TWU Campaigns for a Fair Price - Transport Workers` Union of NSW

Print Post Approved PP 241 613 0059
TWU
News
Sydney & Central
The Official Journal of the Transport Workers' Union NSW Branch • Issue 50 • Autumn 2007
PETROL
TWU Campaigns
for a Fair Price
Members campaign
to save Qantas jobs
Vets Say: "Save
our grandkids!"
GET
HE
ON T
LL
RO
VE
HA
R
YOU
SAY
IN THIS EDITION:
• WorkChoices Hits Truckies • Join the campaign to
STOP petrol gouging • Bus drivers to lose out under
Debnam • Win for couriers • Christmas carols at Kirribilli
BREAKINGNEWS
TWU Members Say: STOP Petrol Gouging
The TWU has launched a
campaign to end petrol price
gouging saying that transport
workers and their families are
amongst the hardest hit by the
inflated prices.
Sydney Sub Branch Secretary Bruce Penton:
"I urge all members to sign the TWU's online
petition and force the government to act on
petrol gouging."
Courier Driver
Tony McNulty
and TWU
NSW/National
Secretary
Tony Sheldon:
"Profiteering
must stop."
The TWU has urged the Federal
Government to allow the ACCC to
be given more powers to properly
intervene and take action to stop
petrol profiteering.
It is clear from recent increases, that
unless the ACCC is given adequate
powers to do more than just name
and shame petrol price gougers, the
profiteering racket will continue.
delay in petrol reductions. Transport
Every motorist bears the brunt when
businesses are hanging in the balance,”
fuel prices are high and the transport
said Tony McNulty.
industry; particularly owner-drivers are
the hardest hit.
Many TWU members, their families
and the community have already got
Courier driver Tony McNulty said he
active in this campaign and sent an
spends at least $1,200 each month to
email urging the Federal Government
cover fuel costs.
to act and stop petrol gouging once
and for all.
“I am doing extra on-call work on
my days off each week so I can scrape
together enough money to recover
my petrol costs. There should be no
To support the campaign sign the
TWU’s petition and get involved in
the campaign at www.nswtwu.org
Shell Drivers Unite for a Better Deal
TWU Members employed by Shell Direct
travelled from across NSW to take part
in the EBA meeting in Dubbo. This is the
second EBA meeting and members agreed
that it is a great opportunity to get together
in numbers to discuss common concerns
and receive feedback.
Members also agree the best way
forward is to become actively involved in
negotiations.
The elected negotiating team of Phil White,
Glen Sheen, Bruce Eggleton, James Fox
and Dave Freeman are doing a great job.
Your TWU • State Secretary Tony Sheldon • 31 Cowper St Parramatta 2150 • (02) 9912 0700 • www.nswtwu.org
2 • twunewsautumn 2007
www.nswtwu.org
TWUSECRETARY
WorkChoices Hits Truckies
Foreign Drivers
Not the Answer
Moves from
some members
of the road
transport
industry urging
the Federal
Government
to change
immigration
rules so that overseas truck drivers
are allowed to work in Australia is a
disaster that would jeopardise safety
in the industry.
TWU NSW/National Secretary
Tony Sheldon said that unsafe
rates have already made the
transport industry unattractive.
“Drivers spend long hours on
the road, face tough financial
pressures, and have to operate
under strict deadlines.
“WorkChoices has made this
worse as transport companies can
now implement rates of pay and
working conditions that make the
industry even less attractive.”
“Howard’s unfair IR laws are
hurting our industry and it’s
costing people their lives,” Tony
Sheldon said.
Truck driver Brian Beckwith said
that since the introduction of
WorkChoices there had been an
increase in pressures on drivers.
“These laws are hurting people
–you have to cut corners if you
want to stay in business and this
www.nswtwu.org
▼
The TWU has made a
submission to the Inquiry into
Workforce challenges in the
Australian transport sector
highlighting concerns that
pressures have increased
in the transport industry
following the introduction
of WorkChoices which are
contributing to the looming
shortage in drivers.
TWU NSW/National Secretary
Tony Sheldon, NSW Premier
Morris Iemma, NSW Transport
Minister John Watkins and TWU
member Brian Beckwith discuss
the impact of WorkChoices on
truck drivers and their families
means truck maintenance and
hours on the road,” said Brian
Beckwith.
In recent research commissioned
by the Transport Workers’
Union, and conducted by Globe
Communications, suggested
that people would be interested
in working as truck drivers if
remuneration was reasonable.
Following the submission the
Transport Workers’ Union called
on the Iemma Government
to take whatever steps are
available to protect current rates
and conditions in the transport
industry.
Recent reports have indicated that
some members of the trucking
industry are stepping up their
campaign for companies to be
allowed to import foreign truck drivers
into the country.
Opening up the trucking industry
to the 457 visa scheme would do
nothing to fix long-term shortages
and potentially set the transport
industry on a downward, dangerous,
low-wage spiral.
Plans to bring in workers from
overseas will mean foreign drivers
will be paid below market rates to
do the same job as their Australian
counterparts – driving down wages
and conditions for all in the industry.
If industry members and the Federal
Government are serious about fixing
shortages then they should back calls
to strengthen the industry and entice
workers back, not force drivers here
to compete with the pay rates and
conditions of poorer countries.
Tony Sheldon
TWU NSW/National Secretary
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It’s easy to enter:
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If you are not a member, join now and pay your
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and you will go into the draw for this great prize.
