fnq bus fires in our 2012 summer journal. - twu queensland

ONTHEMOVET W U Q L D : R a n k - a n d - F i l e S t r e n g t h

CONFERENCE 2012 PAGES 15-19

SUMMER 2012 ♦ VOLUME 2 ♦ ISSUE 4www.twuqld.org.au

DELEGATES ORGANSING FOR

POWERFROM KNOWLEDGE

COMES POWERUNION PROUDSTANDING STRONGTAKING IT TO THE STREETS

ONTHEMOVE 3CONTENTS

2012: another big year at the twu

FREE CALL

1800 804 533

T: 3890 3066F: 3890 1105E: [email protected]

Peter Biagini

Secretary

Scott Connolly

Assistant Secretary

Angela Brown

Executive Assistant3890 6203

MEMBERSHIP

Jenny Daye3890 6205Janette McCallum3890 6204

RECRUITMENT /

INDUCTIONS

Russell Vieritz 0477 444 125

CONTACT YOUR UNION

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 e-mail at [email protected], or send mail to On the Move, PO Box 452, Cannon Hill 4170.

FNQ

Janine Aitken0419 413 586

SOUTH-

EASTERN

Billy Berka (Sunshine Coast) 0407 695 750Troy Fernandez (North Brisbane) 0411 875 909Peter Ferguson (South-East Brisbane) 0428 191 489Brad Wyatt (South-West Brisbane) 0418 420 764Mick Ehlert (Gold Coast and Scenic Rim) 0417 744 518

NORTH

Tom Pfund0411 556 823

CENTRAL

Robert Fitzpatrick 0438 294 037

SOUTH-

WESTERN AND

SOUTHERN

Brendan Bogle0411 875 903

AIRLINE INDUSTRY CO-ORDINATORPeter Paulos 0411 875 906

GENERAL TRANSPORT / OWNER-DRIVER INDUSTRY CO-ORDINATORGraham Garrett0411 875 905

BUSES / TAXIS / LOCAL GOVERNMENT INDUSTRY CO-ORDINATORBob Giddens0422 418 417

WASTE / CASH-IN-TRANSIT / OIL AND GAS / HEALTH INDUSTRY CO-ORDINATORCraig Williams0411 819 268

INDUSTRIAL

Adam Carter3890 6208

Margarita Cerrato3890 6209

FINANCE

Kay Stanley3890 6207

COMMUNICATIONS

Sarah Mawhinney0413 738 8413890 6215

MARKETING AND

MEDIA OFFICER

Mick O’Brien0411 875 9103890 6214

BLOODY WELL DONE

Your feedback

KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK

2012 has been another big year for your TWU. The Safe Rates was passed this year and was the result of 20 years of campaigning to improve safety on our roads. With the Safe Rates Tribunal set to commence on January 1, 2013 we are one step closer to ensuring that fewer people lose their lives on our roads every year.

From Tony ‘Murph’ Murphy, Surfside Buslines:

AS A former tabloid editor now driving for Surfside, I must congratulate whoever is responsible for the graphic arts side of the magazine.

The illustrations are terrifi c and would certainly be attracting more and more members to read the important articles.

Searching for those illustrative photos is time-consuming but ultimately worthwhile: the man with his head in the cannon; the skyscraper workers sitting on a steel beam; Charlie Chaplin on his arse; the codger before a mountain of fi les; the pork pies; the skier with the icy beard; the lamb — all these show that you guys are interested in your work, in your readers, and that you are going the extra mile.

Bloody well done.

From Chris Bennett, Oil & Gas

BRENDAN, hope your well. MCJV has fi nally given me that contract that I was chasing and I have just fi nished my fi rst stint with them. So Brendan i would like to say thank you very, very much for all the advice and help that you and the TWU gave me.

I can only imagine that you have a very diffi cult job at times. Please never stop doing your job — you do it well and again thank you.

Also mate I would to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy and safe New Year.

2 YOUR FEEDBACK Bloody well done

Keep up the great work3 PETER BIAGINI

2012: Another big year at the TWU 4 NEWS

Organised yard to deliver RDO’s Organising Owens5 NEWS

‘Without workers’ comp we would have been stuffed’

Success at Australia Post6 NEWS

StarTrack slot into Australia PostRetiring strong: John Hill

7 NEWSWomen members On The Move

Notices to all members8-9 AVIATION ‘Lettuce’ Pray … That Qantas Fixes Up

This Mess!10 LIFE’S A JOKE!11 NEWS

Working under an ABN – may be SHAM contracting

Landmark victory for Qantas member

12 NEWSTWU survey Goondiwindi long distance drivers

Christmas in the country13 NEWS

Doin’ it for the kids Followmonts forced to fork out

$11,000 backpay14 NEWS

FNQ’s self combusting buses Central QLD Growth15 DELEGATES CONFERENCE

Delegate Conference Success Paying respect16-17 ORGANISING FOR POWER18 Taking it to the streets Your say on conference 201219 TRAINING

From knowledge comes power!20 NEWS

Caught in the middle21 NEWS

Your new TWU website 23 NEWS

Your TWU fi ghting to open the gate at TPI

24 NEWSTackling the Wild West

25 NATIONALSaving our air space

26 NEWSGetting out to our regions

27 NEWSInjured TWU Bus Driver Secures Strong Outcome

Retiring Strong29 NEWS

Delegate Delivers 29 INTRODUCING

Mick Ehlert: your new Gold Coast organiser

30 NEWS IN BRIEFSafety before profi ts!

Toilet Paper Remorse?31 KIDS’ PAGE32 SCROLL OF HONOUR

Tribute to 30, 25 and 20 year members

2012 also saw the Qantas arbitration conclude. While the result did not deliver everything that was being fought for the result saw some signifi cant achievements for members and was the result of Qantas members standing together across Queensland and across Australia.

The waste campaign to introduce portable long service leave was strengthened by the commitment to the introduction of portable long service leave by local government and state opposition members.

2012 also saw your TWU continue to campaign to improve safety for Bus drivers across Queensland. It is

completely unacceptable in 2012 for any worker to fear assault or abuse in their workplace and it’s about time the state government strted taking this issue seriously.

Over the past two years your TWU has been making a lot of changes to the structure and organising capacity of your TWU and the results really speak for themselves. With record growth in 2012 your TWU has reached the largest number of total fi nancial members since 2010.

With this growth comes a need to invest in more resources, which is why your delegates and your Branch Committee of Management voted unanimously to a program to increase fees. In

2013 membership will increase by 94 cents per week to ensure that your TWU continues to deliver the resources and results that you have come to expect.

SEASONS GREETINGSAt this time of the year I would like to wish you and your family the best and wish you a safe and merry festive season.

I look forward to catching up with you, across Queensland, in 2013.

Regards

Peter Biagini

OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS YOUR TWU HAS BEEN MAKING A LOT OF CHANGES TO THE STRUCTURE AND ORGANISING CAPACITY OF YOUR TWU AND THE RESULTS REALLY SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.

ONTHEMOVE 54 ONTHEMOVE

THE Newman Government has announced a review of Queensland’s workers’ compensation scheme. It seems that whenever governments conduct reviews, workers’ rights have been attacked and diminished.

In light of this, your union delivered a strong submission to the review.

‘Before I entered Parliament to provide my verbal submission I spoke to Sandra Trevena to hear again how signifi cant workers comp had been to her and her family over the past couple of months,’ State Secretary Peter Biagini said. ‘Unfortunately we were only allowed 90 seconds for submissions which was hardly enough time to get to the heart of the matter.’

There must be no change to your right to claim for journey accidents. We’ve explained to the Committee that our industry is such that the likelihood of journey accidents is higher than usual, since transport workers rely on private transport

more than most sectors of the economy.

Key to the preservation of this part of the scheme is the fact that journey accidents only make up just six per cent of lodged claims, and these fi gures have remained steady over the last decade.

The need for journey cover to remain within the scheme to protect transport workers could not have been made more clear 9 months ago when TWU member Greg Travena, while travelling to work, hit a block of wood on the road and came off his bike. He skidded along on his face, slammed up against a guardrail before he came to a stop. In the fi rst few hours after the accident Gary died twice.

‘Without WorkCover we’d be completely homeless, we wouldn’t be able to feed ourselves or pay our mortgage,’ Sandra Trevena said. ‘We wouldn’t even be able to afford the parking for the medical appointments let alone the medications if WorkCover wasn’t available.’

With changes to similar schemes in NSW following the election of a conservative state government the Newman led team looks likely to follow suit with changes to thresholds a likely result.

‘I can’t imagine how people would go through something like this if there wasn’t any support,’ Sandra said. ‘It’s not about enjoying life to the fullest anymore it’s just about getting through every day – hour by hour.’

‘It is essential to the very

Greg Travene following his accident

‘WITHOUT WORKERs’ Comp WE WOULD HAVE BEEN STUFFED’In late October TWU State Secretary Peter Biagini addressed the Queensland Government review in to the Workers’ Compensation scheme at Parliament House with a message for the government from Sandra Trevena ‘Without workers comp we would have been stuffed – leave it alone!’

survival of families like Sandra’s and Gary’s that QLD not follow the precedent set by the NSW government and keep the WorkCover scheme intact,’ Peter said. ‘Given the lack of regard for working families this government has shown so far I’m not holding my breath that they’ll do the right thing.’

