The Wheel Magazine - Spring 2022

COMPETITION WINNER!

TWU

was one of 10 lucky winners of a $100 petrol card to combat the cost of living and rising petrol prices.

The Branch gave 10 $100 petrol cards away to lucky winners, but Barry was the best, because he sent us his photo in front of his signed eagles Guernsey that sits in his pride of place.

We hope the card comes in good use Barry and we hope your eagles do better next year than they did this year.

Keep your eyes out in this edition of the Wheel magazine and weekly email that comes from the WA Branch in your email inbox every Tuesday.

If you’re not receiving the email we may not have an up to date email address on your membership.

Please contact the office on 6313 3000, email info@twuwa.org.au or call your organiser and get that up to date.

Tim Dawson STATE SECRETARY Ray McMillan PRESIDENT

Member Barry Leggett

THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS

WHEN YOU GET IN THE UNION

Autocare owner-drivers in Victoria stood united and were rewarded. This is their story, one we hope to replicate in WA.

Approaching Easter, amid surging fuel prices, rising operating costs and three years on from their last pay rise, TWU owner-driver members at Autocare had to make the difficult decision to park up.

Owner-drivers operate on razor-thin margins, and mounting financial pressures meant these drivers were at risk of possible insolvency.

The rates at the time struggled to meet operating costs for maintenance, fuel, wear and tear, financial obligations, superannuation and insurance. As we know, safe rates of pay save lives and these pressures were not only threatening ownerdrivers’ businesses, but their safety. Some of Autocare’s major clients include Toyota, Mitsubishi, Haval and Great Wall. As thousands of these vehicles remained in a holding yard at

Autocare’s Laverton facility, ownerdrivers at Autocare pushed through, calling on the company to get to the table and negotiate fair and safe rates of pay for the work these drivers were doing.

company to renegotiate by 1 July 2022 and will be entitled to back pay if agreements have not been reached.

Congratulations to these TWU members at Autocare in Victoria for staying strong and united.

Its evidence that when you and your site get in the union you can get a lot done. In WA Autocare management is negotiating with the TWU and owner driver members. We are rallying TWU members at Autocare who are fighting for a similar outcome to Victoria.

Three weeks after these drivers were forced to park up, a groundbreaking outcome was reached which resulted in between four and 11 per cent wage increases, including tolls. These staunch TWU owner-drivers also secured commitments from the

It about being paid up and proud, and committing to fight. 100% in, 100% win.

Lets show the Vics what we’re made of and bring Autocare in WA to the same outcome.

“These pressures were not only threatening owner-drivers’ businesses, but their safety.”

CHRIS NELSON

WA AUTOCARE OWNER-DRIVERS ARE UNITED & READY TO WIN

TRANSPORT WORK DESERVES RESPECT

With jobs & skills at the top of the nations’ agenda transport workers don’t want to see quick fixes. The nation needs a long term sustainable fix to transport work which starts with Respect.

There is no secret that there is a driver shortage in transport at the moment. It’s an accumulation of a range of reasons why.

One has to do with the baby boomers reaching retirement age and the physical toil transport work does on the body. Another has to do with the strains Covid protocols put on truckies. Who would blame them for wanting to find something else, more stable with less rigmarole. But probably the most important thing to keep in mind when we talk about the driver shortage is the lack of respect and regard drivers receive when society talks about the job they do.

Everything we own, eat and use comes on a truck.

Wasn’t this evident at the height of Covid when toilet paper and pasta was rationed? Surely there would be a greater appreciation for the work that gets your flat screen TV or you the latest mobile phone to your doorstep. Truck drivers carry Australia, but it’s still regarded as a “semi-skilled” profession despite the skill it takes to maneuver a truck safely around the streets and roads of Australia. To make sure the load is secure, and the vehicle is mechanically safe. The skills truck drivers have are vital to make sure our roads are safe.

Is it defined as semi-skilled because there’s no integrated training or qualification that is transferrable?

Or is it a lack of appreciation by the legislators for what it takes to be an experienced professional driver?

For the past month, jobs and skills have been on the top of the Nation’s agenda, as the Albanese Labor Government embarked on their Skills Summit in Canberra.

Representatives from small businesses, large multinational corporations, employer groups, the ACTU and unions like the TWU were in the room to solve the jobs crisis Australia is currently undergoing.

We’re bordering on full employment in Australia and industry is screaming for workers while wage growth remains stagnant. The shortage of drivers hasn’t occurred overnight this has been years in the making caused by the lack of resourcing by industry, hoping that someone else will train drivers. Employers too worried that if they train someone, they will be pinched by another company.

The TWU warned governments and industry years ago that unless there were more resources put into attracting drivers to the industry, like improving amenities and a traineeship/apprenticeship scheme that delivers well trained and professional people into the transport industry, this would be the end result.

For too long professional truck drivers and the skills of transport workers have been undervalued. But still, with a shortage of workers crisis companies are still cutting rates and clients are continuing to put pressure on rates. The transport industry needs to say no-more to low rates and it is time employees were paid top dollar in

Everyone in the community can benefit from jobs in transport. The industry just needs to be prepared to train locally before we start recruiting globally. And Governments and multinationals can play their part by resourcing schemes and incentives to attract people into the industry.

an industry that keeps Australia moving. The industry needs to get behind federal legislation that delivers a national tribunal with the power to make sure those at the top of the transport chain are no longer able to unfairly drive rates down and give transport operators a fair go.

Further, any shortage of HC and MC truck drivers will not be solved by bringing in truck drivers from overseas and exploiting them to alleviate that shortage. It is a privilege for an employer to be permitted to bring in labour from overseas to fill gaps in the local workforce. In return for being given that privilege, the employer should play a part in resolving the local skills shortage that required it to look overseas to fill roles in its workforce. And have an industrial agreement that makes sure they are not exploited.

We need on the job training for young people, women, first nations people and linguistically diverse people to become skilled, professional drivers who learn from skilled professional driver trainers.

Heather Jones from the Pilbara Heavy Haulage Girls was quoted in ATN saying how women from domestic violence relationships find empowerment and a safe space driving trucks both for financial freedom and an incredibly supportive onroad truck community.

If Albanese’s skills summit taught us anything, it is that the small business community, union movement, Government and large multinationals need to work together to overcome the challenges of wage stagnation and the culture of respect that is afforded to the people doing Australia’s most dangerous job, transport work. Without transport workers Australia stops.

“There should be a greater appreciation for the work that gets people their flat screen TVs & mobile phones to their doorstops .”

MEMBER GREG ROSS EXPRESSING HIS ANNOYANCE IN THE WEST SEPT 6

SATURDAY’S ARTICLE IN THE WEST DESCRIBING TRUCKIES AS “SEMI-SKILLED”.

says TWU State Secretary TIM DAWSON

THE UNION IS DELIVERING, IN THE PARCEL GAME

GLOBAL EXPRESS FAST COURIERS ARE GETTING ORGANISED

TWU members from GE Fast Owner Driver s are pushing to go back to table to try and negotiate a better pay rate. After deciding to get organised and begin campaigning to increase their rate, the company has already committed to a 2% increase and to raise the fuel levy with the price of petrol fluctuating.

However members believe that this increase is still not helping with the actual cost of living.

Member strength is building, and the workers are joining the TWU in droves to gear up for a fight. Watch this space.

DONE DEAL AT DHL

The postal delivery game is heating up with online shopping at an alltime high and state travel challenges putting intermodal freight costs through the roof. Workers in the delivery game have become valuable commodities. And companies like DHL need to compete and retain valuable drivers.

The strength of the membership at DHL coupled with a driver shortage has to do with why TWU members successfully negotiated a 3 year agreement, with increases of 5% in the first year, 3.5% in the second & 3.5% in the third.

The negotiation team also won some great clauses, with union and delegate rights written into the agreement and increases to allowances.

Congratulations to delegates Marty

and Scroopy and the activists working on the floor who got the workforce signing up to the TWU and winning the valuable rates they deserve.

DHL COURIERS FLEXING THEIR POWER!!!

“Companies like DHL want to retain valuable d rivers & remain c ompetitive.”

GIG GIANTS UBER AND DOORDASH JOIN CALLS FOR REGULATION

In a move that may shock many transport workers, global gig giants Uber and DoorDash have each signed a Statement of Principles with the TWU joining our calls for regulated minimum standards for all transport workers, including food delivery riders and rideshare drivers.

