SUMMER 2020 JOURNAL THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE TRANSPORT WORKERS UNION OF AUSTRALIA (VIC/TAS)

Christmas Edition

RAIN nothing stops HAIL transport SHINE workers!

COVID R

FROM THE Proudly – as transport 14 workers – we will SECRETARY’S ensure this nation DESK recovers.”

When the going gets tough, From tourism, everyday passenger fruition. Because of this and with the transport and retail and goods delivery full support of the Branch Committee the tough get going… and TWU through to the internet shopping that of Management, union dues will not members do exactly that! I am sure a few of you have delved in, increase in 2020 and TWU staff increase 08 07 transport workers are behind so much will be postponed until the middle of I hope this Journal finds you well. Across of our daily lives. We are the beating 2021. heart of this nation – without us, there this strange and awful year, we have Next year will be tough – we are in for is no recovery. kept you up to date with union business a fight. Companies will throw up every through our Journals, member emails last excuse to leave transport workers and all forms of media. Essential workers worse off while they take home a hefty pay cheque. Driving the streets of our cities and With that said, next year transport workers will come together to fight for towns is often a frustrating experience, Although this whole year has felt like the the deal they deserve. A deal which navigating traffic, pedestrians and mad Christmas rush for many transport respects what everyday Aussies now everything in between. I think we can workers, I hope you are able to have know: that without you, Australia stops. all agree that through much of this year, some time off over the holiday period You are crucially essential workers. 09 seeing empty CBD streets and empty to recoup. Next year, we will come back 24 11 freeways has been eerie. This year was meant to be entirely together – hopefully in person – and different for you as union members. fight for the industry you and your It is in times like this that we have to look 2020 was the year the TWU had been workmates deserve. after each other and make sure friends From the secretary’s desk 03 Bus update 14 working towards for decades – the year The 2021 fight is not just a fight for now – and family are safe. Together we will that close to 250 Enterprise Bargaining it is a fight to ensure the industry we pass CONTENTS Cyber attacks update 04 Working in extreme heat 16 beat this pandemic and come out the Agreements would fall neatly into sync on to the next generation of transport other side stronger and better than ever. COVID-19 bus update 05 Activism brings changes to act 17 with one another. workers is fairer and safer than it is today. Proudly – as transport workers – we will After a mammoth effort from organisers A challenging 2020 06 Morrison Government fails workers 18 ensure this nation recovers. When the going gets tough, the tough here in Victoria as well as across the Your rights in the 'gig' economy 08 Mesothelioma compensation win 20 get going – and you have! Be proud of The hackneyed phrase that has been country, the TWU signed Memorandums yourselves, and thank you. Lessons from the spanish flu 09 Your rights regarding WorkCover 21 drummed into our heads over the past of Understanding with several major R few months – ‘we’re all in this together’ companies to postpone EBA negotiations Towards 2021, Towards 2021 – majors bargaining 10 Aviation update 23 – could never be more meaningful than until 2021. The Memorandums of A harsh comparison of responses 11 Putting food on the table 26 right now. Understanding saw workers receive

special COVID-related assistance as The failure of Government 12 Cleanaway's shocking behaviour 28 As we begin to transition down the road well as assurance that members would map towards what we now identify as receive a pay rise equal to that reflected a ‘COVID-normal’ existence, transport in their extended agreement. will be a pivotal part of that progression. In April, I briefly touched on the TWU JOURNAL is published by the Transport Workers Union of Australia (Vic/Tas Branch) 52-56 Rouse Street, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Moreover, transport will be integral to impact COVID-19 would have on the John Berger Telephone: 1300 727 614 Email: [email protected] the rebuilding of our great country. President: James Hughes Vice President: John Rowe Secretary: John Berger Assistant Secretary: Chris Fennell unions finances; this has come into TWU Secretary LETTERS Address all correspondence to: TWU Journal, PO Box 203, Port Melbourne VIC 3207 TWUU 6159 Proudly produced by Union members and The Creative Works. Creative The and members Union by produced Proudly 3 CYBER ATTACKS UPDATE COVID-19 BUS UPDATE

