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ONTHEMOVE
TWU QLD: Rank-and-File Strength
www.twuqld.asn.au
SUMMER 2014 ♦ VOLUME 4 ♦ ISSUE 4
TAKING A STAND
SPECIAL
WORKPLAC
E
POSTER
pp 16-17
Sunbus Drivers
Win the Fight
Safe Rates
Goes Local
Penalty Rates
Under Attack
CONTENTS
2
YOUR FEEDBACK
Telling some home truths
The TWU is in good shape!
Thanks to the TWU team
3
PETER BIAGINI
Proud achievements
4-5
United and strong
6
Sunbus drivers win the fight: new EBA
7
Powerful organising approach off to a
flying start
8
TWU Garbos build power to make a
stand
9
Getting it done
10
TWU members unstoppable on bus
safety
11
Brisbane: TWU puts the heat on Coles
Coles AGM actions
12
Safe Rates goes local
13
Remembering those lost
Yard Snapshot: Patrick Container
Port Driver
14
Information is key
Retiring in style
Your feedback
TELLING SOME HOME TRUTHS
Message received from Carol Sailes on the TWU facebook Page following a Coles Protest.
This was at Coles Grand Plaza Browns Plains last week - well done boys. People took
notice of you !! When I entered the coffee shop the manager was complaining to a Coles
employee asking why they didn’t move you on. This touched a nerve for me as a truck
driver’s wife so I told her a few home truths! Well done lads.
THE TWU IS IN GOOD SHAPE!
From Ken Kennedy
To whom it may concern,
I would like to confirm my retirement after 30 years. I stayed with the TWU even
though I haven’t been working directly in the Transport Industry.
The TWU is in pretty good shape since the new order took over and I’ve been really
impressed with Brendan Bogle who is the best representative we have had up here in a
while.
He gave us reassurance and backed the members 100% and was always really
approachable.
THANKS TO THE TWU TEAM
From Andrew Hall
It is with sincere regret that I inform the TWU of my resignation from the union that I
have been associated with for over 20 years.
I would like to take this chance to say a big thank you to the team at the TWU, delegates
TWU QLD commits to combat
violence against women: White Ribbon and organisers namely Hughie Williams, Peter Paulos and Peter Biagini for their efforts
in previous EBA negotiations.
Day 2014
Also delegates from Australian Air Express/StarTrack Express, there have been many
TWU members push sham contract
over the years, but they know who they are and they have done an outstanding job
out: win dispute at TNT
maintaining fair pay in our shed which at times was not easy.
16-17Special liftout: Workplace poster
15
18
Penalty rates under attack
19
HSR Training: Union power and safety
at work
20
NQ Roundup
Time limits crucial for workers’
rights
21
MO-TASTIC!
22
TWU QLD HISTORY
George Lawson: TWU founder and
remarkable labour leader
23
Two men who changed our lives:
Vale Gough Whitlam
Vale Wayne Goss
24
TWUSUPER: Helping people make
the most of their money with
SuperLink
25
Top TWU Delegate awarded statewide
honour
26
Life’s a joke!
27
Legal dept kicking goals
28
POLLIE WATCH
Newman fails
Once upon a time machine
29
Save the date - Labour Day 2015
30
United to win
31
KIDS’ PAGE
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
While I have to cut ties with the union I will continue to assist and educate current and
new people to the workforce of the benefits of belonging to their relevant union.
CONTACT YOUR UNION
FREE CALL
1800 804 533
T: 3890 3066
F: 3890 1105
E: [email protected]
Peter Biagini
Secretary
Scott Connolly
Assistant Secretary
Angela Brown
Executive Assistant
3890 6203
MEMBERSHIP
Jenny Daye
3890 6205
Janette McCallum
3890 6204
Kathy Light
3890 6235
FNQ
Russell Vieritz
0419 413 586
CALL CENTRE
Organiser Mark Walker
(07) 3890 6207 or 1800
804 533
SOUTH-EASTERN
Billy Berka
(Sunshine Coast)
0407 695 750
Troy Fernandez
(North Brisbane)
0411 875 909
Peter Ferguson
(South-East
Brisbane) 0428
191 489
Robert Fitzpatrick
(Brisbane South) 0455 999 455
Brad Wyatt (SouthWest Brisbane)
0418 420 764
Mick Ehlert (Gold
Coast and Scenic
Rim) 0417 744 518
NORTH
Tom Pfund
0411 556 823
CENTRAL
Martin Cavanagh
0438 294 037
SOUTH-WESTERN
AND SOUTHERN
Brendan Bogle
0411 875 903
HEALTH INDUSTRY
CO-ORDINATOR
Craig Williams
0411 819 268
AIRLINE INDUSTRY
CO-ORDINATOR
Peter Paulos
0411 875 906
INDUSTRIAL
Adam Carter
3890 6208
GENERAL
TRANSPORT /
OWNER-DRIVER
INDUSTRY
CO-ORDINATOR
Graham Garrett
0411 875 905
BUSES /
TAXIS / LOCAL
GOVERNMENT
INDUSTRY
CO-ORDINATOR
Bob Giddens
0422 418 417
WASTE / CASHIN-TRANSIT /
OIL AND GAS /
Margarita Cerrato
3890 6209
FINANCE
Kay Stanley
3890 6204
COMMUNICATIONS
Sarah Mawhinney
0413 738 841
3890 6215
MARKETING AND
MEDIA OFFICER
Tanie Harris-Sansey
0411 875 910
3890 6214
If you’d like to share your stories, news, pictures, letters, and
feedback, please call us on 1800 804 533. You can reach us by
email at [email protected], or send mail to On the Move,
PO Box 452, Cannon Hill 4170.
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
3
Proud achievements
In 2015 your TWU will
continue to deliver
value for money with
new options to join the
existing options including
the Political Action Fund,
Associate Membership
and Journey Cover.
AS ANOTHER YEAR comes to
an end it’s time to celebrate the
wins of 2014 and look forward
to 2015.
I would also like to take
this opportunity to say thank
you to all members for their
overwhelming endorsement in
the recent TWU election where,
after 4 years of rebuilding the
QLD Branch your TWU team
was unanimously endorsed
unopposed.
We are incredibly proud
of the achievements of your
TWU in the past 4 years, but
even more excited about the
organising plans that we hope
will continue to see growth in
every sector of the transport
industry and continue to deliver
real improvements in wages and
conditions for you, your mates
and your families.
MEMBERS PLUS
Your TWU has continued to
deliver value for money with
the Members Plus option with
over 1500 members opting in to:
1800 804 533
Carriers Load Insurance, Funeral
Fund, Members’ Support Fund
and Public Liability Insurance.
The Members Plus options
and the real savings and peace
of mind that come with it are
another example of your TWU
working to deliver for you and
your family.
In 2015 your TWU will
continue to deliver value for
money with new options to join
the existing options, including
the Political Action Fund,
Associate Membership and
Journey Cover.
TRAINING IN 2015
In the last 2 years your TWU
has made substantial investment
in this space, employing the first
ever full time TWU Workplace
Trainer, introducing a
comprehensive training schedule
including New and Advanced
Delegate programs as well as
the bi-ennial 2-day Delegate
conference and the Union
Winter & Summer practical
training programs.
In 2015 your TWU will
continue this investment and,
in addition to the existing
programs, will introduce Blue
Card and HSR training programs
to the training schedule to
make sure your TWU delegates
continue to be the best equipped
delegates in the workplace.
LOOKING FORWARD
2014 has been another big
year but with challenges in the
workplace continuing there is
still more to be done in your
yards building strength by
increasing density.
While the focus remains on
the activities in your yard and
working to protect the hard
fought wages and conditions
of Transport Workers across
the state, members are telling
me that they are growing
increasingly concerned with
the anti worker policies coming
from both the state and federal
government.
To win in the workplace
we need strength in numbers
but we also need governments
committed to standing up for
workers in Parliament. After
a year of Abbott and with a
State election due in less than
4 months, every worker in
Queensland needs to seriously
consider how the policies of
the MP they are supporting will
impact on you, your mates and
your families and the transport
industry.
During this festive season
let’s take a moment to stop and
remember those who have died
in what remains Australia’s most
dangerous industry.
Also spare a thought for those
transport workers away from
their families as they continue
their vital work to keep Australia
moving.
On behalf of your union, I
wish you and your family a safe
and happy Christmas
and New Year.
www.twuqld.ASN.au
4
ONTHEMOVE
TWU Members at Virgin Cabin Crew are learning in
real time that there is a lot of power in numbers.
Virgin EBA Update
EXTRAORDINARY membership growth in the Virgin Cabin Crew
ranks in recent months has handed the power back to the members in
their fight for job security, locking in strong conditions and gaining
real outcomes in regards to backpay and opposing the proposed
B-Scales.
On Wednesday 19 November your TWU delegates attended a
robust 8 hour meeting with the company and have been awaiting their
response.
The following Friday, the company delivered their response
however after a few minor concessions the company rejected
the substantive claims and advised your TWU that they would
subsequently be putting the draft agreement out to the vote.
TWU delegates discussing the draft agreement
After discussions over the following weekend between VA and
your TWU regarding your TWU being unwilling to endorse the draft
agreement being distributed, the company agreed to meet again with
delegates this Thursday to discuss the outstanding issues.
Why did they agree to the new meeting? Because VA were
aware of the momentum that was building for a STRONG NO
CAMPAIGN against the inadequate agreement.
With well over 1200 crew following the FB page here and
hundreds signed up as members already - we are still fighting for
you and the fight will go on!
‘All TWU members should feel a sense of pride that VA Crew
have never been as strong or unionised as you are today,’ TWU
Aviation Coordinator Peter Paulos said. ‘Because of this strength the
company has been forced to continue negotiating with Crew and we
are one step closer to getting the outcome that Crew deserve.’
If you haven’t already joined the fight to claim back respect for
your working conditions now is the time to add your voice to
the chorus demanding a better deal for you, your mates and
your families.
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
Proud TWU members up for the fight!
YOUR TWU DELEGATE TEAM
Here is your complete list of delegates across the country.
If you have an issue these people are your first point of call if
you have a concern.