A standard-setting body means workers’ rights can’t be obliterated through careful wording of a contract, with the company moving the goal posts every time the law tries to catch up. We need a system that can manoeuvre to set enforceable standards for all workers, taking into account the nature of their work.

same regulatory buffer as the rest of the transport industry.

This is a testament to TWU members who have kept up the fight for rights for all transport workers, regardless of their label. The TWU has a 100-year history of representing owner drivers and we have always maintained that you shouldn’t have to be labelled an employee to have rights.

While we’ve often been at loggerheads with Uber, this agreement makes a lot of sense for both parties. An unregulated industry benefits no one. While the gig economy is drastically undercutting the traditional transport market and good, responsible employers, the free-for-all also means gig companies can be undercut by other gig companies. It’s really just a case of ‘how low can you go’.

A system that enforces minimum standards will level the playing field and promote healthy competition. The success of the food delivery and rideshare sectors relies on the

While moving forward to achieve safe, fair standards for all transport workers, we will continue to hold gig companies to account. We recently launched two workers’ compensation cases for the families of two UberEats riders killed in 2020. Their families deserve justice and we won’t stop fighting to achieve it.

FEDEX GIG-STYLE PROPOSAL FOR OWNER DRIVERS THREATENS JOB SECURITY

The gig economy is spreading through transport. Now FedEx is copying an exploitative AmazonFlex model to ‘remain competitive’. This is why we all need to fight together for regulation to set minimum standards for all transport workers, before more jobs are lost to the gig economy.

Last year, thousands of FedEx workers were forced to take days of national protected industrial action for their job security.

Workers were under significant threats from outsourcing to cheaper labour hire, and representatives from the US parent company even stepped in to unwind job security commitments made during bargaining. Now, FedEx is attempting a “back-door”

approach to renege on those commitments by engaging an underclass of owner drivers on substandard piece rates.

What it would mean for workers

Under the proposal new owner drivers would face rates and conditions far inferior to current workers.

• Drivers would be paid a flat rate of $120 plus a piece rate of just $2.50 per parcel

• T hey’d have to deliver an astronomical 93 parcels per 10-hour shift, roughly 1 every 6 minutes to earn $35 an hour before costs

• Drivers would also lose rights like sick leave and superannuation, which FedEx claims would be covered under the piece rates along with cost recovery for fuel, vehicle maintenance etc.

• Under the system, FedEx wants drivers to lose all rights to collective bargaining, with FedEx intending to negotiate piece rates individually with drivers every six months

The Amazon Effect in practice

FedEx’s dangerous proposal would heap more pressure on drivers already stretched to the limit, and undermine the job security protections workers won just last year. The plan is the Amazon Effect in practice, driven by Amazon’s exploitative model that smashes wages and conditions.

If FedEx goes ahead with this, other transport companies will be forced to do the same just to stay in the game. The Federal Government has committed to establishing a body to set minimum, safe standards for all transport.

Recently hundreds of drivers joined convoys around Australia to call for urgent action on that commitment before more companies can join FedEx’s appalling proposal.

We’re fighting hard for these reforms because we know they will save lives.

“We’ve often been at loggerheads with UBER b ut this agreement makes a lot of sense.”

RIDESHARE DRIVER ROSALINA WELCOMES UBER JOINING THE TWU TO CALL FOR REGULATION

“Fedex is reneging on commitments b y engaging an underlass of owner drivers on s ubstandard piece rates.”

LITTLE WINS AT VENTIA

And some big reasons to be a member of the TWU

Employees at Ventia raise issues with their management daily. They range from ways to make the job safer to which prisoner is causing the most headaches or which to be weary of.

Communication in the Corrections industry is of the utmost importance. Because if the workers aren’t having their voices heard the job becomes remarkably harder.

Unfortunately, sometimes the company doesn’t listen, so it takes the TWU to step in and amplify the worker’s voices to get their complaints heard and things done.

Since the TWU stepped in to advocate for members, blankets have been issued to courthouses across the metro area.

Parking bays or passes are in the process of being sourced so the workers do not have to pay for parking whilst attending a work site to do their jobs.

COVID leave is almost approved thanks to State Secretary Tim Dawson and his communications with the Department of Justice and getting them to agree that the employee’s from Ventia are essential workers and therefore should be entitled to COVID leave.

Our TWU members at Ventia are contracted to the Department of Justice and should be entitled to Covid leave, or backpaying the leave they needed to take while being off the job with Covid. These are pretty basic issues that have simple fixes. Ventia need to spend more time listening to their workers and taking these issues seriously when they’re brought to management by their workforce. Fortunately the TWU will always advocate for its members, and together, our voice is only as loud as the membership is strong.

If you work at Ventia or know someone who is that is not a member, sign up today. Get involved and have your voice heard!

HANSON SAND QUARRY BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

HANSON SAND QUARRY are building power in their yard as the site is about to enter negotiations for their new agreement. They are well on the way to becoming one of the strongest unionised sites, like their fellow workmates in the other yards throughout HANSON. Keep up the good work fellas.

“Sometimes the company doesn’t listen so it takes TWU to step in & amplify the workers’ voices so they ar e heard.”

says TWU Organiser CHARLIE NICHOLS

HANSON SAND WORKERS ENDORSING THEIR LOG OF CLAIMS

HANSON SAND MEET WITH STATE SECRETARY TIM DAWSON & TWU ORGANISER CHARLIE NICHOLS TO KICK OFF NEGOTIATIONS

CEVA BUILDING STRENGTH

The crew at Ceva are working hard to build their strength at the negotiation table. At the last induction 100% of the new recruits signed on to be a part of the TWU and that’s because they know they are stronger together.

And the workers are aware of this. So that is why they’re building for the next time bargaining comes up to negotiate from a strong position. That’ll put workers in an even stronger position come 2026 when a serious of

agreements will expire at the same time, and the power in numbers across the transport industry will prove our real strength.

These Ceva workers want to be a part of that, so they’re signing up to the TWU. And reaping the benefits of having protection and representation in their workplace. We welcome each of the new TWU members at Ceva on board the union and hope they remain members for years to come.

Ceva is one of the majors’ companies that threatened to withdraw their labour last year, but a last ditch effort by the company got the workers across the line. The workers won a 6% wage increase before the agreement expires in June 2023. Not before the company tried to defer a 2% wage rise the workers were entitled to.

These heavy lifters know that their power is in numbers so they’re all signing up to the TWU to lock in their strength.

100% OF WORKERS AT A RECENT INDUCTION SIGNED UP TO THE TWU - KNOWING HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE IN THE UNION

MENTAL HEALTH IN AVIATION

While much of the research available focuses on road users when discussing mental health of transport workers, there is a significant evidence base that suggests aviation workers are not immune from the same pressures and risk factors that are faced by road transport workers.

Prior to the global pandemic, aviation workers were already experiencing mental health issues that were often exacerbated by work factors.

A piece of research from 2018 found that amongst the cabin crew population being studied, sleep problems, depression, anxiety and fatigue occurred at a greater rate than in the general population.

Once a pandemic was declared and flights were reduced to almost nothing, mental health amongst aviation workers was greatly impacted.

A common discussion during lockdowns and border closings was mental health and the impact that isolation might have on the general public.

This heightened focus was also directed to the workforce.

A piece of research conducted during 2020 on cabin crews in the United States found that, unsurprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic and associated work restrictions correlated with a severe impairment of the mental health of cabin crew employees.

Many cited the fear of losing their job, or actual job loss, and the anxiety of contracting COVID-19, at a time when a vaccine was not widely available yet. Now that borders have been largely re-opened, and the population is mostly vaccinated, are we still seeing the same or similar mental health outcomes in the year 2022? Unfortunately, yes.

Mental health in the air travel industry continues to be of concern. An article from 2022 described the aviation working environment as “…high-performance and safety critical with shift work issues.”

This unique combination of factors means that robust mental health support is needed within the aviation sector to prevent these issues from causing serious mental health problems.

Many, if not all, aviation companies across Australia provide their employees access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP’s) – an excellent resource, if they are accessed when needed.

However, often these services are not accessed, with research showing that only around 3-5% of staff who need help, use an EAP.

What seems to be emerging as an effective alternative is peer-to-peer support.

Trained employees from within the organisation provide outreach to other employees, to offer immediate internal support, for a range of stressors. Interpersonal relationships and supports within the workplace are becoming evidently more important in conversations about mental health in the workplace.

to cabin crew, pilots and management

will be able to undergo Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, provided by SHM.