TWU STANDS By Chris Fennell By Mike McNess STRONG TO PROTECT door open to change TOLL WORKERS AS NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE In 2020 Toll fell victim to two separate cyber attacks which affected As a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic and its impact on workers’ pay, while putting them at risk of data breaches. The TWU’s relationship with Toll soured, resulting in us filing one of our largest the movement of people, many TWU members introduced ever disputes against the company in the Fair Work Commission. rear-door boarding. The removal of cash-handling from buses, and trials of articulated buses, has contributed to the proposal The TWU is focused on preparing for Luckily, with pressure from the TWU, to introduce All Door Boarding across the Victorian Bus Network. bargaining next year to get workers the the system that was introduced to pay best pay and conditions possible. All of workers back was smooth. this during the deadliest pandemic of However, the stress of the cyber our lifetime. attacks was only escalated for Toll However, this system failed and Discussions are in the early stages, with do that now, with the driver opening both Throughout the cyber attacks, the TWU sub-contractors. The usual mechanisms countless workers were underpaid the TWU participating in fortnightly doors for boarding. Stops such as Queen has stood strong alongside workers to used to pay sub-contractors were badly during the two cyber attacks. Because meetings with the Department of Victoria Market and La Trobe Street are protect their rights. The impact of the impacted by the attack. During the first of this, the TWU lodged a huge dispute Transport (DoT) and CDC, Transdev, also in the mix for trials. this protect TWU members from handling attacks was felt across the company cyber attack, manual payments were in the Fair Work Commission. Two weeks Dysons and Ventura. The discussions cash, it also means there will be no more – from company drivers through to paid to each Toll sub-contractor based later, the company came to the table have been very robust, with all parties anti-social behaviour from passengers sub-contractors. on various manual inputs – including to advise that Toll would finally rectify Cash transactions the last invoice payment made to them except Ventura contributing. Ventura like over ticketing. Employees who were a part of the the underpayments. Further, as many members are aware, prior to the attack – along to do their own thing, sending a depot Global Logistics team were paid as per all Myki services are now cash-free Further to this, bus services have with any other information supervisor to these discussions. Other the actual hours worked, whereas there as determined by DoT. This is a great increased the frequency and depth given to payroll from sites. “The system failed and countless operators have sent general managers. were some different methods used for result for TWU members. Since Myki of cleaning and sanitisation of buses. Global Express workers. Global Express As the payroll team was workers were underpaid during The development of risk assessment was introduced in 2013, the TWU has Social distancing measures have been parcel workers were paid per actual working hard to implement the two cyber attacks.” of stops, classification of stops, the been calling for the removal of cash increased through the creation of no-go hours worked with the exception of a manual process to introduction of technologies such as zones at the front of the buses. Express Parcels, where hours worked by minimise the impact of the passenger counting, and lighting for “Rear-door boarding is a All of the above provisions would not rear doors are all major issues to be employees were recorded via Kronos, cyber attacks, the cyber attackers were Pandemic or not, workers should have come about without the strength worked through. which remained inaccessible through working hard to counter this effort. not have had to wait so long for the vital measure to ensure of TWU members in bus depots across most of the crisis. The method of paying sub-contractors company to do what is lawfully right. From observation, rear-door boarding that passenger transport is Victoria. Your collective strength seems to be working as an effective throughout this pandemic has meant The process for Global Express workers, was less than satisfactory, with payroll If you are a Toll worker and believe your measure to stop prolonged interactions able to remain in operation only two drivers have been stood down particularly Express Parcels, was that and site managers not having oversight pay was miscalculated, contact the between bus drivers and the public. and you have remained safe at work. workers were paid for their ordinary of the hours of work actually being done TWU for assistance. during COVID-19.” hours of work to begin with, and then by drivers. Because of this the TWU Rear-door boarding is a vital measure to back paid for their actual hours worked continued to advise subcontractors to: ensure that passenger transport is able Mike McNess is the Senior Organiser at the Chris Fennell is the Assistant Secretary transactions from buses – just like once the systems allowed the company to remain in operation during COVID-19. TWU, specialising in the bus industry. Mike  maintain a daily record of all of the TWU Vic/TAS Branch. Chris comes trains and trams. With COVID-19 hitting to do so. hails from the industry and has been an work completed; from a transport background and has It is likely that major stops such as the scene, the TWU knew there was an organiser at the union for decades. Most This decision left countless individuals shopping centres, train stations and opportunity for cash to be removed.  maintain all Toll work records dedicated his life to ensuring a better recently, Mike led thousands of bus members with financial stress during the early possibly heavy school stops will be classed and rosters. future for transport workers. This has now been in place for all Myki through the largest EBA negotiation in the months of the COVID-19 pandemic. as ‘All Door Boarding’. Some school stops services for some months. Not only does bus industry’s history. 4 5 A CHALLENGING 2020 YOUR UNION IN THE MEDIA LET’S STAND UNITED TO

