections and finally acknowledge the role that gig workers play in the NSW economy. The Transport Workers’ Union has been relentless in our advocacy, and I’m pleased that the Minns Labor Government has kept its promise.”
Assistant Secretary Nick McIntosh said, “This Bill will create a race to the top in service, in technology, and in rates and conditions. It’s passing will help all road transport workers receive a fair day’s pay and make the industry safer and more sustainable into the future.”
TWU ONCE AGAIN TAKING A LEAD ROLE IN SAFEWORK HSR CONFERENCE
Last October, TWU members took the spotlight at the Health and Safety Representatives Conference (Refresher Training). Last year’s conference was the first conference that HSRs had the right to attend – meaning their employers had to release them and pay them for their attendance.
This year, the TWU is once again taking a leading role in planning for the conference.
Yesterday, the TWU hosted the Planning Committee TWU for the 2025 SafeWork HSR Conference (Refresher Training). The Planning Committee comprises of SafeWork NSW and Union affiliates. During the meeting, we discussed the training that will take place at the conference this year.
The TWU has set a high standard in training, and we’ll continue to play a leadership role in providing the best outcomes for HSRs.
FEDERAL ELECTION CALLED
This morning, the Prime Minister called the date for the federal election, which will take place on May 3.
We’re pleased that the Albanese government has passed significant new rights into law over the last three years. However, we want to keep up that momentum and ensure that the rights we’ve fought for stay enforced.
Already these new rights are making a difference.
Transport reform – gig workers are now protected from unfair deactivations, and owner drivers from unfair contract terminations.
Jetstar cabin crew – Team Jetstar and Altara workers are soon set to receive, on average, over $8000 pay increases per year because of new Same Job Same Pay laws.
Peter Dutton has said point blank that he will wind back Industrial Relations reforms from the last three years. With five weeks until the election, the TWU will 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/
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