Those who complete MHFA training are better equipped to have conversations about mental health and even assist during a crisis.

About one in five Australians will experience a common mental illness each year.

By completing a MHFA training course, a person develops the skills to support a friend, family member, or a colleague that may be experiencing degraded mental health.

SHM is continuing to hold training for transport workers throughout the year, if you want to get involved, send an email to peers@steeringhealthyminds.com.au

Several transport industry focused studies highlighted the importance of peer support.

In general, workers viewed peers as a fundamental source of support.

A large-scale efficacy study found that those who participated in a peer-to-peer mental health education program, were overwhelmingly positive toward the training provided and felt prepared and informed, were they required to intervene with a person experiencing suicidal ideations.

In the coming months, a number of employees, ranging from ground handlers

If this article or any associated material has caused any feelings of distress, there are resources available to help

Lifeline 24hr Counselling and Crisis Support Chat

13 11 14

www.lifeline.org.au/crisischat

Trained Crisis Supporters available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.

Beyondblue Support Service

1300 224 636

www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

This is a telephone counselling service available 24hrs a day, 7 days a week.

When the mind is clouded it makes travelling at 30,000ft cold & isolating. This is why the TWU and some aviation companies are at the forefront of peer support in Aviation.

RECENT GRADUATES OF SHM MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING & NEW PEERS IN THE TRANSPORT INDUSTRY. CONGRATULATIONS!

“Once a pandemic was declared & flights were reduced to almost nothing, the mental health amongst aviation workers was greatly impacted.”

IT’S TIME FOR A STANDARD SETTING BODY FOR TRANSPORT WORKERS TO HOLD MULTINATIONALS TO ACCOUNT

And the whole transport industry is on board to make this change before theres no turning back.

The transport industry is at a crossroads. New business models are affecting the traditional way transport work is conducted. Making outrageous profits on the bottom lines of multinationals like Amazon, UBER, the large retailers and mining giants, while transport workers work themselves into the ground.

The industry is moving away from the traditional way transport work was done and towards a dystopian future where you’re working for an app on your phone and the instantaneous gratification of online markets are demanding immediate delivery.

The rise of internet shopping has made courier and small parcel operators’ part of the fastest growing sector of the transport industry.

Giving rise to multinationals, squeezing the supply chain and putting pressure on operators to drive down rates and force owner operators and small businesses out of business.

This has been deemed “the Amazoneffect”.

A phenomenon started by Jeff Bezos’s Amazon, where it exploits the workforce with rates that are unsustainable and each competitor in turn needs to undercut those rates, driving down labour costs till their competition can no longer compete, and go out of business.

FedEx is currently looking to implement a system where drivers need to deliver 93 packages per day just to make $34 an hour.

It’s FedEx’s plan to bring in an underclass of drivers akin to exploitative Amazon Flex where it will demand drivers using their own vans and fuel to deliver 93 parcels to customers’ homes in a 10-hour shift – roughly one delivery every six minutes without breaks.

FedEx is proposing to strip newly engaged owner drivers of rights like sick leave and superannuation and pay gig-style piece rates which will lead to a more a more dangerous industry through exploitation and could lead to more people being killed on Australian roads.

The justification of FedEx’s proposal is to “remain competitive” with the insidious cancer of the Amazon-effect that will make Australia’s deadliest industry even more dangerous.

While gig competition has only arrived in Australia in recent years, the experiences of owner-drivers and small fleet operators in the United States and Europe should be ringing alarm bells. When left to run amok, gig companies undercut the market, smash traditional operators, and then create a dangerous monopoly with appalling rates of pay and conditions. Drivers are already operating on the whiff of an oily rag; pocketing a pittance after a run and being forced to work longer and drive tired to make ends meet. Deadly undercutting by these Silicon Valley behemoths will only ramp up industry pressures, particularly as inflation and fuel costs eat into drivers’ hip pockets.

Whether you’re being paid piece rates, parcel rates or kilometre rates, its simply unsustainable unless you’re getting paid safe and sustainable rates.

The TWU and industry groups recently held convoys across the country and descended on Canberra to meet with politicians to call for immediate support for an independent body to set minimum standards and end the Amazon Effect

says State Secretary TIM DAWSON

of cost-cutting and unfair competition smashing transport supply chains.

Senator Glenn Sterle’s Inquiry into a Safe, Sustainable, viable and efficient transport industry made 10 recommendations to the Federal Government that will counteract the Amazon-effect and hold multinationals accountable for the rate they pay. And the TWU is campaigning for urgent reform to the WA’s Owner Driver Contract and Disputes Amendment Bill to include operators under 4.5tonne and set minimum enforceable rates and conditions that ensure there is recourse for owner drivers who are getting squeezed by the clients paying their rates. Operators under 4.5 tonnes are the fastest growing sector in the transport industry and the most exploited. Governments are elected to protect the people that elect them not assist lining the pockets of multinational companies.

The Transport Industry is at a crossroads, we either continue down the dystopian path the effect Amazon has caused, or you join us and demand a better future.

It’s time to make the transport industry safer and sustainable and save lives, its time to reform the transport industry. Are you with us?

CONVOYS ACROSS THE COUNTRY SENT A LOUD CLEAR MESSAGE THAT ITS TIME FOR CHANGE!

ON THE BUSES

Since my last update I have now taken on the role as the TWU Bus Organiser I have progressed from being on secondment from Transdev to a permanent full time Organiser.

It has been a great 6 months getting to know everyone and helping drivers out in this new role.

I have been very busy with some agreements in progress and some coming up for renewal.

If you need any assistance I am only a phone call away so please do not hesitate to call: 0407 003 687

The Path EA was voted up by 62% of drivers voting yes! We are just waiting to be finalized by fairwork. Negotiations for this agreement commenced way before the national covid lock down, so I think drivers are happy to see the back of bargaining and receive their backpay. Which will give them a boost as the costof-living tide begins to rise. The best part of the Path agreement is that it expires in 2026, the next big year for lining up our TWU agreements with the hopes of negotiating across the transport industry. Bus drivers deserve a Statewide approach to how their agreements are negotiated, there should be one agreement that covers all the contracts. All bus drivers should be on the same wages and conditions.

Meanwhile the Swan EA has come to a stalemate. I’d like to thank all the TWU delegates who were apart of the big no vote campaign 771 no 223 yes 203 did not vote.

Negotiations are ongoing and drivers will be demanding a wage increase that keeps up with the cost of living. Our 5 point

campaign for the bus industry has been endorsed by all our delegates across the bus industry

Bus Drivers should be respected by their economic employer, the State Government, and included in this wage rise. The WA bus system is a public service. The Government relies on bus drivers, but refuses to guarantee job security, safety at work, fair wages, or dignity in retirement. Every bus driver should:

• Receive the same pay and conditions for doing the same work

• Be guaranteed their job regardless of the tender process

• Be safe at work

• Receive pay rises that keep up with the cost of living

• Look forward to a retirement with dignity

The TWU 5 point plan for a better bus industry

1. S ame pay and conditions for all drivers in all companies

2. Guaranteed transfer for all employees when tenders/ contracts change

3. C omprehensive driver safety and security systems

4. Wage increases of 5% or CPI (whichever is greater) annually

5. 15% Superannuation

I’d also like to welcome Swan Mechanics to the TWU membership.

SWAN are doing everything they possibly can to hold up these negotiations but the mechanics have proved they are resilient and up for the fight, in whatever shape it

takes. There has been plenty of hurdles and we are still fighting to see you, but I am confident we can get to the bargaining table soon.

Swan Mechanics do a tough job. Why shouldn’t they be included in union negotiations with the same union that bargaining for the drivers?

We will keep fighting for the mechanics.

STOP PRESS

Despite Swan digging their heels in, the TWU fought to gain access to the mechanics and won!

The TWU can now access the mechanics lunch room and represent the mechanics at bargaining. Congratulations to all the legal eagles and workers involved!

SWAN MECHANICS WANT TO BARGAIN!!

report from TWU Bus Organiser Chris Gibbs

DRIVERS SIGNING OUR PETITION FOR THE 5 POINT PLAN IN FREMANTLE

I’M ENJOYING GETTING OUT TO INDUCTIONS & MEETING THE NEXT CROP OF BUS DRIVERS

This issue occurs daily, it is horrendous. Bus drivers are sick and tired of being assaulted and something must be done before someone is seriously injured or killed, simply doing their job. Every worker has the right to feel safe in their workplace.