Direct Debit is free when you use your Members
Equity Savings account to pay your union
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interest rate of 6%pa* available with a optional
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* Conditions apply
Conditions Apply:
To be eligible to enter the draw for this
great prize you must:
• Be a ¿nancial member of the Transport
Workers Union as at 29/12/06 and
1. Be paying your fees by Direct Debit Deduction
(fortnightly/monthly) with a
minimum of one successful deduction before
29/12/06 or
2. Pay your full 2007 fees (BY STATEMENT)
by 29/12/2006
• NSW Permit Number TPL06/12717. ACT
Permit Number TP06/04686.
• Competition commences 31 October
2006 and closes 29 December 2006
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• The conditions of booking and carriage
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• By entering the promotion, each entrant
consents to the disclosure of personal
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has registered branches in Australia
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Any personal information disclosed to
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• The promoter of this competition is Transport
Workers Union, New South Wales
Branch ABN 77710588395.
• Full terms and conditions are available
at TWU’s Parramatta of¿ce,
ph (02) 99120700.
Major sponsors
(02) 9912 0700
www.nswtwu.org
Parramatta • (02) 9635 6433 or
Wetherill Park • (02) 9604 1455
direct debit campaign1.indd 1
25/10/06 12:08:57 PM
twunewsautumn 2007 • 3
TWU Members Campai
The TWU has renewed calls on the Federal Government to commit to legally guaranteed
protections for the Qantas takeover bid to protect Australia’s national interest. TWU
Members are continuing their campaign to protect jobs and conditions of all employees.
TWU NSW/National Secretary Tony
Sheldon said that as Australia’s
national carrier Qantas deserved a
complete assessment of the bid to
determine if the deal was in Australia’s
national interest.
“Qantas is more than just an icon; it is
responsible for the livelihood of 37,000
families around our country. A legally
binding guarantee to protect Australia’s
security concerns, secure employee
pay, jobs, and entitlements, and
safeguard the frequent flyer scheme
is essential to reassure the community
that the national interest will not be
harmed,” said Tony Sheldon.
Above: Qantas members spent
Australia Day gaining community
support for their campaign.
Left: TWU Members talk with
Senator Steve Hutchins and
ALP Member for Werriwa Chris
Hayes about the importance of
protecting Qantas jobs
Qantas employee of 10 years and
father of 2, Scott Dawson said that
guarantees on the bid were critical to
the takeover.
“The risks with this takeover are
enormous and its Qantas families like
mine who could lose everything,” said
Scott Dawson.
TWU Members take action
Qantas employees spent Australia Day
weekend telling passengers of how
the sale could impact on their jobs.
TWU members have petitioned
federal politicians asking them to stand
up for Australian jobs. TWU delegates
have also travelled to Canberra to
pressure the Federal Government to
support conditions on the sale.
Texan BBQ
TWU members held a TEXAN BBQ in front
of Parliament House in Canberra to call on
the Federal Government to place conditions
on the sale of Qantas. Texas Pacific, a lead
partner in APA would take a massive share
of our Aussie icon if the sale proceeds.
Qantas workers cooked barbecue ribs, rode
a mechanical bull, and adopted traditional
Texan wear to preview life on the Qantas
ranch.
“Australian workers built this
company from the ground up
and all they ask is for the
same loyalty in return.”
Tony Sheldon, NSW/National Secretary
How Qantas employees can get involved in the campaign:
•
Join the TWU and make sure your workplace is united against changes that would cut jobs
and slash conditions.
•
Write to or visit your local MP to ask them to protect Qantas jobs and entitlements in the
sale of our National carrier.
•
Sign the workplace petition to “save Qantas jobs” and circulate it in your local community.
•
Write to your local newspaper or call talk-back radio and let the community know about
your concerns as a Qantas employee.
•
Call the TWU Contact Centre on (02) 9912 0700.
4 • twunewsautumn 2007
www.nswtwu.org
gn to Save Qantas Jobs
TWU Members' Message to Canberra
Above: Qantas Canberra
Delegates Lead the
Delegation to Save Qantas
Jobs. Scott Connolly,
Senator Hutchins, Murray
Marsters, Chris O’Grady,
Grant Smith, George
Stella Right: Federal MP
Gavan O’Connor supports
Qantas workers at the
Texan BBQ
TWU Members Lobby Backbenchers
The Texan BBQ completed a week of successful
lobbying of Government MPs by Qantas employees to
protect our national airline. Above TWU Members and
NSW/National Secretary Tony Sheldon speak with MP
Bruce Baird who has been one of many government
backbenchers to lend their support to ensure
conditions protecting jobs are put on any sale.
Qantas employees met with 40 Government members
to express concerns regarding national security and
defence, frequent flyer points, and protections for
workers’ entitlements, pay and safety standards.
www.nswtwu.org
twunewsautumn 2007 • 5
Bus Drivers Lose Out Under Debnam
Local bus drivers and the TWU
have been meeting with local
members of parliament across
Sydney asking for assurances
that rates of pay will be
protected under a Iemma Labor
Government.
It has been revealed that if Peter
Debnam is elected on March 24
these drivers could miss out on a
6% pay increase and a number
of protections under the NSW
Bus Award.
TWU Assistant
Secretary Wayne
Forno called
on the Liberal
candidates across
NSW to stand up
for local working
families.
Local Penrith driver
Eddie Wright said
families have to be
protected.
Above: NSW
Minister for
Industrial
Relations John
Della Bosca
with TWU Bus
Delegates: "Labor
will protect NSW
workers from
WorkChoices."