ADD YOUR VOICE! Support the campaign to keep the QLD Workers Compensation Scheme the way it is by signing the petition at standfor qld.com.au

MORETON BAY Regional Council Transpacifi c Industries (TPI) waste yard is the result of the merging of a former Thiess yard and a JJ Richards yard.

In the previous waste contracts the members were employed under, RDO’s were included however after the merger there was no provision for RDO’s in the new agreement.

‘I sat down and did the fi gures and found that the company would be saving money if they introduced RDO’s – it helps when you can show that the company benefi ts in these

ORGANISED YARD TO DELIVER RDO’s sorts negotiations,’ Gary said. ‘I spoke to management who weren’t overly enthusiastic so I contacted our organiser Matt Morgan for some advice.’

members to sign up in support. In the fi rst the petition for RDO’s received overwhelming support from the yard so Gary took it to management.

At the time of going to print Gary was confi dent that the with the level of support that had been generated for the introduction of RDO’s at the TPI Moreton Bay yard that the vote would go their way.

‘This is a great example of what organising for power really means,’ State Secretary Peter Biagini said. ‘Gary and the members at TPI worked together with their mates and their union to gain respect from their management and improve their working environment — a fantastic result.’

This is a great example of what organising for power really means

‘Matt’s advice was that is we could prove our case and organise the yard in support we’d have a good chance of getting the RDO’s,’ Gary said.

The fi rst step was to develop a petition and encourage the

Management still weren’t convinced however when Gary presented the petition in conjunction with the fi gures proving the company would be better off they fi nally allowed the issue to go to a vote.

HAVING raised concerns over their struggle for cost recovery, TWU is working with Owens Transport drivers to form a collaborative approach to negotiate wage increases so they can again run their Owner/Driver businesses sustainably.

‘Our members are telling us they are now operating at unsustainable rates, and while we will do what we can, we really need all drivers to unite,’ Branch Secretary Peter Biagini said.

‘Together they can make a difference to better their future,

but we’ve got to get organised fi rst.’

Linking importers, exporters and wharves across the country, the entire Owens Transport fl eet is run by Owner/Drivers.

‘If voted for by members, over the next twelve months we will have a true-cost formula calculated professionally by a third party to identify the real cost and worth our drivers are to Owens, compare that to what they are currently being paid and bring structure to their pay,’ Peter continued.

‘We recently had a true cost document completed with Ceva

Logistics and it was eye-opening for the company.

‘It also brought structure to the wages and conditions.’

Owner/Drivers have to take on the rise and fall of recovery costs and maintenance delays, and without a correct agreement in place, there is no pay structure.

‘Once our members unite,

Organising Owensand if they can bring in new members, together we will have increased power to negotiate with Owens Transport.’

If you are an Owner/Driver and are struggling to recover costs or work somewhere that has an unstructured pay, get in touch with your TWU on 1800 804 533.

Once our members unite ... together we will have increased power to negotiate with Owens Transport

Success at Australia PostTWU Delegate Jason Vardy, Industrial Offi cer Margarita Cerrato and Assistant State Secretary Scott Connolly appeared for TWU members at Fair Work Australia last week taking up members concerns over the lack of proper consultation.

After your TWU told the tribunal the dispute was none of the Communication Workers Union’s business the CWU representative was asked to leave the room.

As a result of the TWU taking Australia Post to the Fair Work Tribunal the following was agreed:1. Australia Post will meet

with TWU representatives, (including Delegates) to genuinely discuss and consult over the impact of Stages 2 and 3 of the Letters Transition on TWU members prior to any fi nal decisions being made or implemented

2. Australia Post and TWU representatives agree to

implement an ongoing process of genuine consultation in accordance with the Australia Post agreement on a equal basis, ie: TWU representative consults with Post and Post consults with the TWU and its representatives

3. Australia Post will meet and recognise TWU delegates representing affected members and Australia Post employees from relevant workplace areas as required

from time to time.‘This result is a good step

forward, and clears things up for a lot of TWU members at Post,’ Assistant State Secretary Scott Connolly said.

In the weeks to come we will be meeting with members to identify their issues and concerns about the future and sitting down with Post management. Your TWU is committed to making this process work and hope that Australia Post is as well.


NOTICES TO ALL MEMBERSElections: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 2010, an exemption may be granted from holding an election for those same positions in the TWU Queensland Branch.

Members may fi le 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 offi ce for further information.

Financials Statements 2011:An amended version of the 2011 fi nancial statement is available on our website. To view the 2011 fi nancial statement please go to www.twuqld.asn.au

EMMA Miller recipient Lynne Kenny danced all night long after receiving the 2012 TWU Emma Miller award,

‘It was a lovely evening,’ Lynne said. ‘It was especially nice to have my husband and son watching as I accepted the award.’

‘These sort of events are really important in recognising the invaluable role our workplace representatives play,’ State Secretary Peter Biagini said. ‘It was a great night.’

While the Emma Miller

program provides a great opportunity to recognise outstanding contributions, participate in the program is also part of a larger strategy to increase the number of women participating in your TWU.

‘In late 2011 your TWU committed to the task of increasing the number of female members over the course of 3 years from just under 4% to 10% of total membership,’ Peter said.

‘While a modest target, by the end of 2012 we are on track to reach this goal in half the time.’

DO YOU WANT TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN YOUR TWU? FEMALE MEMBERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO GET INVOLVED IN YOUR TWU WOMEN’S COMMITTEE, THE ANNA STEWART PROJECT OR NOMINATE FOR THE 2013 EMMA MILLER AWARD. CONTACT SARAH ON 0413 738 841 TO FIND OUT MORE.

In the last edition of On the Move we profi led the 2012 TWU Emma Miller award recipient. Read on to fi nd out how the night went.

CALLING ACTIVE TWU WOMEN

Women members on the move

STARTRACK drivers have raised concerns over potential changes to their award following the ACCC approved full ownership buyout by Australia Post.

‘Our members were satisfi ed with their award under the Qantas and Australia Post joint venture, but with the buyout they are concerned,’ explained South-West Brisbane Regional Coordinator Brad Wyatt.

‘The takeover took place

StarTrack slot into Australia Post

in early November, and while the business will remain as StarTrack, our members have expressed concern that Australia Post will dramatically change their conditions and reduce hours and overtime.’

Your TWU are in discussions with Australia Post, who are focused on building their express freight market.

‘We’ve spent some time out at the depots, talking to members and discussing their concerns

which we are taking with us into negotiations,’ Brad said.

‘Negotiations have begun and despite Australia Post’s continued efforts to deny equal rights to representation and consultation, we will work hard to ensure they don’t change the conditions on our drivers.’

Since Australia Post expressed its want to buyout StarTrack, membership to TWU has increased nationally by thousands.

‘The member increase gives us more power to get the right EBA for our members, and we urge our members to talk to non-members to get on-board,’ Brad explained.

‘After-all it is your work and your life and together we can make a difference.’

If you work for StarTrack or Australia Post and have concerns or want to join the TWU, get in touch with your TWU Regional Organiser today on 1800 804 553.

PROUD Toowoomba Union Delegate John Hill has hung up his Roadtek boots after an illustrious career that started out the same year Harold Holt became the Australian Prime Minister, Star Trek beamed onto our airwaves and the year Cindy Crawford was born.

But more to the point, John has enjoyed 43 of his 46 TWU years in Toowoomba’s Roadtek, where he held multiple roles including taking on the TWU delegate role in 1995.

‘I joined the TWU because I wanted to be a part of a union, and I’ve really enjoyed it,’ John said of his 46 years.

John received a special presentation at the Toowoomba Christmas Party.

‘John is a local identity who will be missed,’ Regional Organiser Brendan Bogle said.

‘He’ll be a great fi gure in our Veterans Club and I look forward to catching up with John as he transitions into his retirement.’

Retiring strong: John Hill

Now thanks to your TWU Veterans Club, John will be able to join the exclusive 50-year TWU club. For more information on the benefi ts of joining our Veterans Club visit www.twuqld.asn.au/get-involved/veterans-club

TWU State Secretary Peter Biagini congratulates John


LAST edition of On The Move canvassed some of the awful decisions leading to the record loss of $245m — decisions that appalled the business community.

Larrikin ad man and John Singleton, who had wanted to invest in Qantas before Alan Joyce’s stint as CEO, summed up the poor performance thus: ‘If [Virgin Australia CEO John] Borghetti and Joyce swapped airlines, the Qantas share price would go up and Virgin’s would go down, no question.’

Singleton, The Australian reported, said there was a ‘leadership black hole’ at the airline.

Alan Joyce ‘has no people skills and it’s all bad, bad, bad [news],’ he continued, and ended his damning verdict thus: ‘When they start announcing record losses instead of record profi ts and the solution is no new planes, you know they haven’t got a clue.’

Given all this, it’s fair to ask: Is Alan Joyce as CEO the lightning rod for diffusing bad business vibes throughout the company? The shoddy state of affairs at Q-Catering is a case in point.