PROTECT have shown, and particularly thank our Delegates, Erkan and Mo, for their tireless work and support of their colleagues and the TWU. GOOD JOBS We have seen so many companies, big and small, lining up to use the pandemic as some sick excuse to rob their hardworking busy rolling this program out to support employees. our loyal members. Businesses have been the beneficiary of the program; These are the same companies who they have been hiring highly-skilled and display photos across social media of extremely loyal workers. their employees and call them ‘essential’ workers. Take CEVA Logistics, for Outside of this, 2020 has been a example, who wasted no time in using By Mem Suleyman challenging time for us. Through this the pandemic as excuse to try to strip difficult period, we have been busy workers’ conditions. protecting good jobs. Jobs that have been This year has sent the fought for over many years. To address It’s no different to the corporate transport industry into chaos. parts of the job crisis, the TWU called dictatorship at Cleanaway. We have on the Victorian Government to fund a exposed so much recently, from lower Never have we seen a situation framework that would grant transport management’s bullying tactics through where thousands of workers at workers access to free TAFE courses to to the innocent workers forced to handle Maurice Blackburn Principal, Josh Bornstein, gain the appropriate certifications to seek infectious toxic waste from hospitals. speaks after the TWU lodge federal court every level found themselves I experienced this personally when a proceedings against Qantas which puts alternate employment. Such a program outsourcing on trial. ABC News, 9 December 2020. out of work overnight. would be one solution for aviation manager had the nerve to try to stand over workers to regain their livelihoods and me and the bargaining team during an This presented significant challenges provide loyal workers and proud union Enterprise Agreement bargaining meeting. for TWU members as they desperately members a stable and promising career Cleanaway’s HR team simply stood there sought Government subsidies and well into the future. and allowed it to happen. Of course, if alternate work opportunities. With a the tables were turned, they would be rapidly diminishing job market, many I’d also like to take this opportunity demanding Union Officials be arrested. of these vulnerable workers are still to recognise the hardworking and struggling to move into stable and loyal Jetstar workers who have had As we approach 2021, one thing is for sure dignified work. an incredibly tough year. Earlier this – bargaining will have its challenges but year, Jetstar workers were out on transport workers everywhere must stand Protecting our members strike, and I spent several days in crew united to protect good jobs. rooms with these proud and staunch The TWU quickly understood that unionists to fight for the recognition without adequate Government support and improved conditions they deserved. Mem Suleyman is the Chief of Staff at the TWU. and subsidies for the aviation industry, They have since had their hard work and Mem has worked alongside transport workers for the transition from aviation into other dedication to the company thrown back close to a decade, fighting for and winning better industry would be imminent and in their faces with their positions being conditions for transport workers in countless extremely challenging for our members. disgracefully outsourced. companies across Victoria and Tasmania. TWU considers boycotting work In March, we set out to redeploy our Through his role as Chief of Staff, Mem continues on Qatar Airways after invasive members most in need primarily into I take my hat off to all of these workers to lead the fight to enhance working conditions examinations of women in Doha, Channel 10 News, 27 October 2020. booming transport roles. We have been for the resilience and unity they for transport workers. 6 7 YOUR RIGHTS IN THE 'GIG' ECONOMY LESSONS FROM THE SPANISH FLU WHY BUILDING LOCALLY BUILDS RESILIENCE WHEN A

Branch Secretary John Berger and National PANDEMICstrikes Secretary Michael Kaine met with Premier As the global COVID-19 death toll soars towards Daniel Andrews to discuss the impacts of 1.5 million and the devastation of the world the gig economy on the transport industry. SHAPE UP economy continues, it is inevitable that people will cast their minds back to the last great flu pandemic – the Spanish Flu of 1918-19 – as OR GO AWAY OTHER DATA we seek to understand both the medical and FROM THE economic impacts of the current disease. PLATFORMS LIKE UBEREATS AND SURVEY SHOWS: DELIVEROO ARE GETTING AWAY WITH TURNING A BLIND EYE TO THE HEALTH 41% AND SAFETY OF THEIR WORKERS. of rideshare drivers have been racially abused. The conditions they are exposing can access the same health and safety Despite its name, the Spanish Flu did not Australia’s first steelworks at Newcastle Australia previously imported all the