MELBOURNE
BRISBANE
Stewart Mackenzie
Cherie AmoAmo
Pedro Nunes
Sue Cleary
Murray Pitts
Nick Harris
Tony Smith
Ani Hart
ADELAIDE
Ebanie Marks
Lisa Taylor Arcidiaco
SYDNEY
PERTH
Adele Dugmore
Guy Hoare
Natasha Pawlak
Mark Hazelwood
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
5
W
Nuts & Online Bits
On face value this campaign for a better deal at Virgin is no different from any other EBA
negotiation - fighting to improve wages and conditions in the workplace.
So what makes it different? In previous editions of On the Move we have reported on the
beginnings of this campaign for a better deal at Virgin - it was launched and subsequently run
almost entirely online.
A communication strategy designed to deliver frequent and detailed information in a
secret Facebook space evolved: from providing information about unions and unionism to
prompt responses to a growing interest in the EBA process by an increasingly engaged
membership.
The outcome was a newly captivated membership in agreement on the key issues to be
discussed at the negotiating table.
Such was the engagement of VA Cabin Crew eager to participate in the conversation,
screenshots of their successful online application became the currency of choice for new
members wanting to prove their credentials and add their voice to their growing online
community.
The outcomes speak for themselves: with hundreds of members joining in a matter
of weeks and prompt analysis and subsequent negative review of the draft agreement
forcing the company to withdraw the unpopular draft that failed to address the
concerns of the active online community and heading back to the negotiating table
with the empowered TWU delegates.
At the time of going to print this story was accurate check www.twuqld.asn.au for
any updates on this campaign
1800 804 533
www.twuqld.ASN.au
6
ONTHEMOVE
SUNBUS DRIVERS WIN THE FIGHT: NEW EBA
CONGRATULATIONS to
Sunbus Drivers who now have a
solid new Enterprise Bargaining
Agreement (EBA), with
improved pay and conditions.
‘These drivers have the power
to make the company listen
because they are a strong TWU
yard with high membership and
they stood strong in the face of
the company when it counted,’
TWU QLD Secretary Peter
Biagini said.
‘Our Sunbus Drivers
announced that they would take
a series of protected industrial
actions - starting with a weekend
fare ban and continuing with
rolling stoppages.
‘The company came to see it
their way. They came back to
the table to negotiate a better
deal for Drivers with their TWU
before stoppages were due to
start.
They have the
numbers to
take protected
industrial action
and are not
scared to do it.
‘Being a strong yard with
high membership numbers these
drivers can call the shots and
make Sunbus listen. They have
the numbers to take protected
industrial action and are not
scared to do it as they have
demonstrated in previous EBAs.
‘If they do take protected
action the company is left
without anyone to drive their
buses.
This is the beauty of having
a strong yard in a regional area:
anyone who can do the job is
also in the union and out with
you on protected action.’
Drivers on the EBA
committee say the new
agreement delivers welcome
results.
Henry Adsett has been Sunbus
Delegate for 18 years and
this is his sixth round of EBA
negotiations.
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
Sunbus Members discussing the agreement
Sunbus members have won an
outstanding new EBA that delivers:
✓ The return of overtime penalties over the
life of the agreement
✓ 3 percent pay rise each year for three years
✓ 25 days annual training
✓ The ability to cash in unused sick leave
provided they retain 152 hours in the bank
‘It pays to be union and it
pays to be strongly union. We
had the strength to do what we
had to do if we had to do it.
‘We have had EBA disputes
which we stuck out for 29 days.
There is a real camaraderie in
our yard. This time we didn’t
have to go out on the grass but
we were ready.
‘When we stick together
the power is there and we can
achieve a lot more.
‘We’ve got our award
overtime rates back. We’ve got
25 paid union training days
which is a big win for us. The
pay rise is good and we can cash
out our sick leave. We’ve also
got a split shift allowance which
we have never had before. We’re
moving back up the ranks very
quickly on our conditions.’
Shop Steward Ron Harriman
agrees. ‘It was a lot of hard
work but in the long run I think
we have done a decent job for
our workmates,’ he said.
‘We have a better deal than
we did before.
The next time
around it will
be an easier
fight because we’ve laid the
groundwork for the future.
‘We’ve got our award
conditions back with a better
hourly rate.
‘It was good working with
Bob [Giddens, TWU Passenger
Transport Coordinator], Billy
[Berka, Sunshine Coast TWU
Organiser], Scott [Connolly,
TWU Assistant Secretary],
Henry, Ed Taylor and myself. I
think we did a good job together.’
TWU Passenger Transport
Coordinator Bob Giddens said
these drivers are a proud and
integral part of their Sunshine
Coast community.
‘These drivers deserve the
great EBA that they have fought
for and won. They are devoted
to their local community and the
people who need help most - for
instance in the Floods when the
buses couldn’t be refuelled the
drivers used their own cars to
pick up passengers who were
elderly or vulnerable and relied
on public transport.
‘These same drivers while in
dispute used their own credit
cards to ensure each bus had
enough fuel when the tankers
couldn’t get through during the
same floods.
‘Bus drivers are a special
breed of employee and it is time
companies like Sunbus realised
that.’
BUS DRIVERS: HAVE YOU HAD YOUR SAY?
COMPLETE YOUR QLD BUS DRIVER SURVEY
AND TELL US YOUR ISSUES ON THE ROAD.
SURVEYS
Complete the survey online
CLOSE 31
DECEMBER
now at www.twuqld.asn.au
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
2014.
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
7
Cairns Aviation Organising Hub Team
Aaron, Michael, Stuart, Keith, Bluey (Alan)
with State Secretary Peter Biagini, Aviation
Coordinator Peter Paulos, FNQ Organiser
Russell Vieritz, National Office Staff Shane
O’Brien, Matt Rocks and Jon Clarke
POWERFUL ORGANISING APPROACH OFF TO A FLYING START
TWU AVIATION members in
Cairns are turning a world first
aviation campaign into real
results at Cairns Airport.
‘Our members are taking the
lead on this global campaign and
making it work on the ground,’
TWU QLD Secretary Peter
Biagini said.
‘At our ITF conference in
Bulgaria this year the concept of
Organising Hubs was adopted
by unions on a global scale with
your TWU taking the lead.
‘Basically this is a powerful
new organising approach: to
approach an entire transport hub
with its various sectors such
as aviation, fuel and passenger
road transport servicing it and
organise it as one.’
The Organising Hub is a
continuing campaign which was
launched in October with a week
long blitz on Cairns Airport by
Delegates and TWU Officials.
TWU members in Cairns
banded together and took centre
stage on the front line and in the
media in an action packed week:
including a TWU rally for bus
safety, the QCU combined union
launch to fight for weekend
and penalty rates, and Aviation
members’ week long airport
blitz.
Keith Ramsay, TWU Delegate
at Cairns Airport Refuelling
1800 804 533
‘We held a protest outside
Gavin King’s office [LNP MP for
Cairns] which got good media
coverage and was received really
well by our community. They see
in the news up here bus drivers
and cabbies getting attacked
every week by thugs. It’s about
time someone did something
about it and it is only us as TWU
who will.
‘It was great to meet transport
workers from a different sector.
We’re all in the same industry.’
Services said that it has been a
great campaign which kicked off
with a busy Blitz week.
‘We were at the airport doing
the blitz from Monday to Friday.
We spoke to fellow workers
at every company possible
right across the airport. I was
surprised at how many people
we met who worked behind the
scenes and we hadn’t thought
of before. We spoke to as many
people as we could to try to get
an idea of their feelings on their
conditions, survey them on those
and to compare their conditions
to aviation companies at airports
across Australia.
‘We spoke to 280 people
across the airport and collated
information and statistics.
‘We also did training with
Maurice Blackburn during
the week.
‘Back at the Airport we had
a BBQ to meet more aviation
workers. We touched base with
people from other workplaces
who haven’t come forward to
the TWU yet. We talked to them
about the concept of a minimum
rate.
‘If you have a minimum
standard people can adhere to
it is a starting point and gives
you a fair go. Why should
one person be paid 10 to 20%
less for doing the same job as
another person at another airport
or company?’
TWU Aviation Delegates
also joined their workmates
in the bus industry for a TWU
protest to campaign for bus
safety spending by the Newman
Government.
THE FUTURE: CAIRNS
ORGANISING HUB
‘That’s what our organising hub
is all about: everything that turns
an aircraft around happens at the
airport and depends on transport
and us as transport workers,’
Keith said.
‘This includes the
infrastructure that supports it
such as fuel and passenger road
transport.
‘We have now formed an
Airport Organising Committee
(AOC) which will meet regularly,
with representation from
Delegates at major companies
operating out of the airport.’
At this stage we have Qantas,
Gate Gourmet, Jetstar, Cairns
Airport Refuelling Services on
board, Qantas Freight, QGS and
Cobham on board.
www.twuqld.ASN.au
8
ONTHEMOVE
TWU Garbos build power to make a stand
TWU GARBOS are building
union power and gathering
support from the community to
tell waste contractor JJ Richards
they will not let their pay and
conditions be trashed.
Garbos on the Logan City
Council contract have gathered
massive support from fellow
TWU members and the local
community to back them in their
fight for fair pay and conditions
and a union EBA (Enterprise
Bargaining Agreement) to
secure these.
Your TWU presented a
petition to Logan City Council
with over 800 signatures, calling
for garbos to be paid at the
industry rate and demanding that
JJ Richards sit down to negotiate
an EBA for Logan garbos.
To date JJ Richards has used
every trick in the book to get out
of negotiating with the TWU for
a union EBA on the Logan City
contract.
Presenting the petition
to Council TWU Waste
Coordinator Craig Williams
said that council is accountable
and responsible for the pay and
conditions of its waste workers
and called for the council
to make their contractor, JJ
Richards, pay up and negotiate.
TWU QLD Secretary Peter
Biagini reinforced the TWU
commitment to push the issue
and continue to fight together
with our members in the waste
industry.
‘Ultimately Council is in
charge of their local waste
collection and the ball is now
in their court to make their
Advance Waste Delegate Jody Douglas with Ipswich City Councillor Cheryl Bromage, Waste Coordinator
Craig Williams, Ipswich Organiser Brad Wyatt and Assistant State Secretary Scott Connolly.
contractor JJ Richards do the
right thing.
‘We thank the TWU members
and the people of Logan who
have backed our campaign
for their strong response and
support of our members.’
ALL IN THE FIGHT
TOGETHER: FROM
BRISBANE TO MACKAY
AND BEYOND
‘The fact is that waste workers
around the state and across
Australia are all in this fight
together,’ Peter said.