“Bus drivers perform a valuable
service to our community; they
deserve to have some security
for the future.
Local drivers have met with
Labor members of parliament
in seats across NSW including
Diane Beamer in Mulgoa, Noreen
Hay in Wollongong, and Joe
Tripodi in Fairfield.
Local Fairfield driver Joe Tobia
said that having some security
for the future was the most
important thing.
“We’re asking both candidates
to commit to protecting local
families – this is my livelihood on
the line,” said Joe Tobia.
Local Penrith driver Eddie Wright
was also concerned about
protecting families.
Bus drivers are calling on Peter
Debnam to commit to protecting
local bus services and drivers'
pay.
TWU members
talk about the
campaign with
Diane Beamer
Signing up her support. Local ALP member
Diane Beamer met with Westbus Penrith drivers.
Community Campaign
The NSW Labor Government has
promised to fund the next increase
of $15.38 a week which is due on
1 July 2007.
Peter Debnam and the Liberal Party want to cut
NOW he wants to slash the pay of at least another
over 20 000 jobs in NSW.
700 in our local area.
Under the Iemma Government bus drivers are paid
under the NSW Award. Peter Debnam wants bus
drivers to
be paid under Work Choices cutting pay by over
$100* each week.
These policies will hurt everyone in our community
as the quality of our service drops.
Tell Peter Debnam you value your local bus driver.
Sign this postcard and fax it to 9912 0728 or hand
;
YES! I SUPPORT LOCAL BUS DRIVERS
Name
Address
Phone number
it back to me when you get off the bus today.
Email
Signature
*Figure based on an average weekly earning.
The NSW Liberal Opposition
Leader, Peter Debnam, has said
that if the Liberal Party wins the 24th March State Election he will hand over
our NSW Industrial Relations system, including your over award payments,
to the Federal Government.
Transport Workers Union of Australia • (02)
9912 0700 • www.twu.com.au - Authorised by
Tony Sheldon National Secretary
new_bus_campaign.indd
new
bus campaign indd 1
6/2/07 1:42:57 PM
Drivers have been conducting a community campaign asking
commuters for support. To support the drivers campaign please ring
the TWU Contact Centre on (02) 9912 0700.
For photos and more
information visit the website
at: www.nswtwu.org
6 • twunewsautumn 2007
www.nswtwu.org
Member to Member
TWU Members go face to face with their local state MPs
The NSW state election will
be held on Saturday the 24th
of March. This is an important
opportunity for transport
workers and their families to
send a clear message to the
politicians, that our rights at
work are worth fighting for.
TWU families across NSW have
had opportunities for the past
month to meet with their local
member of parliament and to
ask them about any concerns or
issues that they have.
Peter Cooley, TWU activist from
the Central Coast said, “I have
never had a chance to meet my
MP like this. I was so impressed
with what he had to say and the
local examples he gave about
problems we have that I offered to
help the guy out.”
Peter then had a poster put in his
front yard that proudly says he is
fighting for fairer IR laws at this
election. “I have door knocked
people's homes, sometimes they
are union households sometimes
they are non-members, I have
spoken at meetings, talked to
the media and recently I met
Port Stephens ALP candidate Jim
Arneman met Mark Crosdale and
TWU members at Richmond Park
Peter Cooley :“At first, I was
nervous walking up to stranger
and telling them what I believe
in and what I am fighting for.
But after the first time it got
easier and I feel a sense of pride
in myself when I talk to people
and they agree that these
changes will make life worse for
their children or grandchildren.”
with my local federal politician
to put it to him to explain to me,
as a constituent, why he voted
for WorkChoices…. He was at
a loss to explain himself, I don’t
think anyone had ever asked him
before…”
VE
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www.nswtwu.org
SU
WORKERS UNIO
2. Visit your TWU at 31 Cowper St Parramatta,
get your enrolment forms and complete them on
the spot.
ALTH SER
VIC
E
RT
PO
NS
The Transport Workers Union
PO Box 649 (no postage required)
PARRAMATTA NSW 2124
OR
HE HE
RA
,T
1. Call your TWU Call Centre on (02) 9912 0700,
get your enrolment forms and post them to:
FT
N
How Can You Get On the Electoral Roll?
•
O
VE
TI
IA
IT
Wyong ALP candidate David Harris
met TWU and HSU members and
their families at Canton Beach
Auburn ALP MP Barbara Perry
met TWU members and their
families at Auburn
Get on the Roll and have your
say about WorkChoices.
You must be on the electoral roll to
vote at the next Federal election. The
laws have recently changed; when the
next Federal election is announced you will have less
then one day to get on the electoral roll - unless you
are already on it. If you are not enrolled by then you
will lose your right to vote.
Mulgoa ALP MP Diane Beamer
met TWU members and their
families at Glenmore Park
Enrolling to vote
is free. If you have
any questions
about enrolling to
vote call the TWU
Contact Centre on
(02) 9912 0700.
“But that is the TWU way, isn’t it –
keep up the fight, keep asking the
questions that nobody else wants
to ask and keep knocking down
those barriers – I want to see my
local state ALP candidate win
in March because he supports
the TWU - he signed a pledge
that he will fight in parliament
for me and my family and for all
transport workers.”
To get more involved or to talk to
Peter about what he has been
doing on the campaign trail call
your TWU call centre on 9912
0700 and speak to Dave.
twunewsautumn 2007 • 7
PETER DEBNAM IS HURTING
NURSES, TEACHERS AND POLICE
NSW Opposition Leader and Member for Vaucluse
Peter Debnam said he will cut 20,000 workers from our
public services, affecting 1 in 7 nurses, teachers and
police including more than 200 mental health nurses.