workers to are becoming more and rights as any other workers. 29% begin in Spain. Instead, it got its name in 1915. Besides building the steelworks, galvanized iron used in roofing and have been sacked without warning or more common throughout the industry. because Spain – as a neutral country BHP also built up its own large shipping other forms of construction, then They also have the power to enforce a the right to appeal. The rise of Amazon, Amazon Flex and in World War I – was not subject to the fleet to transport coal, iron, steel and a turned to making its own after John minimum wage and penalty rates, so Amazon Freight threatens the very 50% same press restrictions as countries such variety of finished products. Lysaght relocated from Wales to that workers don't have to be on the foundations of our industry and the have been provided with no gloves, as the United States and Britain. Spain Australia. Manufacturing employment roads for 50-60 hours a week, working conditions workers have fought so masks or sanitiser. reported the progress of the disease, expanded at a great rate. Even the Great quickly rather than safely in order to hard for. whereas other countries followed the Depression only temporarily slowed this cobble together an income. 67% were not provided any additional safety path recently pursued by China of transformation as the number of factory The gig economy is killing delivery The Federal Government has consistently training. suppressing evidence of the disease. 15,000 workers rose from 450,000 in 1928 to workers. Delivery workers working in the refused to acknowledge that there is a Australians 656,000 in 1938 – a greater number than gig economy are forced to work in dodgy The Spanish Flu appears to have problem in the gig economy, preferring to 76% 1919 die between Australia boasts today. ‘independent contracting’ arrangements were not provided any sick leave or originated in the US, and was taken side with multinational tech giants rather with no access to health and safety rights. compensation if they had to self-isolate. to the trenches by American soldiers March – July As domestic manufacturing grew, so than standing up for workers in Australia. crossing the Atlantic in 1918. Initially too did the need for transport. The As transport workers, it is important to As this low paid, insecure work grows, it a mild disease, it appeared to mutate industrialisation of Australian society care about the rise of the gig economy is affecting our economy. It is time for the Federal Government to in the trenches, becoming a virulent also saw a transformation in the vehicles for job security; pushing back against it is investigate and regulate the gig economy. Rideshare drivers earn on average just disease that would kill between 50 and 100 driven by transport drivers. By 1930, how we stop this economy creeping into 100 million people – far more than the over $12 an hour after costs, with 62% More than one in three riders has been Australia had more trucks on the road strong union jobs and undercutting hard 20 million who died due to the war itself. reporting they have experienced verbal injured on the job, with the vast majority MILLION than Germany and Italy. fought conditions. die worldwide or physical assaults and 17% reporting (80%) receiving no support from their In 1919, Australians didn’t need to learn For too long the Federal Government they have been sexually harassed or company. Two Sydney delivery riders Manufacturing self-sufficiency the benefits of self-sufficiency from the has turned a blind eye on the gig assaulted, according to a new survey. including Xiaojun Chen and a Melbourne What was the economic effect of the Spanish Flu – they’d already learnt this economy, even after scathing reports were killed in the last month. Because of the low pay, over one in two Spanish Flu? The answer: bugger all. from the war. In 2020, however, exactly and recommendations were released rideshare drivers say they struggle to The reason for this is that both before a century after the Spanish Flu, there during Victorian and NSW Parliamentary pay bills and buy food, according to the WWI and during the war, Australians 40% is – hopefully – an economic lesson Inquires. survey by the Transport Workers’ Union Show your had come to realise the need for of Aussies to be learnt. As a nation, we need a Christian Porter and the Liberal and the Rideshare Drivers’ Network. Over support by manufacturing self-sufficiency. The most infected manufacturing sector. We cannot be a Government have the power to regulate 80% say they have seen a drop in pay signing the obvious sign of this was the opening of society reliant on China for toilet paper, the gig economy so that delivery workers while working for the likes of Uber. petition as well as all the other necessities of life. 8 9 TOWARDS 2021 – MAJORS BARGAINING A HARSH COMPARISON OF RESPONSES TO COVID-19 HOW AMERICA IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD, THE FIGHT HAS failed FOR TRANSPORT ITS TRANSPORT