‘Whenever council contracts
change hands there is a risk
that JJ Richards can pick up the
business and when they do, JJ
Richards should remember that
they’re also going into business
with the TWU whether they like
it or not.
Thank you all for your support. Let’s
keep up our ongoing fight for parity in
our wages and a fair EBA. Being TWU is
important and unity in our workplace
is what can get us across the line.
Chris Garrard, TWU Delegate, JJ Richards Logan City
‘We are not going away: we
back our members 100 percent
and will hold JJ Richards and
councils to account on garbos’
pay and conditions across the
state.
‘In addition to pay and
conditions this filthy company JJ
Richards attacks workers’ basic
right to be union and continues to
worm their way out of negotiating
with us for union EBAs. We will
continue the fight.’
In Mackay, the council in their
infinite wisdom has awarded
the contract to JJ Richards and
the TWU is educating this and
any other council who uses JJ
Richards on how this contractor
must be dealt with.
The TWU has publically
called out JJ Richards to
guarantee that when they take
over the Mackay contract on
28 February 2015 that no waste
workers will lose their jobs and
there will be no loss of pay and
conditions.
The TWU has strongly urged
JJ Richards to:
➤ maintain employment of
all Mackay garbos with
no job losses on change of
contract; and
➤ negotiate with the TWU
in good faith for a union
agreement for Mackay
waste workers.
waste campaign
To fight for the rights of QLD waste workers, TWU of QLD is
running a campaign in the waste industry in council areas where
contractors have attacked pay and conditions of waste workers:
including their basic Australian right to be union.
TWU waste industry campaigns are ready to roll out in any area
where the pay and conditions of waste workers are attacked by
an existing contractor or a new contractor when waste contracts
change hands.
Go to www.twuqld.asn.au to keep up to date with the latest
on your TWU campaign for waste workers
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
9
Getting it Done
Staunch TWU advocate Michael Meredith gives us an insight into Union Summer 2014.
I ALWAYS feel quite privileged to be able to
give back to the union after everything that
they have given to me.
I have really been able to experience the
union from different angles and given that
experience I like to think I’m able to provide
a particular insight to promote the union and
educate the delegate group.
The week starts off with a day of training
to focus the group’s goals for the week and
provide some guidance around what we’ll be
talking to drivers about out in the yards.
The first day also allows for the
participants to break down the barriers and
get to know each other which is particularly
helpful given the inclusion of the University
students.
The involvement of the uni students is a
really fantastic addition to the week because
it provides an opportunity to learn from
different people in the labour movement.
Michael Meredith, Ian Buckingham
and Jody Douglas chatting to a
driver during Union Summer
Day 2 saw our group head to the
Woolworths Distribution Centre, which
would be the starting point for each
day during the week, as part of the DC
Organising Campaign. Hitting up the DC
is always a mixed bag with drivers ranging
from highly organised through to the less
aware drivers from the second and third tier
companies.
A real positive I have found over the
organising weeks I participated in is that
awareness of our Safe Rates campaign has
really picked up which is fantastic to see.
Day 3 saw us drop in to the local DC and
then front up to the local MP to demand
action on Bus Safety. We received huge
amounts of public support which translated
in the second consecutive day of positive
coverage on the Channel 10 news reporting
on the activity of the TWU.
We then headed over to meet with Jim
Chalmers, MP for Rankin, to discuss the
way in which the Federal opposition is
1800 804 533
Union Summer participants with
State Secretary Peter Biagini during
a press conference on Bus Safety.
fighting to retain the Road
Safety Remuneration
Tribunal (RSRT). I had
actually turned the TV
on the week before to see
Jim give his speech to
Parliament about why we
need to keep the RSRT,
so it was great to be able
to thank him in person
(read more about your
Safe Rates Goes Local
campaign on page 12).
Day 4 saw the group
start the day again at
the DC but after 3 days
we found we’d been able to have a new
conversation with most of the drivers coming
through, so we headed off to hold the big
end of town accountable with some civil
disobedience at a couple of Coles Stores.
The Coles Actions are always a fun
addition to the week but what makes them
so effective is the way that the shoppers get
behind the cause with encouraging words of
support like’give it to em’ and ‘keep up the
good work’.
Day 5 is, thankfully, is always a half day
taking in to account the big hours we do
during the week and saw the group head
to the Logan City Council Chambers to
hand over a petition of residents who had
signed up to the ‘I Support my Local Garbo’
campaign.
We then headed back to the office for a
briefing about the 2015 State campaign, a
debrief and then headed for lunch.
I’ve really found the Union Winter &
Summer organising weeks to be an excellent
opportunity for delegates to join up with the
campaign, recruit and organise unorganised
workplaces.
It is also an invaluable opportunity for
those from a highly organised background
- whose high union density and sense of
collectivism has resulted in better conditions
- to see those on lesser conditions,
understand the struggles of those in their
industry in less organised yards and get back
to grassroots organising and conversations.
I also really love driving around in the
TWU van because it’s such a unmissable
billboard for the union and I quite enjoy
cooking up a feed for the drivers because it
opens up so many avenues of conversation.
These weeks have provided a fantastic
opportunity for me to learn from but also to
share with drivers from my experiences. I’d
recommend it to all delegates to get involved.
➤ Check out the photos online at your
TWU Facebook page. Want to get
involved? Contact your organiser on
1800 804 533.
www.twuqld.ASN.au
10
ONTHEMOVE
TWU MEMBERS UNSTOPPABLE ON BUS SAFETY
TWU members have been making headlines as they take your TWU Bus Safety Campaign directly to MPs.
CONGRATULATIONS to TWU members from Brisbane
through to Cairns who have been an unstoppable force.
If MPs don’t answer our meeting requests, we roll up on
their doorstep.
If they don’t see us we’ll be back.
In recent weeks TWU members have paid a visit to MPs
for Cairns, Logan, Waterford and Springwood.
The action is producing results and has forced MPs to
sit down and meet with us. We have secured commitments
to meet on bus safety and put the important issue of
bus safety on the public agenda, gaining support in the
community with TV reporting on our actions in Brisbane
and the regions.
➤ Let’s keep it up until the Newman government pays
up! Visit www.twuqld.asn.au to check out TV news
reports.
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
YOUR TWU staged a series of actions rolling out across Australia to
expose Coles’ corporate greed causing carnage on our roads: with 330
people dying in truck crashes each year.
11
Your TWU commenced the national action on 10 November in
QLD, which then rolled out across the country, wrapping up at the
Coles Wesfarmers AGM in Perth on 20 November.
The action started in Brisbane when your TWU turned up at
Toombul shopping Centre with a convoy, boom box and a lot of
Maroon.
Queenslanders don’t do things by halves and in one week we hit
four Coles stores in total. Here in QLD we got the issue out in the
media and in the community to raise awareness and build support for
your TWU Safe Rates campaign.
➤ Check out the photos and video at facebook.com/TWUQLD
ONTHEMOVE
BRISBANE: TWU PUTS
THE HEAT ON COLES
Coles AGM actions
IN THE LEAD UP to the Coles AGM, the
TWU took the fight against Coles’ unfair and
unsafe practices around the country. We started
with a convoy here in Queensland and held
actions across the nation all the way up to the
Wesfarmers AGM in Perth on 20 November.
TWU members highlighted that despite
earning over $1.6 billion last financial year,
Coles aren’t playing their part to make our
industry and our roads safer.
Members formed a convoy of trucks
and cars through the streets of Nundah,
stopping at Coles in Toombul shopping
centre where they rallied outside the store
to draw attention to the need for Coles to be
held accountable for road safety and stop the
economic squeeze on drivers.
Every year 330 people are killed in truck
crashes on Australian roads. Actions like this
let Coles know they must be held to account
for setting low rates, enforcing unrealistic
deadlines and refusing to pay drivers for
waiting time.
It’s concerning that Coles have mounted
a political campaign against Australia’s
road safety watchdog - the Road Safety
1800 804 533
Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT).
Over the past year, Coles and its parent
company Wesfarmers have delivered $2.1
million in Liberal donations. We’ve seen
closed-door meetings between Coles and
Liberal MPs, after which the Government
announced a review into the RSRT and
labelled it ‘red tape’.
As a major Liberal Party donor, Coles
expects something in return for its million
dollar donations. It’s disgraceful these
donations may have an effect on the RSRT’s
future and the future of road safety. By
taking action across the country, we let
Coles and the Federal Government know
road safety is not ‘red tape.’ The RSRT
needs to be left in place to do its work
saving lives on Australia’s roads.
Your TWU is working hard to unite the
Federal Opposition, community groups,
and minor parties in the Senate - including
cross-bench Senators Ricky Muir and Jacqui
Lambie who pledged their support to retain
the RSRT - to block any repeal of the RSRT,
and help prevent further fatalities involving
heavy vehicles.
www.twuqld.ASN.au
12
ONTHEMOVE
Safe Rates Goes Local
Jim Pledges to
Retain Safe Rates
Rankin MP Jim Chalmers with delegates during Union
Summer signing up to continue to fight for Safe Rates.
Anybody who knows anything about the
trucking industry knows that it can sometimes
be a dangerous place to work. Whether you have
drivers in your family, like I do or like my great
mate the member for Lalor does—wherever your
understanding comes from—it is pretty easy to
grasp that there are particular stresses and strains
associated with a life on the road. Anybody who
cares about the safety of truckies and other road
users would think that 330 heavy vehicle related
deaths is 330 too many. And the same goes for
the 5,300 who are injured. The whole point of the
Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal was to address
the safety issues and try and reduce the number of
accidents. That is why it was established in 2012 by
the former Labor government, after a dedicated and
ultimately successful information campaign from
drivers, their industry and their union, the Transport
Workers Union. I pay tribute to them for that
campaign, because they made our roads safer. It is
hard to believe that some in this parliament want to
see the tribunal axed and truckies left on their own.
It is hard to believe they are sitting on a review of
that tribunal while they send out junior ministers to
hint at its abolition. But they are, and it is appalling.
So, on behalf of Australia’s drivers and others who
use our roads, we say today that the government
should let the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal
do its job and keep people safer on our roads than
they would otherwise be.
- Jim Chalmers in Australian Parliament
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT refusing to release the details of
a review in to the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal (RSRT), your TWU
continues to lobby members of Parliament to peldge their support to retain the
RSRT.