The Australian 6.12.2006
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If Peter Debnam doesn’t understand how much working
families depend on these workers, how can he lead NSW?
For more information www.debnamrecord.com
DON’T RISK PETER DEBNAM
Authorised and printed by S. Kaine, ALP, 377 Sussex Street, Sydney
In November 2006, following a long campaign by the TWU, the
NSW Minister for Commerce and Industrial Relations, John Della
Bosca announced a new procurement policy to make sure that
all companies doing work for the NSW Government provide fair
wages and conditions. These protections are under threat if Peter
Debnam is elected in NSW.
The Iemma State Government's
new procurement policy is one
way working families in NSW are
being protected from the excesses
of Howard’s unfair IR laws.
This policy will apply to around
$3.4 billion worth of goods and
services and will start with the
Courier and Delivery Services
contract. This means that courier
companies doing work for the
NSW Government will have to
provide award wages and a
number of other conditions to hold
the contract including arbitration
in the NSW Industrial Relations
Commission.
This is a great win for TWU
members and is a clear indication
that the State Government is
delivering on its promise to protect
TWU members working on key
NSW Government contracts
welcomed the news:
“
This announcement means
that companies paying
rates below the NSW
standards will be unable to
win contracts. As an owner
driver, I rely on minimum
rates to maintain my vehicle
and remain financially
secure.
”
Tony McNulty, TWU member
and courier owner driver
working families in NSW from
WorkChoices.
“The NSW Government’s policy
change will improve the industrial
standards for thousands of
Courier Network
The TWU has created
a Courier Network so
all union members in
the courier industry
can keep in touch and
keep up to date with
changes in the industry.
If you are a courier
sign up to our courier
network at:
www.nswtwu.org/
couriers.html
couriers network
TWU Wins Protection for Couriers
working families across the state,”
said Tony Sheldon, TWU National
and NSW Secretary.
These protections are at risk
if Peter Debnam is elected in
March. Mr Debnam has promised
to hand over industrial relations
to Canberra which includes our
protections under the contract
determination and in the NSW IRC.
Chain of Responsibility: the future for owner drivers
Last year owner drivers around
the country called on John
Howard to recognise the particular
vulnerabilities of drivers in
the transport industry and to
exempt owner drivers from the
Independent Contractors Act.
NSW Industrial Relations
Commission, work to create a
level playing field for everyone.
These Chain of Responsibility
laws bring transparency and
accountability into all links on
the transport chain."
They made clear to Members
of Parliament that safety was
already a major issue in the
industry and that they could not
be pushed any further.
Building on the NSW values of
fairness, quick resolution, safe
rates, and stability new safety laws
have been successfully introduced
in Victoria with only minor criticism
of some employer opponents.
"Client pressure pushes drivers
to extremes, and the buck can’t
always stop with the bloke in the
truck," said TWU Secretary Tony
Sheldon.
"The laws that have been
pioneered in NSW under the
www.nswtwu.org
Currently, drivers in NSW are
protected by strong Chain of
Responsibility laws. It is critical
that these laws be extended nation
wide to make sure every one is
treated fairly and acting in
a responsible way.
TWU Members and their families
continue to campaign for safe rates
"Extending these conditions to all
transport operators in Australia
would make our industry safer
and more sustainable in the long
term," said Tony Sheldon.
To join in the campaign to support
owner divers across Australia ring
the TWU Contact Centre on (02)
9912 0700.
twunewsautumn 2007 • 9
UPDATE
Protecting NSW workers from Howard's unfair laws
Health Survey
To those people who took part in the
initial phase of the NSW Transport
Industry Health Survey... Thank You!
The general enthusiasm expressed
at the TWU National Conference
and the support of this project to
date is greatly appreciated.
This project was commissioned
by The Australian Rotary Health
Research Fund and is supported by,
the National Transport Commission,
the NSW Road Transport
Association, the NSW Transport
Workers Union, the Transport and
Logistics Centre and beyondblue
- the national depression initiative.
These organisations have united to
support this unique study as it aims
to learn about health conditions that
concern drivers the most, and help
unions and employers plan health
initiatives to benefit you.
This study recognises that drivers
not only have specific health needs
due to the nature of their jobs but
that individuals in the industry face
a lot of stress, due to paperwork,
deadlines, traffic, being away from
family and being alone and isolated
much of the time. One key focus
of the health project is to develop a
program to help drivers cope with
emotional stress and upset.
In relation to mental health, only 1 in
3 individuals with current symptoms
of depression or anxiety were in
treatment while 2 out of 5 people
with current symptoms did not
realise they had a problem.
Look out for the Round Two
This study will be continued in the
near future with a second round of
surveys being conducted at a truck
stop near you. We look forward
to continued support from drivers
across the State and once again
thank you for your cooperation to
date.
10 • twunewsautumn 2007
TWU Members Kim, Keith and Houston are employed by TNT at
Tamworth. TWU members across NSW are aware that John Howard's
extreme IR Laws will have a devastating impact on regional workers
where jobs are not easy to find. These members are happy that the
TWU/TNT Heads of Agreement is a State-wide agreement guaranteeing
them the same wages and conditions as their workmates in Sydney.