‘CRYOVAC KING’ BAGGED!Last year, 55 per cent of the chefs at Q-Catering took voluntary redundancies.

The remaining chefs were rostered off Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday so Qantas could avoid paying penalties. Management’s brilliant plan was to put them on Monday to Thursday, cryovac-ing the food that would be required at the end of the week.

By Sunday afternoon, the operation is running out of food, and all weekend staff are asking for food that hasn’t been cooked.

By Monday morning there is no food. The food-production area starts at 0400, and the chefs start at 0700.

Double-handling and wasted time are the norm.

If the operation is running as smoothly as it can under these ridiculous circumstances, the chefs and the production staff are in sync by the Wednesday — but then the cycle starts again.

‘You’re asking people to cook seven days’ food in four – when the food is not even in

the building,’ one fl abbergasted worker told On The Move. Workers have taken to calling the manager who ushered in this mania for plastic-wrapped chow ‘The Cryovac King’.

Last year, food that had been prepared but not cryovac-ed was thrown out because management would not pay overtime. This happened three times, and each incident represented up to $10,000 in waste.

But it’s not just staff who are angry about the workings at Q-Catering. When Qantas’ catering consultant and famous chef Neil Perry discovered that his Business-Class meals were being cryovac-ed, he hit the roof.

who would want to eat a two-day-old salad?Receipting is not being carried out.

Paperwork is dumped en masse at the end of the day, if at all. Qantas had planned for four deliveries a day; instead, they received up to eight. Dockhands have to spend 12 to 15 man-hours per delivery to unload.

DHL isn’t hitting its target times, deliveries planned for 14-berth trucks are being made with 24-berth trucks. In-house inventory accuracy was at 96 per cent. After DHL came in, a check of 20 items found that none of them were correct. One pair of drivers spent 45 minutes fi xing up the trolleys before they could go on the plane.

Meanwhile, workers witness the farcical fl ailing of a Qantas management obsessed with cutting staff and outsourcing work.

The fi rst round of redundancies saw 30 workers punted, but during that time two new managers were hired.

Workers co-operated on the fi rst round of redundancies; now the operation is struggling to cope. This round of

redundancies will be over-subscribed because, according to one worker, ‘it’s total, utter frustration … people are desperate to walk away from this … it’s a nightmare.’

Labour-hire staff are walking into the building and leading a section (equivalent to a Level 6). ‘How is the system working when you’ve got a labour-hire person — who can only be paid as a Level 2 — working as a Level 6?’ your Branch Vice-President Wayne Bailey asked.

There have been 22 expressions of interest in the latest round of redundancies. Most of these are from chefs and drivers the company does not want to lose. Up to 60 positions will be made redundant.

REAPING THE WHIRLWIND This is the lie of the land at Q-Catering: Permanent staff never know whether labour-hire staff have been trained. Labour-hire attrition is up to 93 per cent. Management refuses to train permanent staff who have requested it, but it will provide inadequate training (conducted by untrained trainers) to labour-hire staff. General training of permanent staff is inadequate. Specials staff have not received proper training.

Qantas is hoping to shore up the operation by preserving three key client airlines — Cathay, Singapore, and Thai — and the talk is that Alan Joyce is waiting for the right time to sell it. But can Qantas keep the clients — and the viability of the business — if it continues to operate like this?

That’s an outcome that appears increasingly unlikely.

A labour-hire worker in the Specials area put chicken in a vegetarian meal. The vegetarian Sikh passenger whose fork picked up that chicken duly made a complaint. Verdict: OFFENSIVE

A Singapore business-class meal required a ginger glaze. Only a skeleton crew was working, because it was the weekend. The glaze couldn’t be cooked, so julienned ginger was stirred into ‘Oriental’ sauce. Verdict: SUB-STANDARD

Outsourced food is being brought into the building and stored in dirty bread crates. Verdict:

DANGEROUS

Poached eggs on Singapore Airlines’ menu have a use-by date four days after preparation. Verdict:

OFF-PUTTING

Procurement is so poor that in one incident there was no safe yoghurt to replace expired yoghurt. Staff had to go to Woolworths to pick up yoghurt. Verdict: INCOMPETENT

One menu cycle required wild rice. It never arrived during that cycle, then turned up after the cycle was over. It had to be warehoused while a use for it was conceived. Verdict:

INEFFICIENT

There was no smoked duck for a Neil Perry recipe, so it was replaced with Peking Duck! V erdict: SAME-SAME, BUT

DIFFERENT!

‘LETTUCE’ PRAY … THAT QANTAS FIXES UP THIS MESS!TWO-DAY-OLD SALADS, ‘THE CRYOVAC KING’, AND A SHAT-OFF CHEFQ-Catering Brisbane exemplifi es why the company needs to examine its failed business practices

One worker familiar with Perry’s exchange with Qantas management related how the chef said that if the cryovac-ing of his food didn’t cease, ‘I will take you to court.’

Realising the implications of ignoring Perry’s demand, management was forced to put on fi ve to six labour-hire chefs on the weekends to replace the ones it lost when it moved to cryovac-ing food in bulk.

Of course, Perry could only effect change in the part of the menu he sets. Qantas Economy meals, and the Economy meals of client airlines, are still bagged up during the week.A WILTING REPUTATIONThe new catering building is currently three months behind schedule, and $10 million over budget. So bad are the cost over-runs that the plan for a robotic line has had to be binned.

Qantas’ use of DHL to handle logistics has been a demonstrable failure. The process is so poor that the expiration date on salads has been doubled to 48 hours.

Can you think of any airline passenger

OH NO THEY DIDN’T!THE UGLY TRUTH AT Q-CATERING

Can you think of any airline passenger who would want to eat a two-day-old salad?


Today’s global challenges require the North Pole to continue to look for better, more competitive steps. Effective immediately, the following economy measures are to take place in the “Twelve Days of Christmas’ subsidiary:1. The partridge will be

retained, but the pear tree never turned out to be the cash crop forecasted. It will be replaced by a plastic hanging plant, providing considerable savings in maintenance.

2. The two turtle doves represent a redundancy that is simply not cost effective. In addition, their romance during working hours could not be condoned. The positions are therefore eliminated.

3. The three French hens will remain intact. After all, everyone loves the French.

4. The four calling birds were replaced by an automated voice mail system, with a call waiting option. An analysis is underway to determine who the birds have been calling, how often and how long they talked.

5. The fi ve golden rings have been put on hold by the Board of Directors.

Maintaining a portfolio based on one commodity could have negative implications for institutional investors. Diversifi cation into other precious metals as well as a mix of T-Bills and high technology stocks appear to be in order.

6. The six geese-a-laying constitutes a luxury which can no longer be afforded. It has long been felt that the production rate of one egg per goose per day is an example of the decline in productivity. Three geese will be let go, and an upgrade in the selection procedure by personnel will assure management that from now on every goose it gets will be a good one.

7. The seven swans-a-swimming is obviously a number chosen in better times. Their function is primarily decorative. Mechanical swans are on order. The current swans will be retrained to learn some new strokes and therefore enhance their outplacement.

8. As you know, the eight maids-a-milking concept has been under heavy scrutiny by the EEOC. A male/female balance in the workforce is being sought. The more militant maids consider this a dead-end

job with no upward mobility. Automation of the process may permit the maids to try a-mending, a-mentoring or a-mulching.

9. Nine ladies dancing has always been an odd number. This function will be phased out as these individuals grow older and can no longer do the steps.

10. Ten Lords-a-leaping is overkill. The high cost of Lords plus the expense of international air travel prompted the Compensation Committee to suggest replacing this group with ten out-of-work congressmen. While leaping ability may be somewhat sacrifi ced, the savings are signifi cant because we expect an oversupply of unemployed congressmen this year.

11. Eleven pipers piping and twelve drummers drumming is a simple case of the band getting too big.

Life’s a joke!

Q Why is Christmas just like a day at the office ?

A You do all the work and the fat guy with the suit gets all the credit.

Q Just before Christmas, there was an honest politician, a kind lawyer and Santa Claus travelling in a lift of a very posh hotel. Just before the doors opened they all noticed a $ 5 note lying on the floor. Which one picked it up??

A Santa of course, the other two don’t exist!

MAURICE Blackburn lawyers recently secured a landmark court victory against Qantas on behalf of a TWU member, a case that has the potential to benefi t all workers who work in heavy manual duties.

We fought the case on behalf of TWU member Bill,* who worked as a Qantas baggage handler for almost 16 years, regularly having to do heavy manual lifting that put great strain on his back.

In 2010, Bill suffered a serious back injury that required surgery after stepping from a baggage tug, an injury that fl owed on from years of straining his back from constant heavy lifting at work.

At fi rst, Qantas accepted Bill’s claim for compensation for his injury, however it soon became clear he would no longer be able to work as a

IMAGINE IF ALAN JOYCE WAS LET LOOSE ON CHRISTMAS – OLIVIA WIRTH WOULD BE SENDING OUT A PRESS RELEASE A LITTLE LIKE THIS ONE:

A substitution with a string quartet, a cut back on new music and no uniforms will produce savings which will drop right down to the bottom line.