The TWU are demanding immediate Government intervention to address the onslaught of anti-social behaviour against bus drivers.

The TWU is asking our bus drivers for locations, times, routes and information about when and where they have been assaulted while doing their job. And was inundated with responses from almost every bus driver we have on our membership.

STANDING UP FOR INCREASED SECURITY ON OUR BUSES

Sickening and appalling.

An assault occurred at Stirling Train Station on the weekend of 20/21 August, just another in a spade of attacks. A bus driver was returning from a meal break when he was confronted and knocked unconscious by a member of the public.

Attacks are increasing in severity and frequency. People don’t want to become bus drivers, drivers are leaving the industry and every day drivers go into work wondering not if, but when they’re going to get bashed. Its not conducive to good mental health or a rewarding workplace.

More must be done by the State Government, to provide adequate security to protect against anti-social behaviour for our bus drivers.

Bus drivers Gary Payne, Lee Pattison and Wendy Hamilton, organiser Chris Gibbs and State Secretary Tim Dawson met with the Minister to discuss safety and security. How dire it is time something is done to urgently turn anti-social behaviour on buses around.

Following this meeting the TWU has written to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti,

urgently calling for:

1. Increased security measures to protect WA Bus Drivers including increasing levels of security in all areas and following problem bus routes,

2. Quicker response times,

3. More powers for security officers and

4. Security to be available for the first bus that leaves the depot in the morning.

“Attention must be drawn to this rising tide of antisocial behaviour on WA Buses and there must be a stop put to it. We’re calling for the State Government to invest in the safety of our bus drivers by increasing security and deterrents of antisocial behaviour.”

The Transport Workers’ Union is devoted to fighting and advocating for the safety of our members.

The TWU has been surveying members and the results have been scathing. Revealing that 98% of surveyed bus drivers have been the victim of antisocial behaviour. 78% of bus drivers feel unsafe in their workplace and 100% of surveyed bus drivers believe that security measures need to be improved.

MEETING A NEW CROP OF BUS DRIVERS

I have inductions at Transdev every week and Path transit every month, I find this a great way to interact with potential new members giving them an insight of the Union values and the way the Union works on how we gain power and strength within the work force. I also give them an insight on what to expect in the workplace as I was myself a bus driver for 15 years so I know the ins and out of bus driving and what they are about to face once their training is finished. It’s important to know that when you’re in the union, the other drivers have your back. So keep an eye out for new drivers and say hello. And please don’t forget to give a friendly wave when you pass another bus. It makes my day, and I’m sure it makes yours too!

The anti-social behaviour & abuse against bus drivers has carried on for too long

DON’T TRASH OUR RATES!!

says TWU Organiser CHARLIE

Negotiations are kicking off at Cleanaway and its clear at the very onset of bargaining that the company is looking to strip wages and conditions from the current workforce.

Fortunately we have some good union drivers there. And they’re prepared to take action if the process requires it.

The company has been giving us the ring around and dragging their heels, but after a long year of knocking on the door, it looks like we’ll be at the table by September.

The workforce have compiled a fair and reasonable log of claims and aren’t asking for any more than what will keep their heads above water in this treacherous economic time.

and appear to be engaging in a national strategic union-busting approach to reduce the workforce’s wages and conditions.

Cleanaway in the NT has recently walked out on strike moving their workforce from a five day to a seven day roster, forcing people to work weekends.

However, Cleanaway is definitely not the company they used to be

In the NT their pay offer is less than half of inflation and fails to address two-tier system of B rates, they are coping with severe understaffing which is overworking people where they’re being denied leave.

Workers are being pressured to rush, on average picking up a bin every 6-18 seconds and training is done by a ‘driver trainer’ who is currently out doing runs all the time. We’re also hearing reports across the country of a high turnover of HR staff that may be the reason why it has taken so long to get to where we are.

Nevertheless the workers are ready for the fight. If you work at Cleanaway and you’re not a union member you’re not protected. So sign up today because there is strength in numbers.

“When this Wheel magazine goes to print we’re planning to be at the bargaining table.”

Its WAs’ turn to negotiate the Cleanaway agreement and after what has been occurring with the company in other states our members are gearing up to remind Cleanaway Do Not TRASH Our Rates!

NICHOLS

EARLY MORNING MEETINGS WITH THE CLEANAWAY CREW - READY TO FIGHT AND READY TO WIN!

WITH SOME STRONG DELEGATES TO BOOT

THESE HAPPY FACES FROM CLEANAWAY IN NEWMAN HAVE A STRONG UNION SITE AND ARE READY FOR ANYTHING THE COMPANY THROWS AT THEM

METROLL’ ing with the Punches...

says GLEN BARRON

A huge 8% increase in the first year of a 3 year agreement. These TWU members at Metrol are valuable assets and now they have an agreement to match.

The hard work of our members at Metroll all paid off when their recent agreement got the tick of approval from the workforce, signing on the dotted line of a 3 year agreement with annual increases of 8%, 5%, and 4%. That is a massive 17% increase over 3 years, won off the hard work of union members. The union yard stood strong during negotiations to secure these increases and credit to the company who recognised that in order to retain a strong, committed and hardworking workforce, they simply had no choice but to up their rates.

There is no secret that there is a shortage of skilled and professional drivers in our industry. So in order for companies to attract and retain a talented workforce, an increase to the worker’s bottom line is a good place to start.

Doesn’t mean workers can’t hold their employers to account, be apart of the union and reep the benefits. Especially when the cost of living is soaring.

But knowing your worth, staying strong at bargaining and being a part of the union really does pay off. Congratulations to the negotiating team and our TWU Delegate Darren Bracken, you should all be proud and enjoy an extra round of drinks at the pub after signing off on this deal.

“there is no secret that there is a shortage of drivers & companies should w ork to attract & retain talented operators.”

THE WHEELS OF CHANGE ARE TURNING

And the light on the hill shines brighter than ever for transport workers. W hich I’m proud to be a part of

Since my last note to you in March, a lot has changed in our country. In May we saw the election of an Albanese Labor Government and the defeat of one of the most out of touch, sneaky, divisive, inept and incompetent conservative government’s our nation has ever had the misfortune of seeing.

That is because it’s important that Australian’s have a workplace system based on fairness, mutual trust and respect, and that all workers - regardless of the industry –are subject to the same laws and regulations as everyone else.

Legislation to abolish the ABCC should be in place by the end of the year.

We’ve introduced legislation to establish Jobs and Skills Australia. This is a new agency that will work with state and territory governments, as well as industry, employers, trade unions and training providers to address our current skills crisis and create an environment for more secure work and better employment

Since election day, your Transport Workers Union has been leading the charge by relentlessly making the case to Ministers’ Tony Burke and Catherine King as to why this reform is so desperately needed. This hard work and campaigning culminated in a visit to Canberra recently which saw a delegation of transport workers from around the country travel to Parliament House to impress on our politicians the importance of this much needed reform across the road transport sector, including in the gig economy.

The visit by the delegation ended with the

We saw magnificent results in Western Australia with the election of Tania Lawrence in Hasluck, Sam Lim in Tangney, Tracey Roberts in Pearce and Zaneta Mascarenhas in Swan which ultimately handed Prime Minister Albanese the keys to the lodge. I would like to extend my personal thanks to every single member and organiser of the WA Branch of the Transport Workers Union who helped play a part in what is a tremendous victory for our movement.

It was great to see a number of you on election day handing out how to vote cards across different booths in the electorate of Hasluck and I want to extend my thanks to branch secretary Tim Dawson for coordinating the branch’s efforts and for supporting our fantastic candidates, some of whom attended your delegate’s day in Lathlain in early July which I had the pleasure of hosting.

And the new Labor Government has hit the ground running with the new Prime Minister vowing that we are not going to waste a minute of the important opportunity that we have been given after nearly a decade of neglect by the Liberal/National Coalition. In the first sitting fortnight in late July, we passed legislation to fix Aged Care, but before that we made submissions to the Fair Work Commission to increase the minimum wage to help lower paid workers.

We amended the Building Code to end the unfair treatment of building and construction workers by the highly politicised and discredited Australian Building and Construction Commission.

opportunities for Australian workers.

And ahead of parliament resuming in early September, we held a Jobs and Skills Summit in Canberra. Our goal is to build a bigger, better trained and more productive workforce that will deliver a boost to incomes and living standards which is extremely important.