WORKERS John Berger with Teamsters WORKERS A special contribution by the USA Teamsters CONTINUES Secretary, James Hoffa Jnr. Like the rest of the world, the would be supported throughout the the program. PSP funding has kept pandemic, it also ensured they did thousands of aviation workers employed United States has not been not have to enter insecure, unsafe and covered under their healthcare exempt from the pain and workplaces to receive a pay cheque, plans. Without a clean extension of the thereby curbing the potential spread PSP funding, union leaders have warned suffering caused by COVID-19. of COVID-19. of mass layoffs in the aviation industry. If anything, the US has been This year was set to be a big one for transport workers and the “It’s not too much to This stands in stark comparison to the In Victoria, the Andrews’ Government one of the least successful US, where citizens were only able to heeded the calls of workers and the first big push towards industry rates within transport supply chains. ask that essential nations in controlling the access a $1,200 Coronavirus Aid, Relief TWU and RTBU to ensure masks were The pandemic slowed our plans, but also enabled us to adapt. and Economic Security Act (CAREs) made mandatory on public transport, transport workers virus to both protect lives grant ONCE – more than 6 months ago! as well as in public spaces where social So far, 159 million CAREs grants have distancing could not be guaranteed. Obvious circumstances meant we had to As members in transport and logistics and livelihoods. been received by American families. Masks became mandatory overnight defer our bargaining for 12 months until are well aware, many parts of the see some of the profit in Victoria. In the US the debate about April 2021. But that doesn’t change industry have remained relatively In America, union members from the mask wearing continues, with the what we are chasing for our industry unscathed by the economic impact of they have worked so International Brotherhood of Teamsters Working while sick outgoing Trump administration turning as your TWU. COVID-19. In some cases, companies and the Transport Workers Union have This has led more and more American a blind eye to their effectiveness. have made record profits. hard to produce.” stood together to keep the country In October, transport workers across workers to undertake insecure and moving. In doing so, like so many of In a media release by the Transport Australia attended the first national unsafe work, while also weakening the you, transport workers have risked Workers Union of America, the union mass Delegates’ meeting to kick off Parcels increase attack clients as well as transport industrial power of workers by forcing their health. them to continue to work when sick. In outed the American Department of the 2021 Majors Bargaining Campaign. We know that when Melbourne was flung companies in order to hold the dodgy a nation where the unions representing Transport after they rejected a petition COVID-19 restrictions have certainly into a second stage 3 lockdown in early bottom-dwellers to account. Unlike the Victorian Government, who stood up and implemented measures to healthcare heroes have filed a lawsuit from the Transportation Trades impacted the way we gather together July, there was an 80 percent increase Our plan is about protecting jobs, ensure the safety of essential workers, against the national Occupational Department, AFL-CIO (their ACTU), to show strength, and this is likely to in commerce parcels being shipped defending industry rates and conditions, the American administration left that Safety and Health Administration due to require masks for passengers on continue for some time. However, these within the state. The Australian Financial and bringing up the rates and conditions up to employers. No prizes for guessing to allegedly failing to keep them safe, commercial passenger transportation. online meetings will ensure that no Review reported that when stage 4 was of competitors in the sector who can what employers did – or in reality, something is deeply wrong. matter what public health restrictions introduced, that number increased by a afford it right now. are in place, we are able to collectively further 16 percent. didn’t do. And importantly, ensuring those clients “This has led more and more American workers get together and work towards securing In Victoria the Government stood with We know all too well that companies will who are making profits are brought industry rates for transport workers, a the union movement to lobby the to undertake insecure and unsafe work.” be crying poor during the next round of to the table to bargain directly with dignified retirement, job security and a Federal Government to introduce a wage bargaining. But while CEOs eat lobster transport workers who are doing the safe workplace. subsidy – known as JobKeeper – which Similar to Australia, the aviation industry And finally, the devastating impact of and caviar during a pandemic, it’s not job. The bargaining power of smaller the decisions made in the US has led to The Majors Delegate meeting was has kept working Australians in contact has been hit hard by the COVID-19 too much to ask that essential transport companies will also be strengthened more than 10 million cases and 250,000 reinforced in numbers and solidarity by with their employer by providing eligible pandemic. The American Administration workers see some of the profits they through the power and solidarity of the deaths. The decisions Governments countless members across the eight employers with $1,500 payments per created a Payroll Support Program (PSP) have worked so hard to produce. fight for better wages and conditions. make save or lose lives – this virus has companies who joined the first-ever road staff member to ensure their workers for carriers in the aviation industry. made that clearer than ever. transport mass meeting on 14 October. Like the proposed 2020 campaign, 2021 The next year will be a vital one for the continued to receive a pay cheque. Not However, this has fallen short and will see the TWU, Delegates and activists future of our industry. only did this guarantee that workers the administration refuses to extend 10 11 THE FAILURE OF GOVERNMENT QANTAS received over QANTAS $800M BAD GOVERNMENTS in JobKeeper subsidies REX AND COMPANIES received over REX $81M which directly affected struggling Virgin a dangerous CLEANAWAY obstructed Enterprise Agreement CLEANAWAY meetings which means LESS MONEY cocktail in garbos pockets!