12. We can expect a substantial reduction in assorted people, fowl, animals and other expenses. Though incomplete, studies indicate that stretching deliveries over twelve days is ineffi cient. If we can drop ship in one day, service levels will be improved.

Regarding the lawsuit fi led by the attorney’s association seeking expansion to include the legal profession (“thirteen lawyers-a-suing’), action is pending.

Lastly, it is not beyond consideration that deeper cuts may be necessary in the future to stay competitive. Should that happen, the Board will request management to scrutinize the Snow White Division to see if seven dwarfs is the right number.

Ten Lord’s-a-leaping

Land mark victory for Qantas memberAndrew McKenzie / Principal / Maurice Blackburn Lawyer

baggage handler, so Maurice Blackburn also sought to recover further damages for Bill’s lost earnings and medical bills from Qantas.

Qantas fought this, arguing that compensation should only be given for the date Bill was injured and not recognising the role nearly 16 years of heavy lifting at work and reduced crew

sizes had played in an injury that ultimately ended his career.

This forced Maurice Blackburn to have to take Bill’s fi ght to the District Court, which accepted our argument and ordered Qantas to proceed with his claim, and Bill is thankfully now much closer to having his matter settled to help him get on with his life with some fi nancial

security after losing his income. This outcome is a major

victory, not just for those in the airline industry, but for all workers who regularly do heavy manual duties.

For a start, it greatly improves access to damages for workers injured over periods of time, not just in a single injury. And it is also signifi cant in that it will greatly help to cut red tape for workers by reducing hurdles placed in the way by Qantas.

Maurice Blackburn is very proud to have achieved this victory not just for Bill and the TWU, but for all workers — we have a proud history of fi ghting back for workers’ rights and we’ll keep doing this.

■ Andrew McKenzie is a Principal with Maurice Blackburn lawyers and is based in the fi rm’s Caboolture offi ce.

*Not client’s real name.

This outcome is a major victory, not just for those in the airline industry, but for all workers who regularly do heavy manual duties

IN THE transport industry there are many owner drivers who work under contracts for services (independent contractors) rather than contracts of service (i.e employment).

However, some employers also try to engage drivers under an ‘ABN’ when they are not really independent contractors and this may be sham contracting to avoid their obligations as employers.

Under the Fair Work Act 2009 it is an offence to employ someone on a contract for services when the relationship is in fact that of employer and employee. It is also an offence

to sack an employee in order to engage them as a contractor under an ABN.

In order to determine whether someone is a genuine contractor or an employee it has to be determined whether or not the worker could be said to be conducting a business of their own. The following tests are generally applied in order to make that determination:

Whether the person works at the direction of the employer – for example, working set rosters and performing work in accordance with directions

Whether a person is paid regularly and those payments aren’t tied to the completion of actual tasks

Whether or not the person is free to do work for others

Whether or not the person wears the uniform of the employer

Whether the person supplies their own tools and/or equipment

Whether the person advertises their services independently and whether they spend signifi cant amounts on their own business investment

Where after consideration of the above it is unclear, then Fair Work Australia or a Court is guided primarily by whether it can be said that, viewed practically, the individual in question was or was not running his or her own business or enterprise independently as distinct from operating as a representative of another business with little or no independence in the conduct of their work.

Working under an ABN – may be SHAM contractingMargarita Cerrato, Your Industrial Officer

Under the Fair Work Act 2009 it is an offence to employ someone on a contract for services when the relationship is in fact that of employer and employee


AS PART of the nation wide Safe Rates campaign that gets fully underway in January 2013, the TWU QLD Van hit the road to survey long distance drivers who pitted in Goondiwindi.

Choosing the large BP truck stop as a base, the two-day event saw the team have over 100 conversations with truckies to fi nd out what really is happening to them and what pressures and conditions companies are putting on Australia’s long distance drivers.

General Transport Coordinator Graham Garret, and Regional Organiser Brendan Bogle were both onsite chatting to the drivers.

‘It was a good exercise to get out there and talk about safe rates and complete the surveys, but also to come out with the van and talk to both members and non-members alike,’ Graham said.

‘The majority of drivers were happy to talk to us and complete the surveys as they can see what the TWU are working toward.

‘Although it also become apparent there are still come cowboys out there. Some didn’t want to talk to us through fear of incriminating themselves while others didn’t know about the change in our administration.’

Brendan echoed Graham’s thoughts.

‘Its great to get our name out here and remind drivers that the TWU is here for them

and that we are under a new administration and that things are changing for the better.’

‘Its important that we spend time in regional Queensland and remind drivers we are here and that we are here to help.’

Keep an eye out for the van as it continues its way around the State. If you see the van parked, pull in for a chat and see what is happening with your TWU and the transport industry.

Check out the results of the survey at www.twu.com.au

The annual Southern and South-western Christmas party kicked the festive season off to a jingle in Toowoomba this year, with almost 100 TWU members, families and staff coming together for a night of refl ection and celebration.

With a focus on the year that was and the year ahead, Regional Organiser Brendan Bogle was joined by guest

TWU survey Goondiwindi long distance drivers

General Transport Lead Graham Garrett, Southern and South West Organiser Brendan Bogle, Sunshine Coast Organiser Billy Berka and Delegate Andrew Gaffney in Goondiwindi surveying members

speaker Branch Secretary Peter Biagini, Assistant Branch Secretary Scott Connolly and Branch President Brad Wyatt.

‘It was a great night and a great opportunity to get our members, delegates, staff and families together in an informal environment,’ Brendan said.

‘We showed videos of what’s been done from the past 12 months and Peter talked about

our focus and our plans for the year ahead, I encourage any member who couldn’t make it to join us for next year’s event.’

The night was capped off with food and drinks, lucky door prizes and give-aways, graciously provided by our partners Maurice Blackburn Lawyers, TWUSUPER, ME Bank, RT Health, and TCIS Insurance Brokers.

Christmas in the country

CONVOY for Kids in Australia was fi rst started in 1989 by John Moran, gossip columnist for ‘Truckin Life’ Magazine, and truck driver David Gaudron and after 23 years it’s still going strong.

‘Convoy for kids provides a great opportunity for these trucks to show off while raising money for a good cause,’ Peter said.

‘You certainly couldn’t have missed the convoy rolling in to town with all the noise we made,’ Organiser Craig O’Brien said. ‘A lot of work goes in to organising the day but it’s well worth all of the effort.’

‘We’re committed to supporting organisation like

Your TWU was pretty surprised when we received a tweet while driving along with the convoy.

DOIN’ IT FOR THE KIDSYour TWU continues it’s commitment to engaging with the broader trucking community with State Secretary Peter Biagini heading along to the Brisbane Convoy for Kids in October.

Convoy for Kids and their events,’ Peter said. ‘It’s also really fantastic to see our members coming along to support these events as well.’

‘I got the text saying the van was down here so I came down to have a look,’ NQX driver Anthony Ibell said. ‘The TWU Van always sticks out but some

of the trucks on display were pretty impressive too.’

Come and join us at the next community event – Lights on the Hill in February 2013.

Peter Biagini with Convoy for Kids organisers Craig O’brien and Leanne Dinning.

How would $11,000 worth of back pay sound to you? Well for Michael Laird this is no longer a fantasy but a reality.

Thanks to the persistence and tenacity of local North Queensland organiser Tom Pfund, Followmonts Transport were forced to acknowledge that Michael had not been paid correctly and that they in fact owed him in the vicinity of $11,000 — $11,079.10 to be exact.

‘Michael and the boys approached me and said that something wasn’t right with their pay,’ Tom said. ‘I went to management and raised the issues Mick had with their dangerous goods allowance, kilometer rate and casual loading.’

‘Followmonts had a reviewed Mick’s pay in line with our concerns and found they didn’t have a leg to stand on and on September 16 this year I received a rather pleasant letter,’ Tom said (see letter attached).

‘I was blown away when Tom called and told me that Followmonts had admitted they’d underpaid me and that they were depositing a cheque for $11,000 into my account,’ Michael said. ‘It’s a fantastic boost at the right time of the year — just in time for Christmas.’

With Tom having identifi ed more cases of employees being under paid by the notoriously anti-union company, Followmonts better get used to writing out cheques.

‘Followmonts have now let me know that they’re going to be investigating their pay structure and do a review of their pay structure,’ Tom said. ‘I’m hopeful that employees will be contacted individually by their management with some good news.’

Are you a Followmonts driver? If you think you haven’t been paid right contact your TWU on 1800 804 533.

FOLLOWMONTS FORCED TO FORK OUT $11,000 BACKPAY


CAIRNS was subjected to self-combusting buses earlier this year, with three fi res in two weeks bringing traffi c and passengers to a standstill.

Built, owned, maintained, and operated by Transit Australia Group, which has a fl eet of over 600 vehicles across Queensland, investigations are continuing into why the SUNBUS Volvo’s began billowing with smoke and fl ames.

‘One Volvo reignited six hours after arriving in the towing yard,’ FNQ Regional Coordinator Janine Aitken said.