Under the banner of ‘Safe Rates Goes Local’ your TWU is seeking the
support of local Federal Members of Parliament (MPs) to continue to lobby to
retain the RSRT in parliament.
Local MP for Rankin, Jim Chalmers, has done just that.
Speaking in parliament in late October Jim pledged to fight to retain the
RSRT to make sure that it is able to continue to improve safety on our roads
(you can read his speech in full on your TWU QLD website).
‘Having worked with the TWU I know how important it is that we keep
the RSRT,’ Jim said. ‘The government is sitting on a review that we think
supports the case to keep the Tribunal so we will be working hard to keep this
government accountable.’
Ian ‘Bucko’ Buckingham, long term member and former President of your
TWU, led a group of delegates to meet with Jim following his speech to
Parliament.
‘It was really great to meet with Jim and be able to thank him for standing
up for truck drivers in Parliament,’ Bucko said. ‘It’s important to know people
like Jim have our back and are committed to fighting for safety on our roads.’
The Federal Government received the review into the RSRT over 5 months
ago and is yet to publicly release the recommendations. It is believed that
the review recommends the retention of the RSRT - not exactly the course of
action the Government has indicated they are keen on. Having campaigned
for over 20 years, supported by 11 inquiries, your TWU could have saved the
government some time and money - we have known for a long time that the
Tribunal is a necessary instrument to increase safety on our roads - and we will
be campaigning every day to make sure it stays.
‘The Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal is an important body to help
improve and secure safety and conditions in our industry,’ TWU Assistant
State Secretary Scott Connolly said. ‘We’ll be working with our delegates from
across the State and our colleagues in Federal Parliament to make sure we keep
it in to the future.’
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
13
Remembering those Lost
THE LIGHTS ON THE HILL Convoy
and Memorial are important dates in the
Trucking Community diaries to honour
truck drivers who have lost their lives both
on the highway and by other means.
It is a time for Truck Drivers and their
family and friends to come together and
celebrate the lives of those that have been
lost and to recommit efforts to reduce the
tragedies on our roads.
This year, as your TWU travelled to
the Lights on the Hill Memorial wall in
Gatton it was with a particularly heavy
heart as we came together to support
one of our own who tragically lost
his son.
‘Cameron was one of the kindest blokes
you could meet and a wonderful father
to his five kids,’ Branch Committee of
Management and Hornibrook Buslines
delegate Gary Dickfos said. ‘Losing
Cameron was one of the hardest days of
our lives.’
‘One of Cam’s mates organised the
plaque on the wall,’ Gary said. ‘It was a
really sad day but it also brought Marg
and I a lot of comfort to know we can
come here, and be with people who share
our loss, and remember our boy.’
‘Cam’s loss really brought home to me
why it is that our Union has been fighting
to improve safety on our roads through
things like Safe Rates,’ Gary said. ‘The
Memorial is something that our family
Your TWU Officials supporting
Hornibrooks Delegate Gary, his
wife Marg and their family during
the Lights on the Hill Memorial.
will be able to come to every year as another
way to remember Cam but we can honour
his death by continuing the fight to improve
saftey for all road users.’
‘Lights on the Hill is a really wonderful
way to honour truck drivers who have lost
their lives both on the highway and by other
means but we can also honour their memory
by fighting to retain the Safe Rates Tribunal,’
State Secretary Peter Biagini said. ‘We will
always remember Cam but we can work to
make sure his death was not in vain.’
Date Claimer
Join your TWU in the
annual Lights on the Hill
Convoy next year as the
Trucking community comes
together to celebrate those
who have lost their lives on our roads.
➤ If you would like to join with your
TWU or carry your TWU flag on your
Rig contact the office on 1800 804 533.
Yard snapshot: Patrick Container Port Drivers
We are trying to work
with the company to iron
out problems we have had
for a number of years.
We are now having some
success mainly thROugh
union efforts and beING
part of the TWU.
We are a strong yard with
a lot of good blokes.
Now we need to get the
company on the same
track as we are looking
at.
- Laurence Webster, TWU
Delegate.
1800 804 533
Peter Biagini chatting with members at Patricks.
www.twuqld.ASN.au
14
ONTHEMOVE
INFORMATION IS KEY
THE TRANSPORT Workers’ Union Regional Focus headed
north to the South Burnett Region, with Billy Berka keen to
get out to members to dispel myths that have been circulating
around the recent Local Government Award Modernisation
process.
Billy and Passenger Vehicle and Local Government
Coordinator Bob Giddens met up with Delegate Steve Benson
at the South Burnett Regional Council Nanango Depot, then
headed up to Wondai and across to Kingaroy over the course of
a couple of days to get in front of members.
A core concern for members was the way in which the
recent changes made during the Local Government Award
Modernisation process would impact on drivers.
‘It was great to have Billy & Bob around to chat to the boys
about the Local Government Award Modernisation,’ Steve said.
‘They put a lot of the blokes’ minds at ease and let us all know
what was going on with the process.
‘Basically they were able to get to the bottom of a lot of the
myths that have been circulating and provide clarity for the
boys,’ Steve said. ‘They let us know that it is yet to come in to
effect so nothing has changed yet. That put a lot of minds at
ease.’
‘These are yards that don’t get a lot of attention because of
how regional they are, so it was great to be able to devote these
resources to getting information to the boys about the process,’
Steve said.
‘Steve has been a great delegate so it was an asset to have
him along with us when we were chatting to the members,’
Billy said. ‘The Regional Focus, in my mind, is great for
the way it focuses on one particular area and because it
provides extra training for delegates who go back to their
yards more confident.’
Sunshine Coast Organiser Billy Berka chatting
to a driver during the recent regional focus.
Retiring in Style
Have you ever dreamt of running away to
a tropical island? How about retiring to
one?
That is exactly what Dave Lovini and
his wife have got planned.
32 year member Dave has finished up
with Patricks Container Ports at the Port of
Brisbane and will shortly resettle with his
wife to Niue Island, east of Fiji.
Niue Island sits about 2500 kms
northeast of New Zealand and has a
population of about 1200 people - plus 2
more now with Dave and his wife!
‘We went over for a holiday and fell in
love with the place and we chatted about
retiring here some day,’ Dave said. ‘By the
time the holiday was coming to a close we
decided we didn’t want to wait so when we
came back we got our affairs in order and
planned the getaway.’
With the move scheduled for early 2015
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
General Transport Coordinator Graham Garrett
congratulates Dave Lovini on his retirement.
Dave dropped by the office to finalise his
Superannuation and was chuffed to receive a
retired member shirt.
‘After 32 years in the Union it’s only
fitting that we send him on his way with
some memorabilia,’ State Secretary Peter
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
Biagini said. ‘We wish Dave and his
family a very happy retirement.’
➤ Are you retiring soon? Why not stay
active with your TWU and join the
TWU Retired Members Club today call 1800 804 533 to find out more!
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
15
TWU QLD COMMITS TO COMBAT VIOLENCE
AGAINST WOMEN: WHITE RIBBON DAY 2014
YOUR TWU committed to combat violence
against women as Australia marked White
Ribbon Day on 25 November.
‘The TWU is committed both as a
community and industrial force to taking
meaningful and effective action on this
important issue,’ TWU QLD Secretary Peter
Biagini said.
‘As a part of the Queensland community
we are campaigning to end violence against
women, with our members leading the way.’
On 26 November over 200 TWU
members at Star Track, Darra took the White
Ribbon Oath.
One of the most practical
supports people experiencing
domestic violence can have is
support in their workplace.
Star Track and the TWU have an
agreement to work together to address this
important issue following the last round of
EBA negotiations.
TWU Assistant Secretary Scott Connolly
said that unions are leading the way in
campaigning for rights and protections in the
workplace for victims of domestic violence.
‘One of the most practical supports people
experiencing domestic violence can have is
support in their workplace,’ Scott said.
TWU delegates, members and officials swearing the White Ribbon Day Oath.
‘The Transport Workers’ Union of
QLD has backed the ACTU in calling for
domestic violence rights and protections to
be included in Awards: so that all Australian
workers are entitled to these rights.’
The ACTU has shown leadership and a
progressive stance on this important issue,
and recently made a submission to have
ten days dedicated paid leave for victims of
domestic violence included in Awards.
‘We are proud that our TWU members
in Queensland are taking the lead, taking a
progressive stance on this important issue
and setting an example for the transport
industry throughout our state,’ Peter said.
‘Into the future we as unions will need to
keep leading the way on this issue: because
with this current government workers
are doing it tough as it is. The only rights
and protections workers will get under
this current government are through their
unions.’
➤ Want to know more about rights
and protections at work for people
experiencing domestic violence?
Go to www.twuqld.asn.au
TWU MEMBERS PUSH SHAM CONTRACT OUT: WIN DISPUTE AT TNT
Transport into the yard on an outside hire
basis with their own trucks. Management
then told Beetsons drivers they would be
driving company vehicles and not their own.
This is against the law and can be classified
as sham contracting. With these drivers
working under their ABN, they are supposed
‘Management tried to bring in outside hire
sham contracting though the back door. Our to drive their own vehicles.
As set down by the EBA, if the work is
members stood their ground and pushed it
there
TNT should be hiring anybody who
straight out the front door,’ Scott said.
drives
their trucks either directly or through
‘The yard did an outstanding job
labour hire company Chandler McLeod on
through strength in numbers and
an ad hoc basis when needed.
solidarity.’
This was a breach of the EBA. Members put
‘Delegates know their EBA well
their
foot down and made it clear that TNT was
including the clauses on outside hire,’
not
to
put Beetsons drivers in their vehicles.
Peter said.
The company said their lawyers disagreed.
‘It was a great result, the yard was
TheTWU stepped in.
happy and the guys did really well.’
Members followed the Disputes
The issue began when management in
Procedure and brought their TWU in to
their wisdom decided to bring Beetsons
TWU Assistant Secretary Scott
Connolly and Official Peter
Ferguson congratulated TWU
members at TNT Salisbury on an
outstanding win recently.
1800 804 533
talk to management. TWU members won
a victory on this issue with outstanding
results:
➤ Members received a written response
from TNT management agreeing
that no Beetsons driver will drive
a company vehicle and that over a
prescribed period Beetsons Transport
would be removed from the company
altogether.
➤ Six weeks ago this happened.