My focus now however is on working with the Albanese Government and the Transport Workers Union to deliver much needed reforms to the road transport industry. Reforms which we committed to deliver during the election campaign. Leading these reforms is the introduction of an independent body to set enforceable minimum standards for truck drivers and operators which was the leading recommendation of my landmark report –‘Without Trucks Australia Stops’ which has the overwhelming support of the road transport industry.

extremely successful Convoy to Canberra which saw approximately 100 trucks travel from Sydney to Canberra as well as similar actions happening in other capital cities across the country, to ensure that the voices of transport workers were heard in the fight to achieve a fair system that protects the pay, conditions, and standards of all transport workers. It was an absolute privilege to be there with the delegates and participants of the convoy and I would like to congratulate the National Office of the Transport Workers Union as well as the branch committees of management from the other state branches for pulling off such a brilliantly coordinated day.

It is an immense honour to be your TWU Senator and I look forward to continuing to advocate on behalf of all transport workers as a member of the Albanese Labor Government.

“Thank you to every single member & organiser of the WA branch of the TWU who helped play a part.”

says Senator GLENN STERLE

GLENN AT WA DELEGATES CONFERENCE

THE FIGHT FOR SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE RATES

If you’re getting paid km rates, piece rates or parcel rates its unsustainable unless they’re safe rates.

After nine long years of neglect, transport workers finally have a Federal Government prepared to listen and act on the pressures which make transport industries so unsustainable.

Transport workers now have a huge opportunity to win reform for a fairer and safer industry.

We know that trucking is in crisis. Led by Senator Glenn Sterle over a two-year period, a Senate Inquiry into Road Transport saw horrific evidence given by dozens of drivers and others from the industry. Recommendations from the inquiry include:

- T he creation of an independent body that can set universal and binding standards such as Safe Rates, as well as ensure safety and resolve disputes

- A more proactive approach to education, licensing and training

- More thorough investigation into truck crashes to increase understanding of contributing factors, including through the chain of responsibility

- Improving rest areas, truck stops and other critical transport infrastructure Decades of research demonstrates that when truck drivers and truck businesses are under pressure, safety suffers. It means truck drivers are under pressure to speed, drive fatigued, overload and cut back on truck maintenance to make ends meet.

Since the Liberal Government abolished the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal, which had the power to set enforceable standards in trucking, there have been over 1000 truck crash deaths on our roads.

The former Morrison Government’s approach only made road transport and aviation more dangerous. It refused to address collapsing standards and rampant undercutting, was silent when some of Australia’s worst corporate bullies like Qantas launched assaults on secure jobs, and continually ignored serious concerns raised by workers about the need for protective measures like RATs to work safely during COVID.

Regulation of this kind would also help turn the tide on the gig tsunami bearing on road transport. Gig companies like Amazon are skirting the edges of our out-dated laws, shifting workers outside our industrial system and undercutting secure transport jobs. Without strong government intervention, the explosion of gig-style workers nationwide threatens the industry as we know it.

The incoming Albanese Government’s commitments give us hope that workers will finally see progress on the reforms we need for a fairer and safer transport industry.

In Opposition, the Australian Labor Party committed to Safe Rates and promised to establish an independent body with the power to set enforceable standards for all workers to end road transport’s deadly race to the bottom.

The need for regulation of this kind has never been clearer, particularly when owner drivers and small fleet operators are being forced to wear astronomical fuel prices without a system to recover costs from wealthy companies at the top of supply chains.

We know what happens when drivers’ wafer-thin margins are slashed by rising operating costs and contracting pressures: the pressure is on to make up the difference and our roads become even more deadly.

Creating a national regulatory system with teeth would strike at the heart of this problem by ensuring all road transport workers have access to enforceable minimum standards. Ending the ability of gig economy giants to undercut the industry would not only support but strengthen the protections workers won in last year’s job security fight. Workers are bearing the brunt of economic shambles, with CPI at 5.1% and the reserve bank lifting the cash rate to 85 basis points. Meanwhile TWU Members are winning increases to their wages, one site has just signed on the dotted line for an 8% increase this year.

The industry is howling for experienced transport operators and unionised sites are at the forefront of retention of workers and contracts. Over the next few years, your participation in this fight will determine our success.

It’s time for transport workers to get out what they put in, carrying the economy throughout the pandemic. It’s time for a safer and more sustainable transport industry. Are you with us?

“The pressure is on to make up the difference and our roads become even more deadly.”

says TWU State Secretary TIM DAWSON

NORTH WEST REPORT

RAISING THE STAKES AT CENTURION NW

The Centurion Northwest agreement was recently voted up with a whopping 91% of workers voting Yes.

The negotiation team secured a 2.5% increase for a oneyear deal and an extra $40 per week contribution towards the housing allowance.

The guys also got backpay secured from the 1st of May.

Members agreed on a 1-year deal as they felt it was dragging on a bit and didn’t want to commit to something in the current economic climate that is constantly changing.

Cost of living in the northwest is a frequent topic on the minds of our members and who knows for how long the reserve bank will continue to hike interest rates.

The one year deal is a safe bet so members can spend the next 12 months strengthening our position before we negotiate again.

They’re a good group and I think together we are stronger.

I look forward to gaining strength and negotiating from a place of power with this lot in 12 months time.

HOVERING ABOVE THE COST OF LIVING

THE

The crew at CHC Helicopters are keeping their heads above water after agreeing in principle for a 2 year deal.

The deal secures a 5% increase to their wages in the first year and a further 4% in the second.

On top of this they’ll get a $1000 sign on bonus and $2500 per annum extra in the regional allowance which will help immensely considering the cost of living is skyrocketing in the Pilbara.

At the time of writing this agreement is going to a vote. And we expect it to be endorsed by the TWU membership.

Congratulations to all involved in a good deal.

From North West reporter Graham Torpy

“Cost of living in the north west is a frequent topic on the minds o f our members.”

THE MEMBERSHIP IS HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS AND THEIR NEW AGREEMENT IS PAYING OFF

THE TWU HELD A BBQ AT SITE TO KEEP BUILDING STRENGTH

AS

CHC HELICOPTERS AGREEMENT GETS LIFT OFF

THE WASTE ALLIANCE HAS STRENGTH

new agreement at Veolias’ North West Waste Alliance has been signed off.

In the 8 months I’ve spent as the TWU North West Organiser, the Veolia run ‘North West Waste Alliance’ has gained a great deal of strength at the bargaining table. From 1 or 2 members in one branch to becoming a very strong representation, the company offered a measly 3 year deal of 4.5% in the first year, 2.5% in the second and 2% in the third. But the members know the

initial increase is not even close to the competition and doesn’t compensate for the low flat rate they have been stuck with for years.

The company still refuse to commit to the regional allowance too.

The company opposing the TWU’s PAB application took us to the Commission in August, and rallied the troops for a No vote.

But unfortunately, the coercive tactics of the company saw the agreement get across the line. Watch this space as we look to appeal at the direction of the TWU membership.

And lets continue to fight for a deal that keeps up with the cost of living, retains a good workforce and a deal the workers can be proud to say they achieved together.

TIME TO DRILL DOWN

As Bargaining looms for the crew at M-I SWACO

There aren’t many people who do the specialised work the TWU members of MI SWACO perform daily.

An innovative company, MI SWACO are involved in production efficiency of drilling equipment at mine sites.

Its interesting work, but working with chemicals, the importance put on safety and training is second to none.

That is why its so important to retain a workforce who knows what to do and in the safest way possible.

As the TWU members at MI SWACO enter bargaining for their new agreement, we are reminding management of the value of a solid and welltrained workforce.

The TWU members are looking forward to securing a deal that keeps up with the rising costs of living and retains their skills.

A

But if the company wants to retain good workers they’ll need to to do a lot better at creating a culture where they feel valued.

Graham Torpy reports

THESE SPECIALISED WORKERS WANT TO FEEL VALUED IN THEIR ROLE

SAFE RATES CONVOYS ACROSS

ACROSS THE COUNTRY

DELEGATES’ CONFERENCE

CONFERENCE 2022

The 2022 WA Branch Delegates Conference was held at Lathlain Park in July and facilitated a robust discussion about the future of the transport industry and transport work.

And how our delegates give transport workers a powerful voice at each of their worksites.

Our delegates are vital to ensuring members are being represented and fell supported by the union at their sites.

So its important we get a day where we can celebrate the work of delegates and give them the tools to help members in the most effective way possible.