‘The investigations of what caused the fi res are still going on, but no one really seems to know.’

‘Thankfully these two buses did not have many passengers and didn’t cause any physical damage to the driver or its passengers.’

‘It might have been a different story if the bus was full.’

Following the October fi res SUNBUS said their fl eet maintenance personnel would be periodically checking each of their buses.

‘If you’re going to perform maintenance checks you should be checking all issues,’ Janine said.

‘They’ve replaced the two small alternators with one big one, but with further reports of bus fi res occurring in Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast, it’s a serious and national issue.’

If you are a Queensland bus driver and have concerns about your position or your safety, contact your Passenger Transport Coordinator Bob Giddens on 0422 418 417.

FNQ’s self combusting busesThankfully these two buses did not have many passengers and didn’t cause any physical damage to the driver or its passengers

Over 120 delegates from across Queensland, representing the Waste, Local Government, Oil and Gas, Aviation, Passenger Transport and Cash in Transit converged on Gatton in October for the first ever, two day Delegate Conference.

While there was a lot of information for your delegates to take in over the 2 days with overviews of the major campaigns, guest speakers and panel sessions, the conference also provided a fantastic opportunity to say thank you for the invaluable role that delegates play in organising for your TWU.

‘I found it was really interesting to hear about the issues facing other industries and to hear about the different campaigns being run across the state,’ General Transport

HAVING settled in the area Robert set himself the task of mapping all of the yards in the Central Queensland area.

‘I booked a week with the van in the area so that we could hit all the major transport, waste and bus yards to introduce myself, and to get across the issues facing the

THE inaugural Delegates Conference coincided with the annual Lights on the Hill Memorial service being held the following day so your TWU delegates paid their respects to drivers who had passed.

‘Lights on the Hill is a fantastic organisation and provides a fantastic service to the trucking industry here is Queensland,’ Peter said. ‘Your TWU is very happy to support such a wonderful organisation and the great work they do.’

CENTRAL QLD GROWTHIn the last edition of On the Move we introduced you to your new Central Queensland organizer Robert Fitzpatrick who has been active in recent weeks getting to know the locals.

members,’ Robert said. ‘Having the Van in the area is a great way to let members and potential members know that we’re here and active.’

‘It was a pretty successful trip picking up 29 members,’ Robert said. ‘On the back of the trip we’ll be starting negotiations at Chemtrans with a survey

currently with members to fi ll out’

Joining Robert for the week was Recruitment Offi cer Russell Vieritz who, in recent months has popped up in Cairns, the Gold Coast, Mackay, Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast as well as Rockhampton.

‘Meeting the delegates from

different yards and seeing the way they organise their yards is a fantastic way to gain a greater understanding about how to organise,’ Robert said.

Check back in the next On the Move to fi nd out how the Chemtrans campaign is going.

DELEGATE CONFERENCE SUCCESS

delegate Brett ‘Barney’ Perry said.

National Secretary Tony Sheldon led the list of guest speakers who presented during the conference, detailing the wins your TWU has achieved by standing strong with members while outlining the challenges that we all still face (read more from Tony on page 25).

Queensland Council of Unions President John Battams and Maurice Blackburn Principal Rod Hodgson spoke about the need to retain the Workers’ Compensation Scheme in Queensland in response to a

review initiated by the state government (read more on page 5).

Opposition Transport Spokesperson Jackie Trad was warmly received when she re-committed an ALP state government to introducing portable long service leave for waste workers strengthening the campaign being led by Craig Williams.

Your TWU delegates participated in panel sessions dedicated to the industry campaigns and passed motions in support of initiatives to continue to improve your TWU including supporting a new training program for 2013.

PAYING RESPECTLights on the Hill is a not for profi t organisation dedicated to the hard working members of the Australian transport industry who have lost their lives in either a work related incident or by other means.

‘I really enjoyed the conference,’ Cairns Sunbus delegate Andrew Gaffney said. ‘It was great to catch up with delegates from the different yards and compare notes.’

‘The strength of your TWU comes from the members and that was certainly evident during the conference,’ Peter Biagini said. ‘It was fantastic to see delegates leaving the conference so energised to go back to their yards and continue the fantastic work they’ve been doing.’

Read more in the delegates conference special pp 15 – 19.

State Secretary Peter Biagini and Assistant State Secretary Scott Connolly paying their respects by laying a wreath at the ‘Light on the Hill’ memorial in Gatton

I really enjoyed the conference. It was great to catch up with delegates from the different yards and compare notes

ORGANISINGfOrpowerCall Centre staff Josh Millroy, Codie Gippel and

Mitch Watt manning the registration table

State Secretary Peter Biagini with Queensland Opposition Leader Annastacia Palaszczuk and local organiser Brendan Bogle Neil Metz with Brett ‘Barney’ Perry

Stephen Smith with Richard Conlon and Darren White

Greg Crowther with Maria Tamock

National Secretary Tony Sheldon chatting with Cairns Organiser Janine Aitken

Henry Adsett and Bill McMurray catching up with a cuppa

Beaming Smiles from your Branch Committee of ManagementYour fantastic TWU Member Support Team with Peter & ScottMC Ray Smith with Peter Seage and Gary Taylor

Organiser Peter Ferguson with Hornibrooks delegate Gary Dickfos


THE 2012 Delegate Conference also saw unanimous support for a new and comprehensive training program offering opportunities for all members and delegates to increase their skills.

‘We’re really keen to build on the success of the training over the last couple of years,’ State Secretary Peter Biagini said. ‘We certainly believe that from Knowledge comes power.’

‘We’re targeting the training for delegates because we understand that delegates have different levels of skills,’ Training and Induction offi cer Matt Morgan said. ‘Some delegates have years of experience while others are new to the role so we want to make sure that we’re providing the right tools for all delegates to succeed.’

’The training provided by the union over the past 2 years has been really great,’ Aviation delegate Paul Coco said. ‘The content is really relevant and helpful for me in the role of delegate in the workplace.’

Advanced DelegateNew DelegateIndustry DelegateOne Week IntensiveWorkplace Health & Safety

Want to get involved? Contact Training and Induction Offi cer Matt Morgan on 0447 455 332 to fi nd out more.

From Knowledge comes Power!

TRAINING PROGRAMS IN 2013

The following motion was passed at the 2012 Delegate Conference:

That the assembled delegates welcome the development and launch of a extensive delegate development and training program by Peter Biagini’s team, in particular the advanced delegate development program commencing from early 2013. Delegates recognise that the future of our union is in their hands, in their workplaces and in their industries and that these initiatives are important tools to make sure that our combined effort to build the power of our union are a success. With this added responsibility delegates believe there should also be appropriate reward for success. Accordingly, in addition to the ongoing member and delegate recognition program assembled delegates request a review of the existing system to reward the work of delegates and recommend the Branch Committee of Management implement a new system based on a fl at $8 commission per fi nancial member for delegates who have completed the new Advanced Delegates program.

MOVED: Matt MorganSECONDED: Billy Berka

Following on from the success of protests at Coles stores across the country throughout the year your TWU decided that a regional protest was a fantastic way to end the fi rst inaugural Delegates Conference.

On the Move readers would be familiar with the Status Quo hit that Coles has been using in their advertising campaign to spruik their low prices but following the lead of the NSW Branch the lyrics were changed to highlight their lack of regard for safety for drivers carting their goods.

With renowned 60’s cover band Able Magwitch loaded on to the back of old truck the dulcet tones of your TWU delegates could be heard through the streets of Gatton singing ‘Down Down – Safety is Down’ as they marched on the local Coles store in the middle of town.

Laying a wreath at the door of Coles and bringing their carpark to a standstill State Secretary Peter Biagini addressed your TWU delegates, media and shoppers.

‘It’s time Coles took responsibility for the role they play in the supply chain,’ Peter said. ‘ Coles are big enough to make a difference and improve safety on our roads but so far have refused to do so.’

Safe to say everyone in Gatton now has a pretty good idea about your TWU’s position on Coles and their disregard for safety.

Your TWU will continue to demand Coles commit to taking responsibility for increasing safety for our drivers and who knows – it might just be your local Coles store next time!

‘Very impressed. Thank you to all who made such an outstanding event possible’

ORGANISINGf0rpower

‘The 2012 Delegates Conference saw some of you travel quite a distance to be with us but from the feedback received you all enjoyed the experience!’

‘Thanks for all the support from the

TWU. I feel like I can make a difference.’

‘Very informative and productive. It is exciting to see the direction the TWU is moving in.’

‘Great idea – inspiring for all delegates.’

‘Congratulations – another reason I am proud to be union. Keep focused on recapturing our political agenda’

Your say on Conference 2012

TAKING IT TO THE STREETSAfter a day and a half of information packed sessions it was time to put theory in to practice.


CAUGHT in Coles money-hungry policy to bring online deliveries in-house, former Linfox and now Coles Online Driver Doug Goodwin is struggling to stay on doing the same job for worse pay and conditions.

On the Move sat down with Doug to fi nd out what it is like being a Coles Online Driver, and how he’s coping with the changes that have since made him a TWU activist.