➤ The TWU has stepped in on behalf of
two Beetsons drivers on a Safe Rates
issue to demand the company address
suspected underpayment. There is a
meeting this week to resolve this.
‘These issues do come up at other depots,’
Peter said. ‘The reason we were able to
get a result at this depot is the strength in
numbers and solidarity in this yard.’
Www.twuqld.asn.au
What have unions
ever done
for workers?
O
O
O
O
O
O
Minimum Wage
8 Hour Working Day
Paid Sick Leave
Superannuation
Equal Pay
Penalty Rates
O
O
O
O
O
O
38 Hr Working Week
Paid Annual Leave
Redundancy Pay
Long Service Leave
Paid Public Holidays
The Right To Representation
It certainly di
Authorised by Peter Biagini, TWU QLD Secretary, 11 Alex
PIN ME
UP IN
YOUR YARD
O
O
O
O
O
O
Weekends
Equal Pay
Compensation For Injury
Paid Parental Leave
Mandatory Pay Increases
Meal Breaks
O
O
O
O
O
Unfair Dismissal Laws
Right To Consultation
Maternity Leave
Personal Carers Leave
Workplace Health & Safety Legislation
idn’t come from the bosSes!
xandra Pl Murarrie, QLD 4172 (07) 3890 3066 or 1800 804 533 • www.twuqld.asn.au
18
ONTHEMOVE
PENALTY RATES UNDER ATTACK
Many of these workers would
barely be making $700 a week as it
is, and big business and the Abbott
government want to make it even
harder for them to survive.
Cairns members with League Legend Brent
Tate pledging to fight for our penalty rates.
THE FEDERAL COALITION has revealed its plans to remove
penalty rates for thousands of Queensland’s lowest paid workers,
unions say.
Queensland Council of Unions (QCU - the peak body representing
all unions in QLD) President John Battams said the Coalition’s
application to the Fair Work Commission to review minimum rates
would risk cutting the incomes of workers across a wide range of
industries.
‘Penalty rates for working weekends and public holidays is all that
is keeping many workers’ heads above water,’ he said.
‘That little bit extra for working unsociable hours that take you
away from your family also makes the difference in paying the rent
or putting food on the table,’ he said.
‘Queensland has a large service industry through hospitality and
tourism, and more than 300,000 Queensland workers in industries
like these rely on penalty rates to make ends meet.
‘Many of these workers would barely be making $700 a week as it
is, and big business and the Abbott government want to make it even
harder for them to survive.’
Working with representatives from the Australian Council of
Trade Unions (ACTU) the campaign has been focussing efforts in
Cairns to raise awareness and recruit supporters.
‘The idea around the localised campaign is to really harness the
message and build the number of people standing up for the cause,’
FNQ Regional Organiser Russell Vieritz said. ‘It’s been really
fantastic to see members from all the unions up here come together
to fight for this common cause.’
Adding some star power to the campaign has been former NRL
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
great Brent Tait who has been a vocal advocate of the campaign.
QCU affiliates will continue to campaign to keep penalty rates and
ensure decent wages and conditions for all Australian workers.
➤ Want to find out more? Head to your TWU website to check
out the latest news from the campaign www.twuqld.asn.au
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
19
HSR TRAINING: UNION POWER AND SAFETY AT WORK
On the Move talked to TWU
Training Coordinator Matt
Morgan about the training
program which provides
workers with new powers to
organise your workplace and
call the shots on safety.
‘As a HSR you are in charge
of the most important thing at
work: the right of you and your
workmates to go home in one
piece to your families at the end
of the day,’ Matt said.
‘After you complete your
HSR training you will be legally
entitled to new powers to make
the call on safety issues in your
workplace.
‘You will have additional
power and the knowledge
I honestly can’t find any way you could
improve this training. I recommend it to
any delegate. Put your hand up to do it.
- Stephen Griffin, Toll NQX
required to act on safety
hazards at work and issue your
workplace with Provisional
Improvement Notices or PINs
they must legally act on.
‘The knowledge you pick up
in the training adds to your skill
set when it comes to organising
your workplace.
‘It will help you increase
union power and give a balance
of power back to you as
workers.
‘The training is practical,
completely focused on your
work in the transport industry
and based on what you do at
work. You get the opportunity to
talk about and apply what you
learn to situations in your own
workplace.’
Are you a HSR (Health and Safety Representative) or Deputy HSR?
YOUR RIGHTS AS A HSR
TRAINING
PAYMENT
CONSULTATION TWU HELP
You have a right to
attend the 5 day
HSR training course
once a request
has been made to
your employer or
person conducting
a business or
undertaking (PCBU).
Your employer /
PCBU must pay
you for the whole 5
day duration of the
course as regular day
worked and must
pay for the course
costs.
Attention HSRs and
Deputy HSRs:
✓
If you have not yet taken part in HSR
training you can do your five day training
course at your TWU HQ in Murarrie,
Brisbane.
✓
If you completed your five day training
over 12 months ago you are entitled to do a
one day refresher course at your TWU HQ.
Safe Work College in partnership with
TWU QLD is a WorkCover and Comcare
approved training provider for the purposes
of HSR training and refresher training.
✓
✓
Training is transport industry focused
and our trainer has more than 10 years
experience with safety.
You have a right
to request your
training provider in
consultation with
your employer /
PCBU.
TWU officials can
help you with this
process.
HSR COURSE DATES:
2015
Health & Safety
Representatives
5 day
16-20 March
13-17 April
11-15 May
8-12 June
3-7 August
31 August-4 September
Health & Safety
Representatives
1 day REFRESHER
24 February
31 March
28 April
26 May
23 June
28 July
18 August
22 September
20 October
10 November
Safe Work College in partnership with TWU QLD offers all of the
following accredited courses. We can deliver these courses in your
TWU training room or at your workplace.
COURSE
DURATION
Certificate IV in WHS BSB41412
6 days
Health & Safety Representatives (Commonwealth)
5 days
Entry Permit Holders course
1 day
Health & Safety Representatives (Queensland)
5 days
Health & Safety Representatives 1 day REFRESHER COURSE
(QLD)
1 day
Transport Industry Bluecard (TLIF100A Follow occupational
health and safety procedures)
2 hours
Health & Safety Representatives 1 day REFRESHER COURSE
(Commonwealth)
1 day
CALL YOUR ORGANISER ASAP TO BOOK IN YOUR TRAINING.
YOUR ORGANISER IS READY WITH ALL THE FORMS AND HELP YOU NEED.
1800 804 533
www.twuqld.ASN.au
20
ONTHEMOVE
NQ ROUNDUP
TWU members in Townsville have been active in their yards, taking on issues that
arise together with power in numbers.
WORKERS FIGHT COUNCIL TO
TAKE BACK ALLOWANCE
TWU members at Townsville
Council are fighting to regain an
allowance that TWU member
Geoff Nicol says they have had
for almost 30 years.
The Unpleasant Conditions
Allowance is the entitlement in
question. Each day workers were
paid one hour of the allowance
for washing out their truck and
the allowance also applied to
a worker who has been at a
sewerage plant in the course of
their duties on any given day.
North Queensland TWU
Official Tom Pfund said that
members came to their TWU
when council stopped paying
the allowance due to council
management error causing a
technical breakdown in the
Kronos pay system.
‘We have approached
the Council and demanded
members came to their TWU when
council stopped paying the allowance
a meeting with a view to
rectifying the matter, reinstating
and back paying the allowance,’
Tom said.
TWU member Geoff Nicol
and his workmates are pushing
to get council to pay up, together
with their TWU.
‘This is an allowance we’ve
been getting for 25 - 30 years,’
Geoff said.
‘They’ve just taken it off us.
We went to Tom as soon as we
found out.
TWU MAKES ENERGY TRANS PAY
UP ON MEMBERS’ ENTITLEMENTS
Workers at Energy Trans in
Mackay were made redundant
recently and came to their TWU
for assistance.
‘We discovered they were
not given the correct notice
period and due process was
not followed in giving notice
according to the Fair Work
requirements,’ Tom said.
‘We acted straight away
and made sure that members
got paid out their correct
entitlements which included
the pay for the correct notice
period.’
Management arrived one
day to find all workers wearing
TWU hats. Management
objected. Our Delegate John
Reid told them the hats were
for sun protection which the
company had failed to provide.
‘We will see whether
Transpacific now rush out and buy
the workers hats – until they do
workers will wear theirs,’ Tom said.
‘This kind of action is very
effective when everybody takes
part,’ Tom added.
‘It has to be one in, all in and
this yard has done that well.’
MACKAY WASTE CONTRACT
CHANGEOVER
MEMBERS MAKE A STAND ON
HEALTH AND SAFETY
TWU members at Transpacific
NQRR in Townsville have made
a stand on health and safety and
made their point wearing TWU
colours.
Workers had made the
reasonable request for the
company to provide hats on
health and safety grounds. The
company did not.
Tom Pfund recently visited
Veolia workers at Mackay
Council to attend a meeting
between workers and
management, to support
members through the transition
of contractors as JJ Richards is
due to take over on 28 February.
‘Drivers have asked for
support from their union and we
are not going away despite the
fact management may want us
to,’ Tom said.
‘Workers can be confident your
TWU will continue to back you.’
See page 8 for more info on
Mackay Council waste contract.
➤ Any questions call NQ
Townsville TWU Official Tom
Pfund on 0411 556 823.
Time limits crucial for workers’ rights
Don’t get caught
out by time limits on
injuries, is one of the
key messages coming
out this month from
TWU State Secretary
Peter Biagini.
OFF THE BACK of Safe Work
Month in October, the TWU is
committed to ensuring that not
only are members kept as safe as
possible at work, but are fairly
compensated when employers
fail to keep members safe.
Reporting incidents to your
delegate or organiser as quickly
as possible is crucial.
If you’re injured at work or
on the road, the best steps to
take are:
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
● Seek medical advice if
necessary by calling 000
or notifying your doctor.
You do not have to see the
company doctor; you can and
should see your own doctor.
● If it is safe and you are able
to do so, record all details
of the incident, including
time and date, names of
witnesses and details of
equipment used. If you’re
injured on the road, take note
of the registration details,
make and model of the car,
and any other relevant road
conditions (such as weather
or potholes).
● If possible, take photos of the
incident area, including any
faulty equipment, hazards or
signage.
● Report the incident to your
workplace delegate or
organiser.