Congratulations to all the delegates that attended and especially those who told their stories on our aviation, passenger vehicle/ buses, majors panels and the leadership who came to speak too.

Congratulations also to the Delegates who received awards.

Rodney Payne – Rookie of the Year

Darran Buckley – TWU Leadership Award

Jimmy Hoddinott – Years of Service

And of course all our prize winners too – we hope your winnings come in handy!

Thank you to our incredible sponsors, Coverforce, Slater & Gordon, TWUSUPER, ME Bank and UnionShopper for their contributions on making the day a success. Thank you to all the Secretaries from other branches who attended, to Senator Glenn Sterle who MC’d the day, our Veterans of the industry who made their presence known and finally all the staff of the TWU who made the event such a successful day.

We hope to gather you all again next year for another great conference!

RODNEY PAYNE – ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

DARRAN BUCKLEY – TWU LEADERSHIP AWARD

JIMMY HODDINOTT – YEARS OF SERVICE

PRIZE WINNERS

PRIZE WINNERS

RAMPING UP OUR FIGHT & SECURE SKIES - AVIATION

With aviation beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels, it’s a crucial time for us to rebuild safe, secure and fair jobs in our industry. Airport chaos has shown us the need to bring up standards so experienced workers aren’t forced to leave the industry. With a new Federal Government in power that’s committed to aviation workers, we have a chance to win those reforms.

GROUND HANDLING

In May this year, the Federal Court ruled for a second time that Qantas had broken the law in sacking thousands of ground handlers. Shamefully, Qantas has proposed everything from “refer your friend” schemes to execs becoming baggage handlers instead of reinstating those illegally sacked workers. Alan Joyce himself was even spotted on the tarmac at Sydney Airport.

While the Qantas court process is ongoing, your member-led teams across ground handling and catering have been working hard in bargaining and building up union power in the airport. For too long, standards in aviation have been plummeting, leading to insecure, casual jobs where workers can be paid significantly different rates while doing the same job.

While companies claim there’s a worker shortage, we know the reason they’re under-staffed is the lack of good, secure jobs. That’s why across Menzies, Dnata and Swissport, we’re fighting to bring up pay and conditions to keep experienced workers in the industry.

GROUND WORKERS WIN ON THE EAST COAST WHEN THEIR PROTECTED ACTION BALLOT GOT THE COMPANY TO MOVE

FIGHT FOR SAFE AVIATION UPDATE

CABIN CREW AND PILOTS

As aviation continues to ramp up, Virgin cabin crew have for months been bringing up issues of significant fatigue, stemming from lack of breaks and high workload on long shifts.

We’ve been in the Fair Work Commission to find a better pathway to provide proper rest, because we know that crew’s safety and mental health, as well as passengers’ safety, relies on it.

We’ve also been hearing from pilots about rights and obligations in regards to safety, particularly around breaks. Safety should always come first, and pilots and cabin crew will continue to work together to improve conditions.

Scan the QR code for an FAQ on your rights when it comes to breaks.

MEMBERS AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE

Recently 3 of your delegates from cabin crew, ground and pilots were in Canberra meeting with over 90 members of Government lobbying for fairer industrial relations laws. Earlier this year, we saw how our laws are skewed in companies’ favour, with Qantas threatening to send cabin crew back to the Award if they didn’t accept a substandard Agreement. That needs to change.

Congrats to these workers for sharing your stories and speaking up not just for yourselves but for everyone in the industry. The Labor party has made

TWU PILOTS TAKE OFF

In July we officially launched TWU Pilots, a new division of the TWU resulting from our merge with the Virgin Independent Pilots’ Association. The launch in Fremantle marked the formal beginning of a new chapter for pilots in both unions that will amplify the voices of all aviation workers.

This is a huge opportunity for workers from the baggage room through to the cockpit to stand united in the fight to end airport chaos caused by insecure work, collapsing safety standards and shocking conditions.

Pilots’ voices will be crucial in leading the way forward as we work together for a safer, fairer and more secure industry. There are no second chances at 30,000 feet, and the results from our pilot survey show that without action, we’re only going to see more chaos and skills losses in aviation.

Survey results from pilots

• 9 5% said pay and conditions are going backwards

• 8 9% said there’s a growing trend towards insecure work

• 87% are concerned about the threat of outsourcing to their job security

• 79% expressed concerns about mental health QUOTES FROM PILOTS

several commitments to a safer and fairer transport industry, and it’s up to every one of us to show why those commitments can’t wait.

“Retention in aviation means experience, and experience means safety.” Damien Parker

“As pilots we’re making things work, but it does have a cost, and that is fatigue.”

“We all enjoy our jobs, but if you’re really stressed, your ability to deal with an emergency is reduced.”

David Thomas

Safety in aviation is literally life or death, and the formal beginning of TWU Pilots marks an important step forward in securing a safer and fairer industry for all workers.

After a year she gave birth in a hospital. The nurse congratulated the fellow. “This is amazing. How do you do it at your age?” He answered, “You’ve got to keep that old motor running.”

The following year she gave birth again. The same nurse said, “You really are amazing. What’s the secret?” He again said, “You’ve got to keep the old motor running.”

The same thing happened the next year. The nurse said, “You must be quite a man.” He responded, “You’ve got to keep that old motor running.”

The nurse then said, “Well, you had better change the oil, this one’s got dark hair!”

Captain’s cabin broadcast:

Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to welcome you again on board. Currently, we are flying over the Atlantic ocean, our height is 10000 meters and our speed is 900kph. Air temperature... s***! F***! Oh my g*! No!

Captains go silent. Passengers are white as chalk, panic, scream...

A minute later, the captain speaks again:

Ladies and gentlemen, pardon me. The flight attendant spilled a hot coffee on me. If you would just see the front side of my pants...

One passenger shouts: You d***! If you would just see my pants from the back side!

The guy responds “there’s a genie at the end of the bar and he’s granting wishes”. The man gets up and walks up to sit next to the genie and says, “I hear you’re granting wishes”. The genie after having been drinking heavily for hours responds “yeah but one wish per customer!” The guy shrugs and says,”ok I wish I had a million bucks”. The genie blinks and all of a sudden there are ducks flooding the bar quacking, feathers flying, they are everywhere. The guy looks at the genie in protest and is told to beat it he got his one wish. So he shrugs and tosses a duck under each arm and goes back to the original guy and tells him “that genie ain’t worth a damn, I asked him for a million bucks and he gives me a million ducks!” The guy looks at him and says, “what do you think I asked for a twelve inch bic?”

A man walks into a bar. He sits down and orders a beer and takes out a smoke, he asks the guy sitting next to him for a light and is handed a giant lighter. He looks at it curiously, lights his smoke and hands it back while inquiring where one would get such a large lighter?

An 80-year-old man married a 20-year-old girl...

Covid Prevention

Mrs Smith was in her eighties and very much admired for her sweet disposition and kindly ways to all. The carpet cleaner came by to perform the annual spring cleaning one afternoon and she welcomed him in for tea and cookies. After she excused herself to make preparations, the young carpet cleaner could not help but notice a crystal bowl on top of the old pump organ with a condom floating in it. Feeling a bit uncomfortable but curious, when Mrs Smith returned he asked the obvious question.

“Oh yes” Mrs Smith replied, “ isn’t that wonderful? I was walking down the street in town and found this little package. It said to put it on the organ and keep wet to prevent diseases. And you know, I believe it has been working since I have gotten this far without catching Covid!”

Queen Elizabeth and Dolly Parton die on the same day

Queen Elizabeth and Dolly Parton die on the same day, and both go before an Angel to find out if they’ll be admitted to Heaven.

Unfortunately, there’s only one space left that day, so the Angel must decide which of them gets in.

The Angel asks Dolly if there’s some particular reason why she should go to Heaven.

Dolly takes off her top and says, “Look at these, they’re the most perfect breasts God ever created, and I’m sure it will please God to be able to see them every day, for eternity”.

The Angel thanks Dolly and asks Her Majesty the same question.

The Queen takes a bottle of Perrier out of her purse, and drinks it down. Then, pees into a toilet and pulls the lever.

The Angel says, “ok, your Majesty, you may go in”. Dolly is outraged and asked, “What was that all about, I show you two of God’s own perfect creations and you turn me down. She pees into a toilet and she gets in! Would you explain that to me”?

“Sorry Dolly, says the Angel, but even in Heaven A Royal Flush Beats a Pair No Matter How Big They Are”.