‘We do everything a transport worker does, but are not being recognised or rewarded as a driver,’ Doug explains.

‘I was a Coles driver at Linfox for ten months before Coles bought the trucks and took us on. It has now been 12 months and I’m doing the same job but for much less and in worse conditions.

‘They don’t understand what we do or what it’s like to be a driver,

and they still have no clue with what we need to do our job safely and effi ciently,’ Doug said.

After buying their own delivery trucks, Coles put all drivers on a retail award, blatantly refusing to acknowledge the real working conditions their driver’s face.

‘I’ve never worked a day of my life in-store, yet I’m told my job is the same as a checkout operator and a shelf-stacker.’

Having had other experiences in the transport industry, after the transfer from Linfox to Coles Doug raised his wage and safety concerns with your TWU.

‘I knew I had to become vocal and I’m glad I did because we’ve since realised it’s a national issue,’ Doug said.

‘Someone is going to get seriously injured from the unassisted heavy lifting, but Coles don’t care about anything but their profi ts.’

‘Maintenance issues are not addressed timely and it’s only because I check over my own truck that I know it’s safe to use.’

‘One of our trucks was kept on the road for three weeks despite having a broken rear latch that meant the door didn’t close properly and the cool air was escaping.’

To add insult to injury, Coles are now slashing hours and distances.

‘I really enjoy the driving, the deliveries and the meeting of new people, but the lack of safety is dangerous and just recently I’ve gone from an average of six-days and 50 hours per week driving across the South-East, to just 27 hours in the Sunnybank area,’ Doug said.

‘It’s really hard because I want to

Caught in the middlesee this through to make sure Coles Online Driver’s are looked after, but with the lack of hours, lack of pay and lack of safety — it’s pretty tough.’

If you are a retail driver and have similar concerns, get in

touch with your lead coordinator Graham Garratt on 0411 875 905.

TWU QLD’s new website is now live.

Packed with features including up-to-date news, campaigns and events, our new website is now your fi rst point-of-call on what is happening across our transport industries.

Accessible via www.twuqld.org.au, the new website is a complete overhaul of the previous version that offers a whole new TWU experience for members.

The website is an ongoing development that will continue to grow with news, events, information and member services to keep you, your family and your yard informed on what’s going on at your TWU.

The new website aims at providing a more interactive service that also features a breakdown of each sector and their specifi c news, campaigns and events.NEW MEMBERSHIP ONLINE SYSTEM Never before have Queensland transport workers had the opportunity to join the TWU

through a more simplifi ed and easily accessible online system.

Executive Assistant to the Branch Secretary and Members Support Team Leader Angela Brown said the fully automated online application is a great new system for non-members.

‘Our online membership form is hassle free and allows you to join in the privacy of your own home and in your own time,’ Angela explained.

‘The entire application process is online so there is no need to write any forms or make any calls.

Also offered in the application process is the option to include the different Members’ Plus Benefi ts.

‘Our new website is very user friendly, and offers easier access to your union,’ Angela said.

‘With the time-poor nature of our industries, we wanted to ensure our future-members have full access to what we offer, including our Members’ Plus Benefi ts, at the click of a button.’

Jump online today and enjoy your new TWU online experience • www.twuqld.ORG.au

TWU QLD IS STRONGER BECAUSEWE ALL STAND TOGETHER

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Home Get In Touch Find your local official

BRAD WYATT

Branch PresidentPhone: 07 3890 3066Email:[email protected]

PETER BIAGINI

Branch SecretaryPhone: 07 3890 3066Email:[email protected]

SCOTT CONNOLLY

Assistant BranchSecretaryPhone: 07 3890 3066Email:[email protected]

PETER PAULOS

Aviation CoordinatorPhone: 0411 875 906Email:[email protected]

GRAHAM GARRETT

General TransportCoordinatorPhone: 0411 875 905Email:[email protected]

BOB GIDDENS

Passenger TransportCoordinatorPhone: 0422 418 417Email:[email protected]

CRAIG WILLIAMS

Waste, Cash in Transit andOil & Gas CoordinatorPhone: 0411 819 268Email:[email protected]

EVENTS

12.12.2012

ROCKHAMPTONCHRISTMAS PARTYNew organiser Robert Fitzpatrick is keen to getto know as many members as he can and whatbetter way to do that than in a relaxed, socialsetting? Come Read on…

01.01.2013

ORGANISING WORKSSCHOLARSHIPYour TWU is calling for expressions of interestsfrom delegates interested in participating in the2013 Organising Works program. This year longcourse forms the basis of your TWU’s trainingRead on…

View all Events

Union members earnon average, 15%

more than non-unionmembers

JOINTWUQLD

TODAYBECOME A MEMBER

FIND YOUR LOCALOFFICIALUse this page to find the contact details of your industryp grepresentative

TWU QLD SECRETARIAL

LEAD ORGANISERS



Your new TWU website

^

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Expert compensation lawyers in:

Personal injury experts

or visit fightforfair.com.auCall 1800 810 812

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TWU QLDRank-and-file Strength


IN SEPTEMBER TWU Gold Coast Organiser Troy Fernandez was kicked out of the Crestmead depot of Transpacifi c Industrial Solutions when he exercised his union right of entry to hold discussions with members. In a letter from Trevor Small (TPI’s National Employment Relations Manager) to Peter Biagini, TPI claimed that the TWU was not entitled to represent the industrial interests of Operators at Crestmead.

In order to exercise a right of entry under the Fair Work Act 2009 a union’s rules must allow it to cover workers at the particular workplace involved. The TWU’s rules are very broad and enable it to cover transport workers who work in or in connection with many different industries such as aviation, waste management, general transport, cash in transit and

passenger transport. Our rules also allow us to cover workers who are not working in these industries but are engaged in or in connection with driving and loading of trucks.

Many of our members at TPI spend all day either driving trucks or loading them with waste materials and the TWU remains fi rmly of the view that it is entitled to represent the industrial interests of some or all of the Operators at TPI Crestmead. Accordingly the TWU fi led a dispute with Fair Work Australia which will be heard by Commissioner Asbury in January 2013.

In a move that many of our members at TPI Crestmead will not be surprised about, the Australian Workers Union has intervened in the dispute. The AWU does not want Operators at Crestmead to be able to choose the TWU as the union to represent them including at the EBA negotiations that are now only a little over a year away. The AWU says that the

Run only to benefit you.

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 32349

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 desk or handling freight – 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

YOUR TWU FIGHTING TO OPEN THE GATE AT TPIdriving work that our members perform is only incidental to the work that they do and that the AWU’s rules allow it to represent Operators at Crestmead. The AWU and TPI have the same agenda – to keep the TWU out of Crestmead.

At the hearing in January 2013 the TWU will be leading evidence from about 4 Operators about the work that is

done from the Crestmead depot and specifi cally about the work that they do. Before the hearing Commissioner Asbury will be conducting inspections to see for herself the type of work that is done. The hearing is expected to take two days.

While nothing is certain with litigation, we are confi dent that TPI will soon have to unlock that gate to let the TWU back in.

Adam Carter, Your Industrial Officer

WHAT’S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE?


THE PAST 18 months have been a time of major upheaval for aviation in Australia, but the determination of TWU members to stand together and demand a better deal from companies across the industry such as Qantas/Jetstar, QCatering and Virgin Australia means that as 2012 closes we have secured, or are negotiating for, improved agreements with real wage increases and better guarantees on job security right across the aviation industry.

At Qantas, TWU members have faced a senior management team that made the disastrous decision to target their own 35,000 strong workforce, outsourcing jobs and undermining the future viability of the Flying Kangaroo. Following the damaging lockout in October 2011, negotiations for the next TWU/Qantas agreement were forced into arbitration before Fair Work Australia (FWA).

forced redundancies due to use of labour-hire were also part of the deal secured by members.

In October, TWU members at QCatering secured an improved agreement with a back-dated 3% pay increase for the next three years, minimum 4 hours per shift for part-time and casuals and no forced conversion from full-time to part-time employment. Members across Australia endorsed this deal with a 100% vote in favour.

At Virgin, TWU members are beginning preparations for the next workplace agreement, with negotiations due to start

has seen Jetstar employ Thai fl ight attendants, paid as little as $400 a month, to crew fl ights on Australian domestic routes. These are Thai nationals, fl own in to work for four to seven day shifts, often involving double or triple shifts. Not only does this raise serious safety issues, it also demonstrates the blatant fl outing of Australian law – a matter for which the Fair Work Ombudsman is currently prosecuting the company.

At the recent Qantas AGM in Canberra, TWU members brought this message directly to the Qantas Board of Directors and CEO Alan Joyce, presenting them with a book of messages from Qantas workers and community supporters from around the country calling on the Board to change its course and save the Flying Kangaroo. After the AGM, TWU Queensland Qantas worker, Peter Seage said: ‘I’m proud to be a Qantas worker for over 20 years. Everyone I work with at Brisbane airport wants the best for Qantas, but we know that the company’s not doing well at the moment because senior management aren’t treating their workers with respect. That’s

why TWU members went to the Qantas AGM – to call on them to make the decisions that need to be made to save the Flying Kangaroo and the future of Australian aviation.’