Delaying in reporting an
incident may adversely impact
any claim you make later
on. For example, after a road
accident, you have a maximum
of nine months to submit a
Notice of Accident Claim form
with the insurer of the vehicle at
fault. Stricter time limits apply
if the vehicle is unregistered or
cannot be identified.
NEW Referral App
Maurice Blackburn, the lawyers
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
for the TWU, have recently
launched a referral app, which
aims to make the process of
reporting injuries and accidents
quicker and easier for members.
Delegates and organisers can
download the app to their
iPhone or Android, and within a
few easy steps, a referral can be
sent to Maurice Blackburn who
will act quickly in assessing
your rights for compensation.
You can also access the link
from your tablet or computer.
➤ To access the referral
app, simply head to www.
mauriceblackburn.com.au/
twu and download to your
iPhone or Android. For
further instructions on how to
do this, contact Matt Morgan
at the TWU head office.
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
Mo-Tastic!
ONTHEMOVE
AS OCTOBER 31 ticked over to midnight
it was that time of year again for your TWU
Officials to put their razors away as the
month was renamed MOVEMBER for the
cause of raising funds for men’s health.
2014 brought an extra twist with a State
of Origin approach to the fundraising with
the TWU QLD officials challenging their
TWU brothers (and sisters???) across the
border to see who could foster their follicles
to formulate some flourishing facial hair and
raise the most funds!
It was the view of your TWU QLD
officials that those dirty cockroaches south
of the border had been unbearably cocky
since their fluke Origin win so it was time to
put them back in their place and show them
who really is the better state!
With the competition off and running your
TWU launched the campaign to raise funds
and quickly raced ahead clocking up over
$1000.
1800 804 533
‘To have an everlasting impact on
the face of Men’s Health.’
- Movember Organisation Vision.
‘We were really keen to participate in
Movember for the second year running and
the competition with NSW only added to
the fun,’ State Secretary Peter Biagini said.
‘There was a bit of sledging but it was also
really fantastic to see so many people getting
in to the spirit and starting the conversation
that so many men avoid about their health.’
With the ‘Handle-Bar’ being the mo of
choice this year either side of the border
your TWU Officials ran the risk of being
caught up in the crack down on bikies but
managed to make it through the month with
only the only casualty their sense of style.
‘We will continue to participate - despite
the protests from our wives, to raise much
needed funds for men’s health,’ Peter said.
21
MOVEMBER - Break it down
Movember will get men to grow moustaches
and the community to support them by
creating an innovative, fun and engaging
annual Movember campaign, that results in:
✓
Funding for the Movember
Foundation’s men’s health programs
✓ Conversations about men’s health that
lead to:
➤ Awareness and understanding of
the health risks men face
➤ Men taking action to remain well.
And the winner is…
QLD
$3301
v
NSW
$3231
COMBINED TOTAL - $6582
(NSW had a late donation on December 1st!)
www.twuqld.ASN.au
22
TWUQLD HISTORY by BRADLEY BOWDEN
ONTHEMOVE
George Lawson
TWU Founder & Remarkable Labour Leader
George Lawson came from
humble origins, growing
up along the Pine River.
But from humble origins he
forged a remarkable career:
Boer War veteran, founder
of the Federated Carters &
Drivers Industrial Union
(later the TWU), 1912 strike
leader, Trades and Labour
Council founder, Windsor
City Councillor, Queensland
Labor Party Executive
Member, International Labour
Organisation delegate, and
federal Labor Member for the
seat of Brisbane from 1932 to
1961.
Returning from the Boer
War, Lawson found no hero’s
welcome or military pension.
Instead, he worked for the
well-established Brisbane
carrying firm of R Jackson. At
a time when the Queensland
economy was still recovering
from the 1890s Depression and
the Great Federation Drought
(1899-1902), the Brisbane
carting trade was suffering from
‘cut-throat competition’ that
was driving down both wages
and employer profits. With the
encouragement of his employer,
Lawson founded the Brisbane
Trolley, Draymen and Carters
Union. Quick to realise the
benefits of federal unionism,
in 1911 brought his Brisbane
union into a national federation,
the Federated Carters & Drivers
Industrial Union (FCDIU).
Shortly afterwards he persuaded
carters and drivers throughout
Queensland to become FCDIU.
While no revolutionary, Lawson
was a passionate defender
of workers’ rights. When the
1912 General Strike broke out,
Brisbane’s unionists elected
Lawson as one of their leaders.
In an era when most men
went to seed young, Lawson
was unusual in maintaining a
fit, trim appearance. Always
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
With splits once again
threatening in the Great
Depression of the 1930s,
Lawson once again successfully
called on all unions to unite in
supporting the Labor Party.
immaculately dressed in suit and
tie, Lawson always conveyed
a sense of calm reason. There
is no doubt that his greatest
strength was his capacity to
unite, bringing warring factions
together in a common purpose.
In the wake of World War I such
capacities were solely needed.
With much of the world in
revolution in the post-war years,
Queensland’s labour movement
was split into many pieces.
Not only were Queensland
unions represented by a number
of competing peak councils,
they could not even agree on
a common May Day march.
Remarkably, Lawson was able
to bridge such differences,
playing a seminal role in the
formation in 1922 of a unified
Trades & Labour Council – now
the Queensland Council of
Unions.
It is probably far to say that
in the 1920s, Lawson was
at the peak of his powers,
winning respect in both the
labour movement’s political
and industrial wings. Within the
FCDIU, he served as Federal
President, helping transform
the union into the Australian
Road Transport Workers Union
as the union reached out to
recruit the growing number of
truck and bus drivers. Within
the Labor Party, he was both a
State Executive member and
a federal delegate. Somehow,
amongst his other duties, he
also managed to find time to
serve as an Alderman for the
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
Windsor City Council prior to
its incorporation into the Greater
Brisbane City Council in 1925.
The respect with which
Lawson was regarded in the
1920s is indicated by the fact
that in 1925 he was chosen to
represent Australian workers in
Geneva at one of the foundation
meetings of the International
Labour Organisation, taking
Lawson overseas in very
different circumstances to his
previous sojourn as a Boer War
soldier.
On his return to Australia,
Lawson remained an advocate
of both labour unity and the
advancement of workers by
industrial means. With splits
once again threatening in the
Great Depression of the 1930s,
Lawson once again successfully
called on all unions to unite
in supporting the Labor Party
(see newspaper story). Shortly
afterwards, Lawson was elected
to the Common Parliament
as the federal Member for
Brisbane, a seat he held until
1961. In Parliament, Lawson
continued to play a significant
role, serving at various time as
Labor Whip and as a Minister
in the Curtin Government. His
contribution in Parliament was,
however, competent rather than
outstanding. Certainly, by the
1940s his best years were behind
him. And as a labour leader,
Lawson was certainly always
more effective when dealing
with workers and other unionists
rather than with high politics.
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
23
Two men who changed our lives
On The Move pays tribute to two men who changed our lives as Australians and Queenslanders: who brought
our country and our state from the dark ages and gave working people the future we enjoy today.
Vale Gough Whitlam
It is our job to
fight for Gough’s
legacy
IN OCTOBER we paid a sad
farewell to Gough Whitlam, our
21st Prime Minister of Australia.
Throughout Australia working
people joined to farewell a
national icon whose memory will
always live on, because of the
legacy he left us.
‘Gough Whitlam turned
the lights on when he came to
power in 1972: he took us from
a backward country into the
modern era and the Australia
we know today,’ TWU QLD
Secretary Peter Biagini said.
‘Gough Whitlam was the
leader we see once in a lifetime.
He was a visionary who made
the most progressive and far
reaching reforms in Australian
history.’
‘He did not only question
what was: this man had a vision
of what could be and he made
that happen.’
In just three years in
government, Gough
Whitlam:
➤ Gave us Medicare
➤ Funded the infrastructure
to build a robust public
health system including the
construction of hospitals and
community health centres
➤ Abolished university fees
➤ Was a progressive advocate
➤
➤
➤
➤
➤
➤
➤
➤
for womens rights: Fought
for equal pay for women,
established the first paid
parental leave and appointed
a working woman at the
coalface of the issues at
hand as a sole parent as his
adviser for womens affairs
Drafted the Land Rights Act
and outlawed indigenous
discrimination
Withdrew Australia’s troops
from Vietnam
Abolished conscription and
freed resisters
Established diplomatic
relations with China
Introduced environmental
protection legislation and
protected Queensland’s
Great Barrier Reef
Funded urban public
transport and improvements
to suburban areas including
connecting suburban homes
to sewerage
Introduced Legal Aid
for working people who
could not afford legal
representation
Opened the airwaves to
community radio and TV
to give working people and
communities a voice
➤ Abolished the death penalty.
‘Just imagine what Gough
Whitlam could have done given
another term,’ Peter said.
‘Gough Whitlam came into
power in an Australia where if
you grew up in the school of
hard knocks with no money
that’s where you stayed.
University was for the wealthy
and not for you. So was quality
health care.
‘Gough changed the most
fundamental structures in our
society for working people.
He gave us Medicare and free
education.
‘It is a mammoth task to put
all of this infrastructure in place.
‘It takes a genius to put these
things together; it does not take
a genius to tear them down.
‘It is our job to fight for
Gough’s legacy: the Australia
he gave working people where
health care, education and a
future career are rights for all
and not privileges for people
who can pay for them.’
➤ Read more about Gough
Whitlam in your TWU News at
www.twuqld.asn.au
Vale WAYNE GOSS
IN NOVEMBER we farewelled
a proud fellow Queenslander
and exceptional man, Wayne
Goss.
Queenslanders everywhere
united to reflect on and celebrate
the life and legacy of the man
who lead Queensland out of 32
years of conservative rule and
reformed our state entirely.
Queenslanders knew Wayne
Goss as a humble leader and a
man of the people. He was born
at Mundubbera, Queensland.
He grew up at Inala, and was
educated at Inala State High
School and later the University
of Queensland.
Wayne wanted only to better
the state Queenslanders lived in
and devoted his life to this.
1800 804 533
When he won a sweeping
victory in the 1989 election
with a 24 seat swing, Wayne got
straight to work on progressive
reforms to take our state from
the dark ages into the future.
He abolished Bjelke-Petersen’s
QLD Police ‘special branch’,
introduced merit based public
service appointments, appointed
QLD’s first female minister
in Cabinet and first female
Governor, decriminalized
homosexuality and created new
National Parks.
