Transport Workers’ Union Officials from around Australia honoured Klaus Pinkas for his service to the Union during this year’s TWU National Council, where he announced his retirement after over 40 years – first as a member, and then later an Official, going onto become the ACT Sub-branch Secretary.
Klaus joined the TWU in 1985 as a waste worker, spending almost 20 years fighting for better conditions for his fellow garbos. To this day, Klaus always maintains that “Garbos make the best Delegates.”
Cleanaway sacked Klaus in 2002, probably thinking they’d seen the last of him, but he came back with a vengeance as an Official, continuing to fight. Klaus’ momentum never ceased, and he went onto achieve further victories, including winning a major case in 2013, working for better deals for Canberran bus drivers and ambos, and in Waste securing the TWU’s first agreement with JJ Richards just last year.
Klaus was also acknowledged for going above and beyond during the pandemic, travelling interstate when no one else from the NSW Branch could. 2020-21 was a difficult time for transport workers, but Klaus stepped up to assist with campaigning and helping fight the race to the bottom.
Ben Sweany Becomes Acting Sub-branch Secretary
Longtime ACT Sub-branch Official Ben Sweany has stepped in as Acting Sub-branch Secretary for the remainder of 2026.
Ben has a long history of working with bus drivers, garbos, and Ambos for better conditions and fairer deals.
Ben is currently helping fight transport fragmentation as part of the 2026 campaign.
In August, Ben joined members from the ACT and across NSW at the 2026 Delegates Conference.
Ben Sweany •
Acting ACT Sub-branch Secretary