A man is driving at night in the rain...

And then the car suddenly stop working. The man starts to get nervous, and then he sees something getting out of the woods in the roadside. Then he hears a knock in the window. There is a dog, a german shepherd.

“Open the hood”, says the dog. The man freezes and do nothing.

“Open the hood”, repeats the dog. The man opens it. The dog starts to work on the engine, and then says “start the car”. The man tries but nothing happens.

The dog works on the engine again, and then asks the man to start the car, which turns on right away.

The dog just got out and entered the woods on the roadside.

Baffled, the man starts driving and stops on a gas station a few miles away, and says to the gas station attendant: “Man, you’re not going to believe me, but I have to say it to you”.

“I was driving and my car stopped working, and a giant german shepherd came and fixed my car”.

The attendant makes a very scary face and says: “Man, you have no idea how lucky you are.”

“Why?”, says the man.

“That dog is a tire repairman, not a car mechanic.”

IN THE COURTS CARGO SERVICES COMPANY FINED $110,000 OVER SERIOUS INJURY TO WORKER

A ground and air cargo services company has been fined $110,000 (and ordered to pay $8000 in costs) over an incident in which a baggage handler was seriously injured when he fell from a moving baggage tug at Perth Airport.

Swissport Australia Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to provide and maintain a safe workplace and, by that failure, causing serious injury to a worker, and was fined in the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday 20 July.

In August 2018, the injured worker was engaged in the duties of unloading baggage from a Virgin Australia Airlines aircraft that had recently landed, when another Swissport employee drove by him on a baggage tug.

He boarded the vehicle as a passenger and after traveling a short distance, the driver turned the tug and he fell from the side onto the tarmac, hitting his head on the ground. The vehicle was not fitted with a passenger seatbelt.

The worker suffered serious head injuries and required urgent surgery, followed by further urgent surgeries later due to complications from his injuries. He also suffered ongoing medical problems

requiring physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

WorkSafe Commissioner Darren Kavanagh said the case was another example of an organisation not performing adequate risk assessments or acting to improve or eliminate workplace hazards.

“The vehicle from which the worker fell did not have a seatbelt for a passenger, and workers were permitted to ride in it,” Mr Kavanagh said.

“After this incident, both Swissport’s Airport Manager and Ramp Manager confirmed that, had a risk assessment

procedures for Swissport prior to this incident stated that seatbelts were to be worn “when fitted”, but did not prohibit driving or riding on a tug that was not fitted with seatbelts.

“Both the driver of the tug and the injured passenger assumed the vehicle had been assessed as safe as it was in use. No instructions were given to conduct prestart checks on the luggage tugs.

“The circumstances of this incident indicate that Swissport failed to provide a safe and healthy work environment for its workers, and the company has been penalised accordingly.

“The case should serve as a warning to other companies that thorough risk assessments are the primary component of providing and maintaining a safe workplace, as required by the State’s workplace safety laws.

been performed, the tug involved in the incident would not have been in service until a passenger’s seatbelt was installed.

“In addition, both Swissport’s own written procedures and Virgin’s

“With the re-commencement of air transport services now in full swing, work health and safety is particularly crucial.”

Virgin Australia Airlines Pty Ltd has also been charged over this incident. The company has pleaded not guilty and will go to trial in August.

FRANCO GIG RULING HIGHLIGHTS NEED TO CHANGE ACT

The TWU has called for urgent reform as a Fair Work Commission decision agrees Deliveroo rider Diego Franco was unfairly terminated but could not find he was an employee following the High Court Personnel Contracting ruling.

Vice President Hatcher found that the Commissioner’s ruling of unfair sacking was correct at the time of the decision: “The Commissioner’s finding of a lack of a valid reason, coupled with an undeniable failure to afford Mr Franco procedural fairness, rendered inevitable the Commissioner’s conclusion that the dismissal was harsh, unjust and unreasonable.”

Deliveroo’s appeal was upheld on the basis that the decision must now be reviewed in light of a High Court ruling earlier this year which stated the terms of a contract must be used to determine employment status, rather than the nature of the work.

The decision states that in relation to the degree of control over Mr Franco’s performance of the work and other related factors, “as a result of Personnel Contracting, we must close our eyes to these matters.”

The TWU is calling for urgent reform to ensure all transport workers have rights with safe standards enforced to address the deadly pressures in the industry.

TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine said the Federal Government must urgently introduce reform to address the archaic system which provides rights like unfair dismissal only to workers deemed employees.

“Diego Franco and his family have been through more than two years of stress and turmoil. Diego was unfairly terminated with no warning, a finding agreed upon twice by the Fair Work Commission. Despite this appalling act by Deliveroo, Diego and his

family have had justice ripped away from them for no reason other than an outdated legal system which fails to represent the present day working world.

“This finding allows gig behemoths to carefully adjust the wording in their contracts to avoid all accountability towards worker safety and rights, while exercising high control over workers who have no ability to negotiate. We cannot close our eyes to the reality of this industry which is killing, maiming and unfairly sacking workers.”

“Every transport worker in Australia needs rights and protections without exception. Gig companies like Uber and DoorDash have joined calls for an independent body to set minimum standards to level the playing field across the industry. This decision shows just how high a priority it is for the Federal Government to establish a lifesaving standard-setting body in transport.”

“The vehicle from which the driver fell did not have a seatbelt for a passenger & therefore not adequate protections”

ONE STRONG UNITED POWERFUL VOICE

says National Secretary Michael Kaine reports

As the new Federal Government takes the reins, TWU members have wasted no time taking action to lift standards in transport.

Congratulations to all members who took part in nationwide convoys for industry reform in Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.

The vision across all the major news channels of our trucks, coaches, vans, cars and bicycles sent a powerful signal right across the country. We sent a strong message that workers from all sectors whether employees, owner drivers or gig workers are united for Safe Rates. We had aviation members and an ambulance first responder member joining the Sydney to Canberra convoy, families –including a few beloved pets, politicians, the National Road Freighters Association, and even employers supporting the action either in person or by supplying trucks.

Members have been active across the board over recent months. Aviation workers, bus drivers and waste workers have been standing strong through tough bargains, with some brave strike action as well as protests to improve safety taking place in multiple states.

It is always inspiring to see workers taking collective action, not only because through action we speak with one powerful voice, but also because it gets results. Sometimes it takes several actions and sometimes it takes only one, but the TWU is known for being relentless and that keeps us going in the right direction to reach our goals.

Our action has brought some unlikely voices to the table, joining our calls for reform.

Gig giants Uber and DoorDash have each signed a Statement of Principles that commits them to joining our calls for regulated minimum standards. This is a remarkable shift that has only been possible through a strong and ongoing campaign from TWU members to ensure rights for all transport workers.

During the first sitting week in July, a few days before our national convoys, we took an industry alliance delegation to Canberra to keep the pressure on for reform.

Joining owner drivers, employee drivers, couriers and gig workers, were employers

ACFS and FBT Transwest and employer associations Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation and Victorian Transport Association. Together we made a strong case for reform as a united industry group. As a result, dozens of politicians from Labor and the crossbench signed a pledge for an independent body to set enforceable safe standards.

strong throughout bargains and PABs to create more full-time jobs and lift pay, conditions, and safe standards to attract, retain and reward workers.

Together we’re keeping up the fight to hold airlines and airports to account for same job same pay and safe, secure work. We’re calling on the Federal Government to install a Safe and Secure Skies Commission to prioritise decent airport jobs and rein in exorbitant executive bonuses.

The tide is turning in aviation too. Outsourced Qantas workers had a second win in the Federal Court with four judges in unanimous agreement that Qantas broke the law in sacking them.

Airport chaos is shining a spotlight on the importance of all aviation jobs and how irresponsible as well as cruel Joyce-led Qantas management has been for illegally sacking and refusing to reinstate loyal, experienced workers.

Airport rosters are severely understaffed and workers extremely overworked, which is why it is so important to see TWU members standing

Across transport, we’re making strides and are already off the starting blocks calling on the new Federal Government to consult with the industry and get reform off the ground as a matter of urgency. Over the next few years, your participation in this fight will determine our success. Ensuring strong TWU membership in your yard, supporting more local convoys, rallies, and actions, sitting down with MPs to lobby for change, sharing your stories with media and on social media –everything we do together contributes to our campaigning and demonstrates our

And our calls are bringing some unlikely voices to the table joining together for reform

“Together we make a strong case for reform as a united industry group.”