His election win marked the
end of the Bjelke-Petersen era
in QLD and the beginning of a
new era, with the Courier Mail
announcing that ‘Goss the Boss’
was now in charge.
His election win marked the end of
the Bjelke-Petersen era in QLD
He established the Electoral
and Administrative Reform
Commission; to return
democracy to QLD and abolish
the electoral gerrymandering
that Queensland was known for
in the Bjelke-Petersen years.
All Queenslanders are better
off as a result of Wayne’s life
work.
In Wayne’s own words:
‘Thank you Queensland, you’ve
been good to me. I hope I’ve left
you a better place.’
www.twuqld.ASN.au
24
ONTHEMOVE
TWUSUPER: Helping people make the
most of their money with SuperLink
The past
Unions fought to make super a right
for all Australian workers and set up
Industry Super Funds to look after the
retirement savings of members. TWU was
at the forefront of this – did you know
TWUSUPER was the first super fund to be
created under an industrial award?
The present
Thirty years later nearly everybody is
entitled to super payments for their work,
but not everyone knows how to make their
super work best for them. With the busy
lives people live, it’s not surprising they
often don’t think about their super before
they are about to retire.
Simple tips to grow
your super.
The future
TWU and TWUSUPER have decided it’s
time for your fellow workers to understand
that their super is their money.
That’s why TWUSUPER is working
together with your TWU Delegates to
empower all workers to make decisions
today that will help them tomorrow.
We want to help transport workers
understand what they can do to manage
their money no matter what their age. To
do this, we’re rolling out the SuperLink
program, including a short guide, Simple
tips to grow your super.
Want to find out more?
➤ Contact your TWU Delegate to
find out how your workplace can
benefit from the program. If you’re a
delegate and want to know more about
SuperLink, email Sarah Mawhinney at
[email protected]
NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS
Elections:
The Branch Committee of
Management (BCOM) of the
Transport Workers’ Union of
Australia, Union of Employees
(Queensland Branch) intends to
make an application in accordance
with section 580 of the Industrial
Relations Act 1999 (QLD) for an
exemption from holding elections.
The proposed exemption will relate
to the positions on the BCOM that
are identical to those for which
elections have already been held
for the union’s federal counterpart
body, the federally registered
Transport Workers’ Union of
Australia. As members have
already had the opportunity of
being involved in the elections for
identical positions on the BCOM
of the Transport Workers’ Union
of Australia in 2014 an exemption
may be granted from an election
for those same positions in the
TWU Queensland Branch.
Members may file a notice of
objection to the exemption
being granted with the Industrial
Registrar within 35 days of
the publication of this notice.
Contact the TWU office for further
information.
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
25
Top TWU Delegate awarded statewide honour
Sue Cleary, TWU Cabin Crew Delegate at Virgin Australia has received the QCU’s Emma Miller Award,
presented annually to extraordinary women in the union movement.
kids you can’t do the job. It’s
part of management’s strategy
to discourage them from taking
the job or making it too hard so
they leave.
Tell us about your marathon
campaign which has grown
power in numbers for Virgin
Cabin Crew. [more info page 4-5]
SUE HAS WORKED in
aviation for 15 years and
commenced as TWU Delegate
three months ago. In that
three months Sue has built
unprecedented power and
unity in her workplace with
a phenomenal increase in
membership.
On the Move talked to Sue
about her outstanding campaign
and hot issues in the aviation
industry.
What are the top issues in your
workplace?
Fairness, equality, dignity and
respect at work. We do not feel
we are getting that.
Morale was very low and there
has not been pay rises for around
six years. There are ‘promotions’
which are not really promotions
because the pay is inadequate.
There is fear and intimidation
which made many crew leave
and crew are angry. We decided
enough is enough!
We want improved wages and
conditions and the intimidation
and bullying has to go. We want
a fair deal: we are happy to do a
hard day’s work for fair pay and
conditions.
Has becoming TWU made a
difference?
Ref: 0718-Dec14
The TWU has been amazing.
We are so happy we have the
TWU to represent us.
For the first time we are one
united workforce. Virgin Cabin
Crew have never been this
unionised.
We now have power in
EMMA MILLER AWARD
Each year the Queensland
Council of Unions pays
tribute to the legacy of Emma
Miller, presenting the Emma
Miller Award to recognise
outstanding women in our
QLD union movement.
numbers. Strength in unity.
We have more power than we
thought we did and we can make
a difference.
Support from the TWU
has been overwhelming from
the day we walked in there.
Peter [Paulos, TWU Aviation
Coordinator] and I talk on the
phone every day.
The TWU takes action to
attend to our matters which we
have not seen in the past.
Having the TWU on board
has improved morale and
given crew strength and
empowerment.
Before coming across to the
TWU we didn’t feel we were
being properly represented by
the other union choices.
As an Emma Miller recipient
you have shown leadership for
women the workforce in your
aviation industry. What are
the key issues for women in
aviation?
Right now we get no assistance
from management on work
life balance. We have no work
life balance with ten hours rest
between duties which includes
your transport time to your
hotel. That’s after a ten hour day
six days a week.
A lot of our part time
employees are part time because
they are mums. Work will send
them away on four day trips.
They have to have a partner or
grandparent who can look after
their kids to do the job at all and
they’ll see the kids more than
mum will. Our rosters don’t
allow for the regular hours of
childcare so if you don’t have
a family member to take your
When I first approached
Peter [Paulos, TWU Aviation
Coordinator] we were running out
of time [leading up to our EBA].
We needed to work fast and work
smart using new technology. Of
course this all has to translate on
the ground to power in numbers
and union membership.
Our campaign has been
overwhelming. Membership
numbers are building rapidly
and daily.
When the TWU came to
work, crew had never seen a
union rep onsite before.
Now every single crew
member is aware of the TWU
and the campaign keeps
growing.
What are you enjoying most
about the campaign?
The constant learning and
watching crew go from a fearful
state to become empowered.
TWU Women: what are
your issues at work?
➤ Tell your TWU: Go to
www.twuqld.asn.au and fill out
your TWU Women’s survey
online or text ‘WOMEN
SURVEY’ to 0411 875 910 to
request a copy in the mail
Getting you where you need to go
Arthur J. Gallagher has been working with the TWU since 1992 developing a range of
products to protect TWU members.
Call us today
Joanne Taylor
1800 240 432
www.ajg.com.au/TWU
1800 804 533
Our solutions can include cover for commercial motor, transit insurance, transport liability,
articulated vehicles and courier drivers. We can also provide expertise for your other
insurance needs, like income protection or life insurance and other personal solutions like
financial planning.
www.twuqld.ASN.au
Life’s a joke!
26
ONTHEMOVE
Frank was heading to the
bathroom when he passed his
son’s room and saw a letter sitting
prominenetly on the pillow. It was
addressed ‘Dad’ and with the
worst premonition he opened the
envelope and read the letter with
trembling hands…..
There are 5 people on a plane when
alarms start to go off and it starts to
nose dive.
The five passengers look around,
and seeing only 4 parachutes, start
to stake their claim.
The first passenger, Barack Obama,
said ‘I’m the leader of the free world
so I can’t die,’ and with that he took
the first parachute and left.
The second passenger, Tony
Abbott, said, ‘I am the Prime
Minister of Australia and I am the
smartest man in Australian history, so
Australia’s people don’t want me to
die.’ He took the second parachute
and jumped out of the plane.
The third passenger, Shane Warne
said, ‘I’m the best spin bowler
Caption ME

Caption this photo of ABBOTT
and TEXT your caption to
your twu on 0413 738 841 to
win great TWU merchandise!
the world has ever seen, and I’m
one of God’s gifts to the female
population,’ and with that Warney
grabbed the third parachute and
jumped.
The fourth passenger, ex-President
George Bush, turned to the fifth
passenger a 10 year old school girl.
‘I have lived a full life and served
my country the best I could. I will
sacrifice my life and let you have the
last parachute.
‘That’s ok Mr President, Australia’s
smartest man grabbed my
back pack so there are still two
parachutes for you and me.’
An old trucker that died and went to
heaven was standing at the pearly
gates with Saint Peter and there sat
the prettiest fleet of Mack Trucks that
he had ever seen. He asked how do
you get to drive one of the Macks?
Saint Peter said ‘It’s unfortunate but
we don’t run them. We get all kinds
of drivers coming to heaven, but we
haven’t ever had a dispatcher.
GOT A JOKE TO TELL?
‘Dear Dad, it is with great regret
and sorrow that I’m writing to you. I
had to elope with my new girlfriend
because I wanted to avoid a scene
with Mum and you. I’ve been
finding real passion with Stacy, and
she is so nice, but I knew you would
not approve of her becasue of her
piercings, tattoos, tight motorcycle
clothes and because she is so much
older than I am. But it’s not only the
passion Dad. She’s pregnant. Stacy
said that we will be very happy.
She owns a trailer in the woods
and has a stack of firewood for the
whole winter. We share a dream
of having many more children.
Stacy has opened my eyes to the
fact that marjijuana doesn’t really
hurt anyone. We’ll be growing it
for ourselves and trading it with the
other people in our commune, for
all the cocaine and ecstacy we
want. In the meantime, we’ll pray
that science will find a cure for AIDS,
so that Stacy can get better. She
sure deserves it. Don’t worry Dad,
I’m 15 and I know how to take care
of myself. Someday, I’m sure we’ll
be back to visit, so you can get to
know your many grandchildren.
Love, your son Joshua.’
ps: Dad, none of the above is
true. I’m over at Jason’s House.
I just wanted to remind you that
there are worse things in life than
the school report that’s
on the kitchen table.
Call when it’s safe
for me to
come home.
Please send your jokes for On The
Move to:
[email protected]
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
27
LEGAL DEPT KICKING GOALS
2014 has been a busy year for the Industrial Department with many battles fought against bosses and,
unfortunately, battles fought against other unions.
The CFMEUQ claimed it could cover
waste truck drivers at Ipswich City Council
and the TWUQ intervened in proceedings
in the Queensland Industrial Relations
Commission which ultimately found that
waste services employees were not eligible
to join the CFMEUQ.
The Industrial Department represented
the interests of local government employees
in the proceedings that led to the making of
the Queensland Local Government Industry
Award 2014. Members covered by that
Award were able to retain some allowances
and conditions that might otherwise have
been lost if the claims of the employer
association had been accepted.