In addition to sensible senior management at Australian airlines, what is also needed is real regulation of every airline in our airspace. Allowing Australian airlines to exploit visa loopholes to employ foreign crew on substantially reduced wages, conditions and training is not the answer and these are issue that we are pursuing with the Government.

Everyone who chooses to fl y in our airspace must play by the same rules on rates of pay and conditions, security checks and safety standards. Allowing foreign airlines, who have access to seemingly bottomless pits of cash, to dominate our aviation industry is not the answer for TWU members, passengers or our economy. 2013 will see the TWU campaign for Safe and Secure Australian Skies and a real future for our aviation industry take fl ight. For more about the campaign and how you can become involved visit us at www.twu.com.au/aviation

BY Your National Secretary Tony Sheldon

Saving our air space

Qantas members standing up to militant management

Throughout the arbitration process TWU members remained united in their demands for a better and fairer agreement. It became clear during testimony from Senior Qantas Executives such as the Head of Ground Operations Matt Lee, that there was a plan from management to no longer directly employ Qantas staff.

Despite Qantas management refusing to engage with our negotiation team, real improvements were secured in the decision handed down by FWA last August. The new agreement secured a 3% pay rise for members at Qantas each year for the next three years, together with back-pay from July 2011. Improved job security clauses, including a guarantee of no

in March 2013. Management at Virgin appear to understand that working with staff benefi ts everyone and it is hopeful that this attitude will be refl ected in negotiations. The TWU member-endorsed negotiation team will be fi ghting hard to secure the very best deal for our members at Virgin.

When it comes to Qantas it doesn’t take an economics degree to see that the ‘low road’ approach from existing senior management, which has seen them turn their backs on their strongest asset, the Qantas Workforce, is the wrong one. This decision to take on the workforce has resulted in Qantas failing to turn a profi t for fi rst time in 17 years.

This ‘low road’ approach

Everyone who chooses to fly in our airspace must play by the same rules on rates of pay and conditions, security checks

Virgin members getting organised for negotiations

TWU will increase its resources in our nations mining towns to improve conditions for transport workers and their families in mining based communities.

With local, state and federal governments struggling to keep up with the infrastructure needs of the resource sector, the demand for work is seeing contracting out, resulting in minimal pay for actual workers who are also being subjected to sub-standard safety and working conditions.

Oil and Gas Coordinator Craig Williams said these areas have grown at such a rate that it’s become like the old Wild West.

‘The companies are doing whatever they can to get resources out,’ Craig said.

‘We have no direct involvement with the extraction of the resources; we’re concerned with the conditions of the workers involved in the infrastructure development of the mines and the transportation associated with that development.’

Both Queensland and Western Australia have experienced growth at rapid rates and workers are experiencing the same issues.

Your TWU will team up Offi cials from the WA and National Offi ces to bring a national approach to increase TWU presence to the mining regions to talk to workers, identify issues and then work collectively toward improving rights, wages, conditions and safety

to make sure you, your families and your communities are being looked after.

‘We have thousands of compatible workers who may not be aware they are being subjected to adverse and unrealistic working conditions and that they can have an improved working life,’ Craig continued.

‘Look at places like Gladstone and Curtis Island.

the Wild Westthe Wild West

There are so many workers going in and out of those areas which are being run like the Wild West, where whatever the company says, goes, and that’s not good enough.’

If you work in one of Queensland’s mining areas or know of the issues being put on others, we want to hear from you. Get in touch with Craig and your TWU today on 1800 804 533.

TacklingTackling


A HECTIC schedule saw the team of Peter Biagini, North Queensland organiser Tom Pfund, Recruitment Offi cer Russell Vieritz, Communications Offi cer Sarah Mawhinney and TWUSUPER Client Relations Offi cer Yvonne Jones host a variety of yard across Mackay before heading out to Mackay.

‘Getting out to the members in their yards and providing information about the services your TWU membership provides is invaluable,’ Peter said.

‘You can never have too many people when going to the bigger yards,’ Tom said. ‘At one point while we were at StarTrack we had four offi cials signing up four people.’

Out in Moranbah the reception was a little frostier at the airport.

damage being caused by the LNP government’s agenda of cutting jobs and services across the state.

Getting out to our regionsGetting back to grass roots campaigning your TWU headed up to Mackay as part of the Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) Week of Action in Mackay and Moranbah.

Above: Peter Biagini shows he still knows how to recruit at StarTrack, Mackay.

Rights: Toll workers in Moranbah led by Delegate Peter Dean

We’re looking forward to getting an EBA started soon so they better get used to having the union around,’

‘I wasn’t surprised when Manager of the airport came over to us while our union representatives were here,’ Toll Remote Logistics delegate Peter Dean said. ‘They’re not too keen in having unions assess how they’re running things out here.’

‘We’re looking forward to getting an EBA started soon so they better get used to having the union around,’ Peter said.

The focus of the Week of Action was for unions to organise around local issues which for many was the

‘While LNP members may enjoyed the glow after the March election, now is the time when they have to go back to their electorates and explain to workers and local businesses why unemployment is increasing, why local economies are struggling, why services have been cut back at their local hospital, why the school has fewer teachers,’ QCU President John Battams said in the lead up to the action in Mackay.

‘These cuts are being felt by everyone in Queensland

and we’re completely behind the campaign being run by the QCU,’ State Secretary Peter Biagini said. ‘Importantly, the week in Mackay and Moranbah provided a wonderful opportunity to get back to grassroots and have

a conversation with members about what issues they were facing.’

Want to get more active in your yard or your community? Contact your local organiser on 1800 804 533 and make your voice heard!

In 2011 your TWU launched a retired members club for TWU veterans heading in to retirement. Over the course of the past year over 40 former members have joined up to the veterans club.

The TWU Qld Veteran’s Club provides a brilliant opportunity for retirees and for just $30 it is more than just a subscription to our TWU publication On The Move.

Veterans are also kept up-to-date with all the latest campaigns, join Union actions and lead the march in events like May Day.

Club members also receive a shirt to commemorated your retirement and your TWU Branch Committee of Management will also be hosting an annual events to bring retired members together to catch up and swap war stories.

After an accident whilst working as a bus driver TWU member Ben*, was able to negotiate a major fi nancial settlement with the support of Maurice Blackburn Lawyers as part of a compulsory third party insurance claim..

Ben experienced multiple severe injuries in an accident caused by another driver whilst driving a school bus. The accident left Ben with multiple broken bones, lacerations and psychological trauma. Unfortunately, many of his injuries have resulted in ongoing disabilities which have prevented him from returning to work. Ben also worked part-time as a pastor and has also been unable to return to these duties.

Ben has sought the assistance of family members to help with the tasks of daily living. He now requires ongoing treatment and care.

With the help of Maurice Blackburn, Ben was able to secure a signifi cant fi nancial settlement from the insurer of the driver who caused the accident.

This amount has been able to help give Ben fi nancial security for the future and cover the costs of his medical expenses and ongoing treatment for his injuries.

TWU Queensland State Secretary, Peter Biagini, acknowledged Maurice Blackburn for their hard work.

‘I would like to personally thank the team at Maurice

Injured TWU Bus Driver secures strong outcome with Maurice Blackburn Support

With the help of Maurice Blackburn, Ben was able to secure a significant financial settlement from the insurer of the driver who caused the accident.

Blackburn for their hard work as they provide constant support and achieve strong outcomes for our members.’

TWU looks forward to continuing to work with Maurice Blackburn to get the best outcomes for their members.

*Not client’s real name.

RETIRING STRONG

You make life long friends in the transport industry so I encourage anyone close to retirement to sign up to the veterans club and stay involved

‘I’ve really enjoyed being part of the Veteran’s club and helping out and getting involved in actions as they come,’ former TWU, now retired member, Steve Horn said.

‘Most people have a list of things they want to do when they retire,’ State Secretary Peter Biagini said. ‘After you get through your list you still need to fi ll you days with something.

‘You make life long friends in the transport industry so I encourage anyone close to retirement to sign up to the veterans club and stay involved.’

Retiring soon? Get in touch with your organiser to make sure stay in touch with your union after retirement!


For a personal consultation, or to arrange a workplace visit for you and your team, contact Kate, your TWU health plan consultant.

Call 0419 826 416 Email [email protected] Visit www.rthealthfund.com.au/twu.html

© RT Health Fund 2012 1112/2647

“ We’re the health fund TWU trusts to look after its members.”

Plus...

TWU members enjoy valuable bonuses, fast assistance with a dedicated TWU member email and website – and receive a special TWU health plan membership card.

Your On the Move team came across these interesting (and rather amusing) pull page features while looking through old editions of the magazine. While we’re not sure if our predecessors had any actual experience with mating elephants the sentiment certainly rings true in 2012. Organising can seem like an uphill battle at times but when we all stand together the results that you and your mates achieve are well worth the fi ght.

In May 1987 your TWU were a positive lot

EARLIER this year I was given the opportunity to become the Scenic Rim Regional Council delegate for the Transport Workers Union. The fi rst task I undertook in this position was to look in to the rate of pay for some of the truck drivers and the levels they were on.