ROAD TRANSPORT INDUSTRY UNITES IN CALLS FOR REFORM AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE

In the first sitting week of the new Federal Government, a delegation of TWU members, employers and industry leaders travelled to Canberra to call for urgent reform at Parliament House.

TWU owner drivers, gig workers, employee drivers and couriers were joined by industry groups ARTIO and the NRFA, as well as employers, all standing shoulder to shoulder to push for reform.

The group met with dozens of politicians from all sides of politics, who committed to taking action for a fairer and safer road transport industry. With the Labor Government in power, we have a chance to win a system that can:

• Set fair standards

• Hold clients to account to ensure fairer and safer contracts

• Push to achieve ‘same job, same pay’ across the industry

• Ensure payments are made on time

• Protect the rights of all drivers (owner and employee)

• Ensure the voices of all drivers are heard

• Ensure contractors can raise problems

GUILLAUME, EMPLOYEE DRIVER

“Labour hire has been a huge issue in my yard. Last year we went on strike and had to fight hard just to ensure our job security, but things are still going downhill in the industry.”

Well done to everyone who shared their stories and advocated for a fairer and safer industry.

Momentum is building with the industry coming together more than ever before, but we need to continue speaking out so that these reforms are at the top of the new government’s priority list.

Here are some of the stories workers shared throughout the week:

TONY,

“Recently FedEx told us they want to bring in their own Amazon Flex model. That will put our jobs on the line. We warned them about the unsafe gig economy last year in negotiations but they say they need to compete. And what they’re proposing is shocking - a parcel every six minutes isn’t sustainable. It’s going to put drivers under enormous pressure to rush and speed.”

MARGESH,

“I worked for AmazonFlex until I couldn’t deliver packages to closed businesses on a Saturday and got terminated from the app. I took the packages back to the depot, then was terminated from the app. I lost my job because of that. We need regulation to protect transport workers.”

ROSALINA, UBER DRIVER

“As an Uber driver, I was better off 7 years ago than I am today, where it’s never been harder to make a decent living as a rideshare driver. Drivers are working 60+ hours a week just to make ends meet. I had a back injury and couldn’t work for 8 weeks. I had no income during that time. I was lucky I had some savings but others aren’t in the same position.”

FEDEX TIED OWNER DRIVER

EMPLOYEE DRIVER

POLITICIANS SHOWING SUPPORT FOR SAFE RATES

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS MINISTER TONY BURKE ADDRESSING TWU DELEGATION AND INDUSTRY LEADERS

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SERVICING THE TWU DRIVERS AND ROADTRAINS

BP WUBIN TRUCK

Lot 1 Great Northern Highway, Wubin (Sue Schmidt Prop.)

• Open 7 days - 5.30am til very late •Take away food, Dine in restaurant

LIFE IN CUE, AT THE “QUEEN”

Find out what makes the Queen of Murchison an iconic stop for those who pass through Cue. Says Tori

If you’ve ever passed through or stayed a while in Cue, you’ll know the Queen of Murchison. For good reason this heritage building is a popular spot to stop for all kinds of people visiting the quaint and remote town, located 620km north-east of Perth.

Former owners of the Pilbarra’s Emu Creek cattle station, Joyce and Darryl Penny, purchased the “Queen” in 2017 and in the past five years have breathed new life into the space, making it a comfortable, warm, and lively destination for a brief stop, or extended stay.

We’ve spoken to Joyce about what makes the “Queen” so iconic and what travellers and lodgers can expect to experience.

Q: What makes Queen of Murchison such an iconic destination?

A: Queen of the Murchison started life as the Capitol Hotel in 1936 and was sturdily built with brick and extensive use of jarrah. The staircase is exceptionally well-made and has carried many thousands of guests to their rooms. The front veranda has seen many a social evening with pastoralists, miners and travellers yarning over a cold beer, taking time to get to know one another.

Q: What kinds of people and personalities tend to stop and stay?

A: We see the whole gamut of personality types - people who are excited about being on their first outback road trip; world-weary workers who have stayed in hundreds of hotels, motels, guest houses, mine site dongas, and even camped in tents and slept in swags and are grateful for the personal touches and interest by (myself) and staff; families who rarely get to spend time together or communicate deeply and yet can’t put aside their phones or laptops; slightly nervous but otherwise wise and confident older folk on their own going down memory lane having worked in the district or had family properties close by.

Q: What makes the “Queen” a comfortable place to stay?

A: T his year, I added eight cabin rooms in the rear carpark. They are fully self-contained and have an ensuite, reverse-cycle air-conditioning and wi-fi has been extended to the cabins. They have been immensely popular since becoming available. All rooms have a refrigerator and there is an ice machine for guest convenience in the summer. As there isn’t a laundry service in town, we are able to offer a quick laundry service for guests. This is often a delightful surprise for ladies who have come from Karijini and all their clothes are pindan pink. Guests enjoy the TV lounge, the front veranda and the al fresco/spa area near the rear garden. We all know that Cue is a long way from everywhere, so guests are guaranteed a long drive whichever direction they are travelling.

Q: What are your meals like?

A: Dinners are home-style, generous servings and we are often told they represent good value for money. All guests sit together at long tables where possible, so you get a chance to talk to different people with a different point of view to your own. Many city people get a chance to talk at some length with workers who know the area well, to Aboriginal guests

Wilson

and international guests so it is like a large family gathering every night. I also think it is good for the mental health of the workers who are here for months at a time to talk to people other than their work colleagues.

Q: Can you provide some insights into Cue?

A: Cue is home to a tough breed of person who is a straight talker. There isn’t much room for ego or pretention here – our climate and lack of shopping facilities ensures that. Gold mining has been the main industry here since 1894 and there is still plenty of gold being dug out of the ground. Even prospectors still find nice nuggets, so there can still be excitement when a larger nugget is found. It’s a town with a proud history and even though you might think there isn’t much left, it just won’t die.

Q: What are some of the major attractions for visitors to experience?

A: Walga Rock is a place to see. Granite Garden is a great bird watching location, Lake Nallan. Lake Austin also have good bird sightings after rains and this year the wildflowers between Mullewa and half-way from Mt Magnet to Cue have been spectacular. The old jail, the old railway station and the two-storey Masonic Lodge are interesting town buildings, as are the Community Resource Centre, Police Station and Courthouse.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?

A: Cue and the district deserves at least a two day stay –you can’t see it all in one day. March to October are the best months as November to February can be hot and uncomfortable outside with temperatures in high 30s to 40s. You need to come properly prepared with plenty of water and appropriate clothing if you come in summer.

Last Laugh

What is the truck drivers favourite part of the movies?

The trailers

Pilot Bob Johnson, age 85, died peacefully in his sleep last Tuesday.

MISUNDERSTANDING

An old man with hearing problems crashed his car into a very expensive automobile. The owner of the expensive automobile jumps out and confronts the old man and says “Give me $10,000 cash or I will beat you to a pulp!” The old man replies, “Woah wait buddy, I don’t have that much money but let me call my son, he trains dolphins.” The old man dials his son as as he is about to speak the owner of the expensive car yanks the phone out of his hand and says “So you train dolphins, well your old man just hit and damaged my car, you bring me

$10,000 or I’m gonna beat the heck outta him!” The son answers “Okay, give me 15 minutes and I’ll be there.” In exactly 15 minutes the son pulls up in a Jeep, Ten men jump out and beat the hell out of the expensive car owner. Meanwhile the son walks over to his father and says “Dad I train Navy Seals not dolphins.

AN OLD FARMER GOT UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO USE THE TOILET...

As he was heading back to bed, he looked out the window and saw the lights on in his shed. A closer inspection revealed men loading his tools and farm machinery into their truck.

He rushes to the phone and calls 000 “I need the police! There are some guys clearing out my shed!”

“OK sir, we have dispatched officers, they should be there in about an hour.”

“An hour?! But they’ll be long gone by then!”

“I’m sorry sir but there are no officers in your area.”

The farmer hangs up angrily, waits 10 minutes and then calls 000 again.

“Hi, it’s me again. Don’t worry about sending those cops, I’ve just shot the robbers.” and he hangs up.

Less then 10 minutes later, three cop cars and a helicopter arrive and the robbers are arrested. The sergeant goes up to the house and bangs on the door. The farmer opens it in his dressing gown and holding a cup of tea.

“What’s going on here!? You said you shot the robbers!”

“You said there were no officers in my area.”

The rest of his passengers weren’t so lucky.