Toll Priority owner drivers won the right
to collectively bargain with Toll with the
ACCC authorising collective bargaining.
The decision to grant authorisation is now
subject to review.
Employers have been active in disputing
our officials’ right to enter workplaces
There have been
some good wins
a in 2014 and
the battles will
continue in 2015.
with several right of entry disputes either
resolved or ongoing. Aero-Care has
commenced proceedings in FWC seeking
to have our Gold Coast organiser’s
right of entry permit revoked and the
permits of all of our officials nationally
suspended. That matter will be heard in
January 2015.
The industrial department has been
battling Cement Australia as it attempts
to introduce compulsory Health Risk
Assessments for drivers. Our members
are concerned that the program is an
unwarranted intrusion into their personal
lives and lifestyle choices. That matter will
be heard by FWC early next year.
Your industrial department has resolved
many unfair dismissal claims during the
course of the year. A claim made on behalf
of a bus driver alleged to have failed to
comply with company policy will be heard
in December 2014.
There have been some good wins in 2014
and the battles will continue in 2015.
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1800 804 533
www.twuqld.ASN.au
28
ONTHEMOVE
Pollie Watch
NEWMAN FAILS
When the G20 took place in November
the world’s eyes turned to QLD and our
city of Brisbane as Queensland became a
household name the world over.
Unfortunately this bloke was here*.
Campbell Newman’s
latest fails:
✗ Throwing away $30 million on
reducing bus fares by a few cents:
money which could be spent on audio
equipped CCTV and Perspex screens for
all buses. (We are still pursuing him for
the money and will continue – see p10)
✗ Taking superior CCTV technology off
Logan City Bus Service which has been
proven as successful in a pilot program
over the last four years
responsibility off to junior
policy committee members
to have meetings in their
backyard
✗
Using $13 million of
Queenslander’s money for the
G20, for which we received
the privilege of road closures,
transport chaos and being told
to leave our city for three days
D
E
T
S
BU
✗ Failing transport workers and the
QLD regions by refusing to hold
statewide consultation on transport
industry issues and instead palming this
✗ Trashing OUR Great
Barrier Reef with the Abbot
Point Coal Terminal
✗ Embarrassing us in
front of world leaders who had to tell
him and his mate Tony Abbott how to do
their job.
(*a problem which we can fix)
Gough Whitlam, 1972.
Tony Abbott, 2014.
Introduced Medicare and funded infrastructure
to build a robust public health system
Attempted to make people pay a co-payment
to see the doctor
Abolished university fees
Increased university fees leaving a child in 2014
with a debt sentence of over $100,000
Opened the airwaves to community radio and
TV in Australia to give working people and
communities a voice
Gutted the ABC with $254 million cut
Introduced a living safety net for those who needed it most at their
time of need
Cut welfare to pensioners, sick people, people, ‘Young People’ under
30, anybody who won’t vote for him.
Making people work until they drop at 70 by lifting pension age.
Freezing your super so you retire with less
Introduced the Abbot Point Coal Terminal to trash QLD’s Great
Barrier Reef, got told off by the US President.
Gave infrastructure to working families when there was none:
including introducing sewerage for homes in the suburbs
Attacked Family Tax Benefit and Child Care
Caption
ME 

WINNERS
Introduced environmental protection legislation to protect QLD’s
Great Barrier Reef
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
And now as the crazy eyed ring master I’m gonna make all
the poor people jump through burning hoops - Brian ‘Lou’
Taylor - Sunbus, Marcoola
I have just screwed another $1 out of every working class
person - Robert Raine, Strathpine - Avis Brisbane Airport
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
29
Save the date – Labour Day 2015!
Labour Day is a day where workers
from across the country come together
and celebrate the achievements of the
Labour movement — the 8 hour working
day, holiday pay, overtime, equal pay
regardless of heritage or gender and paid
parental leave to name just a few.
WHEN: Weekend of May 2 & 3
WHO: All Union members & your families
are invited to come along, enjoy the rides
and catch up with members from across
your area of the world.
WHERE: Your local organiser will be in
touch in the new year!
MAURICE BLACKBURN LAWYERS.
PERSONAL INJURY
EXPERTS.
Work Related Injuries Road Accident Injuries Medical Negligence
Faulty Products Employment & Industrial Law Superannuation & Disability Insurance
Class Actions Asbestos Diseases Public Liability Comcare Death Claims
OFFICES IN:
Brisbane*
Browns Plains^
Caboolture
RECOMMENDED LAWYERS FOR
1800 804 533
Cairns
Gladstone
Gold Coast^^
Ipswich
Mackay
Rockhampton
Accredited Specialists Personal Injury Law
*Rod Hodgson, *Peter Koutsoukis, *Sarah Vallance, *Sugath
Wijedoru, *Michelle James, **Trent Johnson, ^Jillian Barrett,
^^Alison Barrett
Strathpine
Sunshine Coast**
Toowoomba
Townsville
1800 810 812
wefightforfair.com.au
www.twuqld.ASN.au
30
ONTHEMOVE
UNITED TO WIN
With the historic result in Victoria in recent weeks, where a Labor Government was returned after only one
term in opposition, many were reporting what we had already learnt in Queensland during the by-elections in
Redcliffe and Stafford earlier in 2014.
TWU delegates getting behind the
candidate for Greenslopes Joe Kelly.
WHEN THE POLITICAL and Industrial
arms of the Labour movement work together
there are no limitations to what can be
achieved.
The labour movement in Australia, the
industrial and political wings working
together, has a proud history of achievement
from the 8 hour working day to annual
leave, equal pay and paid parental leave.
While these fantastic achievements were
made in to law by the Australian Labor Party
the foundations of these policies lie with the
trade unions – no improvements to workers
conditions were achieved without strong
trade unionist like yourself keeping the
politicians honest.
Early next year you will again be heading
to the polls to determine the next leader of
Queensland.
Very little can be achieved by standing
outside the tent and yelling but as workers
in the transport industry, we are faced with a
stark choice.
We can elect a government in the pockets
of big business and their mates, stripping the
state assets for a quick cash flow and ripping
up all environmental protections.
www.facebook.com/TWUQLD
Or we can choose to elect a government
made up of local representatives that are
dedicated to job creation and fair working
conditions.
‘We have never blindly supported any
government, but rather identified candidates
who are committed to standing up for the
issues that members have identified as
important,’ State Secretary Peter Biagini
said.
Www.youtube.com/TWUQLD
‘We need
action on Waste
Contracts and
continuity of
entitlements,
improving safety
on Buses and
ensuring standards
are maintained
throughout the
tendering process,’
Peter said. ‘So
far there are only
a handful of
candidates that are
listening the issues
being raised by our members and they’re
the ones we’ll be backing at the next state
election.’
Together we can make our vote count
at this election and make sure Queensland
continues to be the country of the fair go
for all.
➤ Want to get more involved in a local
campaign to protect jobs in to the future?
Contact your TWU on 1800 804 533 and
ask for Sarah.
twitter.com/TWUQueensland
ONTHEMOVE
31
A Christmas Fable
‘Santa Claus, Santa Claus’, shouted
the kids. Kids of all shapes and sizes.
Kids with running noses and kids with
missing teeth. Excited kids with over
excited parents. A sea of shouting
children had gathered outside Santa’s
house and were squealing for his
attention. Poor Santa Claus quivered
inside his little home. Unable to bear
the noise, Santa escaped through the
chimney and decided to look for a new
home, far far away from the city.
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His needs were simple. All he wanted
was some peace and quiet. He flew
around the world searching for the
perfect place and finally decided to
settle down in the middle of a desert.
Things were great for a while. There
was not a soul around except for
the occasional lizard and the curious
vultures. A few months later, the
loneliness began to get to him. So he
decided to move home again. Santa
flew down to the little known island in
the middle of the ocean and set up a
shack by the silver beaches under the
swaying coconut trees. Life was great,
until the passing sailors spread news
about his location. Soon his house was
surrounded. Tourists with their wishlists and tribals with their souvenirs
created a carnival outside his house.
Sadly, Santa had to sail away again.
He reached the freezing North pole.
A land of ice and snow, where few
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men ventured. Santa was cold and
tired and his nose was frozen but
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he had nowhere else to go. A group
of merry elves chanced upon the
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brooding Santa. Soon a crackling fire
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secrets and stories, someone took out
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a fiddle and began to play. The stars
were twinkling as the reindeers came
SANTA CAROLS
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out to join the circle dancing. Through
CRACKERS
DECORATIONS ELF
SUMMER
the night one could hear the music of
LIGHTS
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the elves and the booming laughter of
GINGERBREAD
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STOCKING
Santa Claus.
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CHRISTMASBEACH
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NATIVITY
XMAS COMPETITION
Name:_____________________________________________________
Age: _______________Phone: ________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Send your entry to:
On The Move Kids Competition
PO Box 452, Cannon Hill 4170
1800 804 533
The next morning, Santa was getting
ready to leave, but the little elves held
on to his hands and pleaded with him
to stay for one more day. Years have
passed, but if you venture near the
north pole, you may still experience the
magic of Santa Claus and the elves.
For this icy landscape of the arctic
circle is a place that Santa now calls
home.
Moral: Wonderful friends create a
wonderful life. This Christmas, take
time out to connect with friends who
make your life wonderful.
www.twuqld.ASN.au
Run only to
benefit you.
TWUSUPER has a 25 year history of delivering strong
long-term investment performance, low fees and friendly,
professional service for our members.
So if you work in transport – whether it’s behind the wheel
or behind a desk – it’s good to know that there’s an industry
super fund run only to benefit you.
Speak to the people who understand the
transport industry.
Call 1800 222 071 or visit www.twusuper.com.au
> Low fees > Run only to benefit members > No commissions
www.twusuper.com.au
TWU Nominees Pty Limited ABN 67 002 835 412, AFSL 239163, is the trustee of TWU Superannuation Fund (TWUSUPER) ABN 77 343 563 307 and the issuer of interests in it. Past performance is not a reliable
indicator of future performance. A copy of the current Product Disclosure Statement should be obtained from TWUSUPER (at www.twusuper.com.au or by calling 1800 222 071) and considered carefully before you
make any decision whether to acquire the product or to continue to hold the product.
TWUS 33087