It was brought to my attention that in some cases drivers were being underpaid and were on the incorrect levels so I approached the Fleet Manager to discuss the various weights of the trucks.

On speaking to the Manager and showing him the awards and that drivers were not being paid correctly he agreed that this was the case.

I then took the case to Scenic Rim Regional Council Human Resources and they too agreed that drivers were being underpaid according to the levels detailed in the Award.

Over the next couple of months I participated in numerous conversation with various managers, human Resources and payroll

Delegate Delivers

representatives before the issue could be resolved.

Finally all parties agreed that those that we had identifi ed had been underpaid would received 6 years of backpay.

It was a fantastic result and the drivers involved were grateful and thanked me for my persistence in having their correct levels recognised.

Do you have a yarn you’d like to see published in On the Move? Send your yarn to [email protected] or call 0413 738 841.

Phil Shields wasted no time when he was elected delegate for the Beaudesert depot of the Scenic Rim Regional Council.

Phillip Shields, Scenic Rim Regional Council delegate.

History is a great teacher. Now everyone knows that the labor movement did not diminish the strength of the nation but enlarged it. By raising the living of millions, labour miraculously created a market for industry and lifted the whole nation to undreamed of levels of production. Those who attack labor forget these simple truths, but history remembers them.

Martin Luther King Jr

MICK EHLERT became the newest member of the TWU QLD Regional Organiser team when he took on Troy Fernandez’s Gold Coast regional area, with Troy moving back to the bright lights of North Brisbane.

Mick brings a wealth of experience with him, having started out in the painting industry, before becoming a concrete agitator owner/driver and then moving into the waste industry where he worked driving both singles and doubles (heavy combination).

Introducing Mick Ehlert: your new Gold Coast organiser

When Mick joined the waste industry and saw the bullying and the pressure the company was putting on his fellow drivers, he joined the TWU and became an activist.

His work in his yard and against the company did not go unnoticed, with TWU quickly snapping Mick up when the opportunity arose to bring him in at a higher capacity as the regional organiser for the Gold Coast to Scenic Rim to south Logan areas.

Troy Fernandez has now moved on from his two years as the Gold Coast regional organiser to be closer to family and take on the large suburban North Brisbane regional area, previously organised by Matt Morgan, which covers the north of the Brisbane river to the south of the Sunshine Coast.

To fi nd out what Matt Morgan’s now doing, turn to page 19. If you need to get in touch with your organiser, contact Mick on 0417 744

518 and Troy on 0411 875 909 or phone 1800 804 533 to contact the head offi ce.

Mick saw the bullying and the pressure the company was putting on his fellow drivers


FIRST PRIZE ($50): First Prize in our Spring edition was awarded to Alanah Jones from Buderim.

Send your entry, with all your details on the back of the envelope, to: On The Move Colouring CompetitionPO Box 452Cannon Hill 4170

ails

You could win 50 bucks!

FIND A WORDFind the following words. Words can be up or down or across. We have found the fi rst one to help you out!

MA B C

D T Y U LD E P F G H T

R L M Q N O P Q RZ A D C Y W X S T U V

S L E I G H PR A N G E L T B F

W N T I R T R E E Y QJ O Y T A E G L I O V Z P

F A M I L Y X M A ST J S A N T A C L A U S

L N J V F D H O L L Y H O TM G I F T S E V G T Y N R N Y P

F S G H E K L T B E O TB E L L S R G H Z A W Y H D

F T W I N K L E V E X Y T E G LZ D R G W O R K E R S J E H M H W X

Q U E E N S L A N D A Y O YE N T R A N S P O R T R M V T G

U A Q S J B V M E R R Y T O E L S BA H P R E S E N T S U L U N I O N M P C

A B YY D KT W U

COLOUR COMPETITION

TWU KIDScolour me in for your chance to win $50

XMAS, SLEIGH, TRANSPORT, PRESENTS, JOY, TREE, TWINKLE, WORKERS, MERRY, TWU, SANTA CLAUS, FAMILY, REINDEER, ON THE MOVE, ANGEL, NEW YEAR, QUEENSLAND, UNION, GIFTS, HOLLY, BELLS

NEWS IN BRIEF

TOILET PAPER REMORSE?PORTALES, N.M. — University offi cials say a New Mexico college graduate, apparently feeling guilty over a student prank years ago, has sent a box of toilet paper to repay the school for loot taken from a dormitory.

Eastern New Mexico University says it received the yuletide gift box this week along with a Christmas card and written apology.

The box contained fi ve packages of 16 rolls of two-ply, septic-safe tissue for a total of 80 rolls.

The anonymous writer apologised for stealing bathroom tissue years ago and said a new dedication to Christian faith led to the deed.

It was unclear whether the gift itself was a prank. But university offi cials say “all is forgiven.’

The toilet paper is being donating to a nearby charity

because it doesn’t fi t the school’s dispensers.

— Associated Press via Washington Post,

November 30

SAFETY BEFORE PROFITS!At a meeting convened in 2011 to boost safety at Bangladesh garment factories, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) made a call: paying suppliers more to help them upgrade their manufacturing facilities was too costly.

The comments from a Wal-Mart sourcing director appear in minutes of the meeting, which was attended by more than a dozen retailers including Gap Inc. (GPS), Target Corp. and JC Penney Co.

Details of the meeting have emerged after a fi re at a Bangladesh factory that made clothes for Wal-Mart and Sears Holdings Corp. killed more than 100 people last month.

The blaze has renewed pressure on companies to improve working conditions in Bangladesh, where more than 700 garment workers have died since 2005, according to the International Labor Rights Forum, a Washington-based advocacy group.

— www.bloomberg.com, December 6, 2012

LOOKS LIKE SANTA’S CRASH DIET WORKED TOO WELL!

TOLL IPEC

BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL

LINFOX WOOLWORTHS

TOLL NQX

LOGAN CITY COUNCIL

BANECOU

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LINFOX WOOLWORT

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TWU Scroll of HonourColin MullerThomas GeraghtyDonald PepperDerrick ClarkGregory LitherlandMartin LeeArthur SkennarJohn JenkinSimon HofmanKevin GoodwinPatrick LeydenRaymond PickupGary SeesinkRobert VaneBarry LeveyRobert HunterJames LarcombeWilliam AndersonDarryl SpiresPetar Savic

Bruce FisherKen MoffattGary HogerDavid RobkePaul MurrayDavid HornsveldDaryl FerryRobert Shane SmithMark GearyPeter KennedyAllan BestBob T HelkinMartin TaylorJohn StaffordIan BuckinghamMark LoveAlan CampbellRanald FosterLance SperlingStephen StrongBrett Perry

Malcolm BarronRaymond KucksWayne BatleyDaniel SimmonsLeslie Mc CallWilliam TurgeonNoel EllemGraham T WhitmoreGary HaighDenis O’sullivanRobert GuidottiWilliam TheuerkaufJohn Holmes

Garry O’BrienEdward WattsWilliam EwingJoseph ScopellitiSteven Mc KeanDennis NoffkeGregory Densley

30 Year MembersMark TaylorMark RollsCam AlvosIan Mc GregorEdwin MeikleNeville WalterGarry PascoeStephen CarrJohn ThurmanNicholas AbrahamMark WatsonIan SonterPhillip ArnettDavid HollisKevin CooperBrett MuntzTerrence PatchettGraham MoodyJohn ElliottDavid LeedsRaoul MarshallLaurie Goriup

25 Year Members

20 Year MembersMichael PercivalMark MoodyTerry* TerrellLeo PauliGeorge AmbrosioGrant MitchellAnthony ManagoDerek J WalkerNeil HamiltonPatrick HaydonStephen Channing-PearceDarryl TetzlaffJeffrey KelkAnthony GibbsWarren PeerWayne LoveAntony W FrancisPeter FooksChristopher BradyJeffrey Stephenson

Edward Garrick DayRobert GleesonMario MifsudLee MephamKevin OliveJayson WhitePhillip ShieldsGarth TeasdaleJohn MullinsWayne CartwrightOwen Mc IntyreRodney Charles Champney

Murray SkennarMalcolm BallardMarco TheisBrian ScottRichard ConlonNeil Lester

Christopher IrelandMichael DonnellyPeter SeageMichael L’BarrowGregory HarveyNoel PrendergastLex Galton

Timothy RyanGreg BrophyRobert BrennanGordon RadcliffeShane FergusonJulian StantonNeville JelichLeigh ReynoldsKen FarrowGeorge JurdKevin WilliamsMilton Day

David Alexander EvansDavid ClassJohn RoachKarl JeffreyKeith NewtonRobert LyellGraham LorkinDavid NewbiggingFrederick NowellRodney MilesIan ForemanRobert FrankcombePhillip BrightJeffrey LoveCraig MalyonCameron RoyLon ArgentGeoffrey LaneRobert ManganoMark Jones

QANTAS CAIRNS

CATERING

MURWEH SHIRE COUNCIL

TOLL

Some of the members recognised over the past 18 months for their commitment to the members of the Trasnposrt Workers’ Union

fnq bus fires in our 2012 summer journal. - twu queensland

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