As Sub-branch Secretary, I am proud to say that our Sub-branch consistently contributes to major campaigns, and have worked tirelessly to make the “Our Roads, Our Skies, Our Future” 2026 campaign a major success. Congratulations to you all!
Workers across road and aviation fought for better standards this year. While some companies reached agreements, others tried to break down the job security of their workforce. And where that happened, workers stood up. A huge shout-out to all of our hard working delegates, members and Officials of the TWU Newcastle & Northern Sub-branch. Our time is now!!
Justice is served by TWU representation
TWU Delegate Nick Livermore is an Agi driver working for Heidelburg. Nick had his rights at work threatened, and using his knowledge as a Delegate, challenged Heidelburg’s threats. Nick was then subjected to severe disciplinary action for daring to speak-up on behalf of himself and his fellow workers, then followed by Heidelberg unlawfully terminating Nick’s employment after he sought to reasonably postpone a disciplinary meeting and exercise his right to have his TWU official, Bec Hopkins attend, and represent him.
TWU legal officer Bailey Ryan took on the case, and ran it all the way to a FWC hearing before FWC Deputy President Grayson, whose decision ruled that the actions taken against the Delegate were unlawful, and ordered full reinstatement and penalties.
Reinstatements are rare, with only about 10 occurring overall per year. So far in 2026, the TWU has achieved multiple.
TWU Delegate Nick Livermore said: “I’m a proud TWU Delegate and Unionist, and am equally proud of my commitment to being as professional as possible whilst representing my employer as a HV driver. It was proven that I did not deserve to be treated unfairly and unreasonably.
“If it wasn’t for my TWU membership and representation, I would have been on my own, and disadvantaged in many ways, including financially. Thanks to the TWU who supported me from start to finish. My message to workers is, that regardless of what Industry sector you are in, it’s your legal right to be represented by your Union. I strongly urge all transport workers to join the TWU”. “Because when we fight – we win!”
FEDEX
Sub-branch members at FedEx have had a hard fought battle once again this year with one of the multinational enterprises, FedEx. FedEx have an imported business model that is deliberately designed to break down job security, exploit vulnerable workers, and expand AI at the cost of hard working employees and their families.
This year, workers from across multiple companies and sectors turned out to support picket lines across the country, in protest against the unfair FedEx model, and in support of job security, reasonable pay increases that at least keep-up with the cost of living, and a fair-go for all FedEx workers, including DSCs.
In 2026, transport workers made themselves clear. They’re “Fed Up with FedEx!”
TWU Carrington Delegate, Kev Johnson said,
“Many members are concerned about our future of work, the introduction of “Gig” style workers and unrestricted use of “AI”. Without minimum standards and enforceable protections in our agreement, it all adds up to a direct threat to job security, and our ability to pay the bills and provide for our families into the future. We don’t want to exercise our industrial right to take action, but we have no other choice!”
Mick Forbes • Sub-branch Secretary