Top Effort Gets First EBA Success at Hills Transport
Hills Transport delegate Glen Brown and co-delegate Steve Hatch
with fellow members should be congratulated on their success at
completing their first TWU/Hills EBA.
It Pays to Belong
Long Term TWU
member Phil Blackwell
contacted the TWU about
underpayment of Award
wages and following
negotiations an amount
of $10,000 net was paid
directly into Phil's bank
account prior to Christmas.
Thanks to Mick Forbes and the TW
U
legal team for their tireless efforts
in
negotiating an out of court settlem
ent
with a major northern NSW raw sug
ar
transport company. Although all the
monies were not recovered due to
myself not acting within the 6 yea
rs
allowable time frame the result is
very
pleasing. If it were not for the TWU
it would not have happened - as the
slogan says it pays to belong. Don
't let
the big companies walk all over you
- they are the only winners if you do.
Philip Blackwell
Member since 1982
www.nswtwu.org
Scotts McColls Members Campaign
Against Private Equity Investors
TWU members across the
country are battling investor
giant ABN Amro to protect their
safety at work and rates of pay
throughout the Scotts McColls
Group.
The Scotts McColls Group was
formed by private equity group ABN
Amro from three transport companies.
Scotts Refrigerated Freightways,
McColls Transport, and ID Transport
were all acquired by the investor giant
to create Australia’s largest controlled
temperature transport company. The
group employs over 1,200 people
nationwide.
Over the past year union members
around the country have been fighting
both Scotts McColls and ABN Amro
against the introduction of AWA’s
throughout the company.
Assistant National Secretary Wade
Noonan with Scotts members:
"Drivers must stand together."
“Union members at Scotts McColls
want to see the long term success of
the company but management have
to come to the bargaining table to
work out problems,” said Mr Williams.
TWU Federal Assistant Secretary,
Wade Noonan said that ABN Amro
had to take an active role in their
investment.
This year an even bigger fight is
looming over safety conditions in
the workplace. The RTA has been
investigating the group following road
incidents and the discovery of trucks
with outstanding defects.
“ABN Amro can’t just wash their
hands of the company, they have
money tied up in it – if they want to
make money from their investment
then they should encourage Scotts
management to take the union
seriously,” said Wade Noonan.
Scott’s delegate Matt Williams said
that both the company and ABN Amro
had to start listening to the union
before the Group was no longer able
to keep operating.
"Drivers from Scotts, McColls, and
ID Transport have to stand together
to beat this multinational investment
giant. It will be a tough fight”, said
Wade “but we’re on our way.”
Members Help Family
In December of 2006 long distance
driver Paul fell asleep at the wheel
on a trip to Melbourne and died after
rolling his truck along the highway.
Paul, contracting to Lindsay Bros,
left behind 4 young children aged
between 5 and 9.
Mike Nowasad of J&E Distribution
had passed Paul on the road almost
immediately before the incident.
After learning that Paul left behind
4 young children Mike decided to
get involved and help raise some
much needed funds for Paul’s young
family.
The TWU, Convoy for Kids in
Melbourne, and a number of
roadside truck stops got involved
to raise enough money to cover
schooling costs for Paul’s young
children for this year and next year.
Drivers from across the country
donated money at roadside stops to
help out the young family.
Unfortunately, tragedies such as this
happen every year in the transport
industry. Fatigue in our industry is
a direct result of unsafe rates of
pay and unreasonable deadlines.
It reinforces the message that
everyone in the transport chain is
responsible for road safety.
Thank you to everyone who
contributed to helping out Paul’s
family.
Promising Signs For Central Coast Garbos
The Central Coast Waste Workers became the focus of national attention when
Gosford and Wyong Councils issued a joint tender for the waste collection
without stipulating a minimum rate of paying – meaning that under WorkChoices
all they would be entitled to is $12.75 an hour.
This meant a $340 per week pay cut for over 100 families in the central coast area
affecting the livelihood of many families.
Following a long campaign that included local garbo Paul Weston speaking at the
NSW Your Rights At Work rally in Blacktown the campaign is coming to a close.
Gosford and Wyong awarded the contract to Thiess services who are in talks with
the union about transferring the jobs of the current employees. An agreement
covering the work has also been drawn up in line with industry standards.
The Central Coast campaign involved a number of groups, union members, and
local community members who all got together to stand up for their rights at
work. The success of the campaign to date is a result of the hard work by TWU
delegates, members and their families.
www.nswtwu.org
Central Coast waste worker Paul
Weston addressed a 40,000 strong
crowd at Blacktown on the ACTU
National Day of Action in 2006.
twunewsautumn 2007 • 11
Christmas Carols at Kirribilli:
Ansett Workers Still Waiting
The TWU's annual Christmas
Carols at Kirribilli House was
another success in 2006,
reminding the Australian community that over $93,000,000.00 is still owing to
former Ansett workers following the collapse of the company in 2001. Strong
campaigning by Ansett members resulted in the majority of workers entitlements
being paid, however the Federal Government has raised more than enough money
to pay the remaining entitlements with the help of the Ansett ticket levy.
Top: TWU Members and their
families, including members of
the TWU Vets Club sing carols at
John Howard's gate. Above right:
Wayne Forno delivers the invoice
to the PM's gate. Above: Former
Ansett workers Bruce Clark and
Dave Lupton - still owed.
TWU Assistant Secretary Wayne Forno, who left an invoice at the PM's gate,
believes it is unethical for the Government to have charged the public the ticket
tax without passing on the money to the workers. “The reality is they haven’t been
paid that $93 million, so that’s another broken commitment given by John Howard,”
he told the rally.
