As a collective, we recognised many years ago that the introduction of Enterprise Agreements had “splintered” unions’ bargaining power. As the many TWU EA’s were scattered across the country, both logistically and by way of their expiry dates, it became virtually impossible to bargain at the same time, diminishing our bargaining power.
Over the last decade, TWU Members and Delegates have worked exceptionally hard to rectify this wrong, and co-ordinated to ensure that our agreements expire around the same time nationally. We’ve invited all industry players to the table to lift industry standards for the benefit of everyone.
As a result of our hard work, our 2026 campaign is when we will maximise our collective bargaining power more than ever before, in both road and aviation for the first time. With over 200 EAs up in 2026, this is an opportunity that’s been decades in the making to set better sector standards, make clients pay, and win better pay and conditions across transport. And it’s all thanks to your hard work. The fight for 2026 begins now.
Busways Kincumber – drivers should NOT Have to fight for safe Buses
Delegates & HSRs Maggie Lloyed and Jimmy Hanson know only too well of the many distractions and challenges that come with getting the family ready for school or work.
But when it comes to bus defects, Jim Hanson, Maggie Lloyed, Daryll Elliott, & loyal TWU members, Andrew McNeil agree that there should be no argument.
“No transport worker should need to list a dispute, initiate “PINS” & involve Safe Work authorities, just to have safety concerns addressed,” said Jim Hanson. “But out members were so fed-up. We exercised our powers as HSRs & Delegates for the sake of driver and passenger safety. Because as TWU members, we know that when WE fight WE win!”
TWU stalwart, Michael Comer (Delegate & HSR) stand with members, and newly elected Co-delegate Gary walker at J.R. Richards Pt Macquarie. Michael commented that “I’ve been a TWU delegate for decades. I enjoy my job, and my elected roles; I’m glad Gary stepped up to the co-delegate role. It’s very important for all workers to have strong Union structures in the workplace, we need to support each other, and support safety, and decent rates & conditions. EVERYONE should Join the TWU.”
Todd Marselos is our Newcastle & Northern NSW sub-Branch’s Member Support Officer, and is supporting members in any capacity available to him.
Todd is pictured here with some of the 90+ new members who have signed up through inductions since August this year. Todd said, “I have been a proud member of the TWU Newcastle/NSW branch for many years. I’ve seen many changes over the years, but I’ve always enjoyed helping workers. One thing that never changes is how important it is for transport workers to be united, and to join the TWU.
It’s YOU who makes our union great
Whether you are a long term member of the TWU, or have joined recently, you can stand proud of what YOUR member-led TWU has achieved. The “Our Roads, Our Skies, Our Future” campaign is second to none at any level, because of you, our TWU member-led campaigns. As a union we have created an opportunity to stop the “race to the bottom,” and are creating a level playing field that sets minimum enforceable standards for safety and conditions, throughout the entire industry.
Mick Forbes • Sub-branch Secretary