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.
At National Council, NSW Secretary Richard Olsen acknowledged Klaus’ achievements and wished him all the best for retirement.
“Klaus, we will all miss you mate,” Mr Olsen said. “Whether it’s getting all the bus members in the ACT to call Ben Sweany “Junior,” or driving our Comms people mad, you’ve always been a one of a kind member of this Union, and your legacy will last well beyond 2026 and “Our Roads, Our Skies, Our Future,” which you’ve worked so hard for the last decades to help get to this point.
“Congratulations Klaus, and thank you for over 40 years of service to the Transport Workers’ Union.”
Klaus Pinkas •
ACT Sub-branch Secretary