“This is the sixth year we’ve been down here now, and we’ll be back here next
year to do exactly the same thing until such time as the Federal Government lives
up to its promise. The reality is there’s $220 million sitting in the Treasury coffers,
and $93 million still outstanding to pay for the Ansett workers.”
Justice at last for Asbestos victims
James Hardie’s first $184 million
payment to the new Asbestos
Injuries Compensation Fund has
arrived in its NSW bank account
- an historic moment for families,
asbestos victims and the many
people who had campaigned on
their behalf.
This money will be used to pay
compensation claims made against
former James Hardie asbestos
subsidiaries in the NSW Dust
Diseases Tribunal and other
Australian courts.
NSW Minister for Industrial
Relations John Della Bosca
emphasised the importance
of safety at work, "I want to
emphasise that although the arrival
of the money is welcome, it doesn’t
bring back those lost to asbestos
12 • twunewsautumn 2007
related diseases and it doesn’t
reverse the damage for those still
fighting the effects."
TWU Members and their families
have played an active role in the
campaign for justice for asbestos
victims and the union welcomes
the compensation, however
joins with John Della Bosca in
emphasising the importance of a
safe working environment and the
right of families to expect that their
loved ones are not endangered
when they go to work.
Under the agreement reached
with James Hardie, the fund could
grow to as much as $4 billion over
the next 40 years.
At a gathering to highlight the
successful transfer of the funds
Workers must be protected. NSW IR Minister
John Della Bosca with activist Bernie Banton
from James Hardie, Mr Della Bosca paid tribute to
the union movement, to individual campaigners like
Bernie Banton and to Morris Iemma, who stood up to
Canberra when the Commonwealth attempted to claim
45 cents in every dollar in taxation revenue.
“Today is a positive one for families and asbestos
sufferers, tempered by the knowledge that no amount
of money can bring lives back,” John Della Bosca said.
www.nswtwu.org
TNT Members 100% UNION
TWU Members
Across NSW Say
NO to WorkChoices
In the December 2006 edition of TWU
News we reported on the success of the 30
November Day of Action. As well as a large
TWU turnout in Sydney, members, delegates
and their families turned out in large
numbers across regional NSW as well.
TNT Newcastle Delegates Chris Thomas and Doug
Fox called a meeting to discuss WorkChoices, local
issues and the importance of being active in the TWU.
With 100% TWU membership these TWU members
have shown in the past they are prepared to take up
the fight in order to Secure the Future. According to
Newcastle Sub Branch Secretary Mark Crosdale, "Apart
from industrial strength and protests one sure way for
members and their families to oppose these extreme
IR laws is at the polling booths in 2007."
Standing By A Mate
ACT Ambos
Stand Up
Against
Workchoices
at the Nov 30
Rally a held at
Manuka Oval
TWU delegates
and members
march through
Goulburn
Trevor (centre) receiving
his money from
long time friend and
workmate Geoff Grey.
Trevor Whalen, a TWU Hunter delegate and father of four sadly
lost his wife to cancer in December 2006. Following a long battle
with the disease Patricia Whalen passed away leaving Trevor
to raise their youngest daughters, aged 13 and 14. Trevor had
spent some time as his wife’s carer and was unable to work
causing a heavy financial burden on Trevor and his family.
Trevor’s workmates at Transpacific Waste in the Hunter Valley
and the TWU got involved to assist Trevor and his family. Virtual
Communities and Amazon Outdoors donated raffle prizes and
delegates and members from across the Newcastle and Hunter
region rallied to support Trevor and his children by selling raffle
tickets and raising donations. Thanks to the kind support from
sponsors and members over $2,000 has been raised.
TWU members Newcastle,
the Hunter and the
Central Coast gathered for
a BBQ before joining the
7000 strong crowd for the
march. Dairy Farmers member Bobby Phillips was
elected (unopposed) as head Chef of the BBQ.
Trevor wanted to pass on his thanks to all involved saying, “while
no amount of money can account for the loss of a loved one, it is
good to know you can rely on your mates to do what they can to
help when it is needed most”.
Thank you to all involved – in particular our wonderful
sponsors from Virtual Communities and Amazon Outdoors.
www.nswtwu.org
TWU Members and delegates joined the Sydney rally
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Three TWU members tell their stories about
how they saved using TWU Member Services.
Garry Maloney, is a union delegate
at Blue Circle (Boral Transport).
Garry had a home loan with a major
bank and had 28 years remaining
on his loan. He also had a car loan
with an interest rate of 14.75% p.a.
A Members Equity Mobile Lending
Manager visited Boral Transport
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Garry liked what he heard and
refinanced to ME, keeping his
repayments the same. His loan will now be paid off in just under 15 years and
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Steve Thompson works for IN2Store
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lender came to Steve’s workplace to
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Steve was interested in ME’s
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fees and charges, so he sought
more information. Steve re-financed
his home loan from Westpac in July
last year, consolidating all of his loans from a number of financial institutions
and now saves $240 per month. This saving will be invested into his TWU
superannuation account to increase his retirement benefit.
Contact Members Equity on 1300 654 993 to find out how you can save.
Cement Australia delegate, David
Brooks recently placed all his
commercial insurances, including
his Prime Mover & Public Liability,
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Risk Services.
In doing so, David saved in excess
of $4,000, as well as obtaining
better policy conditions. David said
that he was “over the moon” with
the service & competitive prices that
Australia Broking & Risk Services where able to provide.
Why not phone Australia Broking & Risk Services on 1800 682 687 now?
www.nswtwu.org
Wherever you are in
NSW your TWU can
help with legal advice
The TWU has teamed up with
the Health Services Union and
McClellands solicitors to provide
TWU members access to personal
legal advice right across NSW.
In our Parramatta, Sydney and
Canberra offices appointments
can be made daily. Dates when
legal advisors will be in regional
offices are listed below. In Orange,
Tamworth and Wagga we will be
using HSU offices. A full list for
2007 is available on the TWU
website www.nswtwu.org
All appointments must be made
through your TWU Official or by
calling the TWU Call Centre on
(02) 9912 0700.
In 2006 TWU members were
paid $643,820.00 following
legal representation from
McClellands solicitors.
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TWU Vets To Rudd: "Help Protect Our Grandkids"
The TWU Veterans Club has been
active over the past few months,
campaigning all over the state.
TWU Veterans met with new ALP
leader Kevin Rudd in Lindsay and
raised concerns over pensions and
the impact that WorkChoices would
have on their grandkids.
Right: TWU Official Dave Lupton
and Vets Club members Brian
Thomas, Steve Whittock and
Kevin Sweeny talk to Opposition
Leader Kevin Rudd.
TWU Pensioner’s
Forum Success
The TWU Vets recently held two
Forums in Penrith and on the
NSW Central Coast for NSW
members and those recently
retired.
Right: Kevin Rudd and Senator
Steve Hutchins talk to Colin Neal
about the ALP's commitment to
protect workers
The Forums were a great
success and looked at the
Federal Industrial Relations
changes and how they affect
pensions.
The forums were led by
community members in the
federal electorates of Lindsay
and Dobell.
Sydney members travelled by
bus to the Gosford forum held
on 2nd February. Speakers
included Senator Steve Hutchins,
Industrial Relations Minister
John Della Bosca, Local ALP
members Marie Andrews and
Grant McBride also Michael
Crews from the Exodus
Foundation. After the forum the
Sydney veterans paid a visit to
the local Liberal member Ken
Ticehurst's office however he
was unavailable but the veterans
got an appointment for one of
the local veterans to see him in
March.
The Penrith Forum held on
February 15th included speakers
Diane Beamer, NSW Member for
Mulgoa, Senator Steve Hutchins
and Michael Crews from the
Exodus Foundation.
www.nswtwu.org
John Della Bosca
Grant McBride
Top: Vets took the bus
to the Gosford Forum.
Above: Vets meet
with Diane Beamer Marie Andrews
and Steve Hutchins
at the Penrith forum.
Left: TWU Vets Steve
Whittock and Peter
Cooley talk with
Michael Crews
Steve Hutchins
twunewssummer 2006/07 • 19
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TWU-NSW-50
7 day and 24 hour operation available
Mini trucks
CALL FOR A COMPETITIVE QUOTE:
Fax: (02) 9684 6682
Fax: 02) 4226 2069
Fax: 02) 4961 5671
For all your
concrete
needs
TWU-NSW-50
95 42 42 42
Plants at Auburn, Blacktown, City, Kirrawee,
Menai, Liverpool, Campbelltown and country
New South Wales
Administration
1st Floor, 36 Eton Street, Sutherland 9545 6111
ADVERTISEMENT
Home & Content Insurance for TWU members
TCIS Insurance is pleased to announce to launch of a new range of home and contents covers into the market.
There are many domestic covers on offer in Australia today with a very broad range of covers but basically they
fall into two categories;
1.
The more expensive accidental damage policies offering a high level of cover Australia wide.
2.
The lower cost Limited Events policies offering a more basic cover generally restricted to a nominated
location.
The type of cover you need will depend on the type of contents you own and the period of time these
contents are away from your home, i.e. golf clubs and other high value sporting, electronic contents and
jewellery may need special attention to ensure you are fully insured.
The new TCIS range of policies are leaders in both categories of cover.
The big benefit to TWU members is the 20% discount we have on offer.
You can have any cover you choose at a substantial saving.
Monthly payment option is available at no additional cost.
To check the cover you need and to obtain a comparison quote please contact either
Les Crompton or Carol Croker at TCIS insurance Brokers.
Phone: 02 9567 7722 Fax: 02 9567 6622, and Email: [email protected]
TWU-NSW-50
20 • twunewsautumn 2007
www.nswtwu.org
Colour Competition
Colour this picture in then send it in for your chance to
win a great prize !
KIDSCORNER
Ha Ha Ha
What do you get when you pour hot
water down a rabbit hole?
A Hot Cross bunny.
Why shouldn’t you tell an Easter Egg a
joke?
Because it might crack up!
Why did the rabbit cross the road?
Because it was the chicken’s day off.
Great p
rizes
Toy vo
ucher
plus TW
U
poster cap,
and
sticker
s.
What did the rabbit say to the carrot?
It’s been nice gnawing at you.
What day does an egg hate the most?
Fry-days.
Why did the Easter egg hide?
Because he was a little chicken!
How do you know carrots are good for
the eyes?
Have you ever seen a rabbit with
glasses?
Send entries to Kids Stuff
c/o TWU News PO Box
649 Parramatta 2124.
Don't forget to include
your name, address and
age. Good Luck.
The winner of last
edition’s colouring
competition was:
Cameron, Aged 8 from
Berowra, NSW. Cameron
won a $50 gift voucher at
Westfield.
Congratulations Cameron!
www.nswtwu.org
twunewsautumn 2007 • 21
Your TWU website
Keeping you
up to date
Your TWU website provides you with today's news and events as they
happen. The website features news and updates, a photo gallery of
TWU members in action, campaigns and more. There is a special
"MEMBERS ONLY" section where you can keep your details up to date
- ensuring you receive the best service from your TWU. Look out for
some updated features in 2007.
1. Don't forget to click on the subscribe to TWU e-news so you can
receive regular bulletins and details of TWU activities by email.
1
2
Fill in your email address here
Fill in your first name here
Fill in your surname here
3
2. Just fill in your name and email address and click submit.
3. While you're there why not register your interest in being an
active member and join the team that is delivering better rates
and better safety in your industry.
4. Make sure you register for the Members Only section of
the site by clicking on the Members Log In.
5. This will enable you to log on and check your
membership details. It also means when we need to publish
material for members only - you won't miss out.
The first time you register you will need your TWU
membership number so you can register your password. If
you need any help contact the TWU Call centre on
(02) 9912 0700.
4
5
www.nswtwu.org
Vale Jack Hughes
Expect the unexpected
at Union Summer!
On Sunday, January 28th 2007
former NSW branch President
Jack Hughes passed away. 53
year TWU member Ken Barry pays
tribute to his friend and delegate.
Jack, who was 90 years old, had
been in a nursing home for many
years battling Alzheimer’s disease.
Jack was a founder of the Oil Carters
Section of the Union, active during
the turbulent years of the 1950’s.
When Anya Aidman applied
to do Union Summer with the
TWU she did not expect to be
riding a mechanical bull at a
Texan-style BBQ, however, as
all TWU members know - you do
what it takes when it comes to
protecting jobs.
Anya, Canberra participant of
Union Summer, was part of a
delegation of members who took
part in the protest to protect
Qantas jobs (see pages 4-5)
The TWU has been running
the Union Summer program for
several years and each year the
program grows with new projects
and participants. The Union
Summer program aims to provide
participants, Delegates and Interns,
an inside look at union campaigns
and hands on experience in
organising workers. The program
run by the TWU is the most
extensive and hands on program
run by an Australian union.
Delegates and Interns from a wide
background come together for 3 – 7
weeks to work alongside industry
organisers on strategic target
campaign areas. The program
builds directly into the organising
work of the TWU and over the
years has established a reputation
for delivering very high results.
www.nswtwu.org
Ernie Wilmot led the Union in those
days, ably assisted by full time
officials McBeatty, Quinn, Carling,
and Martin. Behind the scenes was
Jack Hughes. Jack was Branch
President, an unpaid position and
one which demanded much behind
the scenes work. Whilst Wilmot and
co were the high profile face of the
Union and attracted media attention,
the man who rolled up his sleeves
and did the nitty gritty work day and
night was Jack Hughes.
Top: TWU delegates who took
part in Union Summer said it
was a great opportunity to get
involved Inset: Anya Aidman at
the Texan BBQ
The 2007 program concentrated
in three main campaign areas,
Qantas, Procurement and
Integrators, with each team given
responsibility for delivering a part
of the campaign.
The participant feedback has
been excellent:
“It gave me the opportunity to
recognise the role of 360 degree
campaigning and how every part
of the union is involved”
“I had the opportunity to push my
boundaries and it was a great
way to see how other parts of the
industry operated”
“it was great opportunity to learn
skills I can take back to my yard
– I’d recommend this to anyone,
get involved you’ll learn a lot
about yourself and being union.”
For more information about Union
Summer contact your organiser or
call the TWU Contact Centre on
(02) 9912 0700.
Jack was one of the founders of
the Oil Carters section of the union,
an active part of the union that
met monthly to discuss oil industry
business. He was Chairman of
the Oil section during his years as
delegate for Shell.
During the 1950’s Jack led a
delegation of oil industry drivers
to negotiations for the Oil Industry
Award in Melbourne. These
delegates did most of the work
in negotiating an award to cover
the entire industry. These activists
were in Melbourne for over a week
battling the major oil companies.
Jack was the driving force behind
this delegation, bringing everyone
together at night after a full day of
negotiations to meet for 3 hours to
plan the attack for the next day.
The Award negotiated was a great
oil award, negotiated by the team of
oil industry delegates who had made
the trip. It was one of the few awards
almost completely negotiated by
drivers.
Years have rolled on and those
stalwarts who did the hard yards are
only a distant memory, remembered
only by those of us who were a part
of that struggle. Our Union is a great
and viable institution today, but let
the current membership pause a
moment and give thanks for men
like Jack Hughes who dedicated so
much of their lives to seeking justice
for their fellow workers.
twunewsautumn 2007 • 23
NSW Liberal Leader and Member for Vaucluse, Peter Debnam said he will hand over
NSW industrial relations powers to John Howard, removing protections for working families.
Penalty rates for
overtime and shift work
Annual wage increases
Unfair dismissal laws
Can we really afford a Premier who won’t stand
up to Canberra in the interests of NSW families?
For more
more information
visit:visit:
For
information
www.nswtwu.org
www.unionsnsw.org.au
AuthorisedAuthorised
by TonybySheldon,
Secretary,
Transport
Workers
Union
Printed
byPrinted
Novocastrian
Print
Management,
Garden2049.
Suburb, NSW
John Robertson,
Unions NSW
, Trades Hall
4 Goulburn
Street•Sydney
2000.
by ProGrafica
718 Parramatta
Road Petersham