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HAS The Federal Government’s lack of Government’s hotel quarantine program. impacted by the pandemic. This is a CERTAINLY BROUGHT OUT THE support does not stop at Qantas. What While workers still face challenges in this timely reminder of why the 2021 Majors seem at all concerned with this, and have Moving forward BEST IN SOME COMPANIES, AND has the Federal Government done for transition and are depending on short- Enterprise Agreement Bargaining Round instead further insulted their workers by DISAPPOINTINGLY, THE WORST IN Dnata workers? Excluded them from term contract uncertainty, the TWU is so important. It’s an opportunity to trying to obstruct Enterprise Agreement Let the pandemic serve as a timely FAR TOO MANY COMPANIES. the JobKeeper subsidy entirely, leaving continue to advocate for redeployed hold every major company to account meetings held between TWU Officials and reminder of what’s at the heart of any The irony here being that companies thousands of families struggling to keep aviation workers while in their alternate at the same time and secure a national the company. Since then, Cleanaway have successful company; its frontline workers. behaving in the most disgraceful ways a roof over their head. Dnata workers’ tax roles. The TWU also continue to call on industry standard. continued to be uncooperative which has The pandemic should instead remind all toward transport workers are those who dollars were welcomed, yet crucial support the Victorian Government to formulate prolonged negotiations. transport companies of why it’s more have been handed hundreds of millions of for these workers has been absent. a plan for aviation workers that will see Garbos bottom of the pile important than ever to take care of their them through the pandemic including This ultimately means less money in employees. Transport workers have seen tax-payer dollars, while most have been Then, we have the extremely poor How about Virgin Australia? our recent lobbying to upskill displaced garbos’ pockets and continued unsafe busier and more profitable than ever. example of a company like Cleanaway airline workers. On the aviation end of the transport The Government allowed them to enter handpicking weak sections of the laws spectrum, we continue to see mass into voluntary administration, and in the Lining their own pockets against essential workers. Rain, hail or Over six months on, we are stand-downs and redundancies at every process, forced the airline to make a third shine, hardworking garbos are on the level from caterers, refuellers, and of its workforce redundant. Rex? Well, In comparison, we turn to the essential job and having to cut corners to meet baggage handlers all the way through the Federal Government simply handed road transport, warehouse and logistics Cleanaway’s local council contracts. frustratingly still needing to shine a to flight attendants and pilots. Rex close to $81 million, which the airline workers who have been busier than While several concerns have been raised then used to raise enough revenue to ever. Truck drivers have kept the country about safety while on the job, Cleanaway light on the exploitation and lack of Shame on you Mr Joyce directly compete with struggling Virgin moving, and transport workers in continue to turn a blind eye. Waste Australia, further threatening the jobs warehouses and logistics are working in collection does not stop as a result of support for workers. The Federal Government have allowed of Virgin Australia’s remaining staff. overflowing warehouses getting stock COVID-19. Qantas — the largest recipient of the Given Rex’s deputy chairman John Sharp out to major companies due to the In fact, essential Cleanaway garbos JobKeeper subsidy at over $800 million is a former Nationals MP and federal increase of online shopping. have been forced to turn up at medical conditions while on the job. The TWU these companies through the pandemic and counting — to make long-serving transport minister, it’s evident that the waste facilities to overflowing will not simply sit back and allow this to with flying colours. Let’s use the festive and hardworking frontline workers Federal Government’s allegiance is to The recent lockdowns have infectious waste happen. If we have to, we will be turning break — which many of you will spend redundant only to have Qantas CEO their mates rather than the constituents lined several major bins and collect to the local councillors who offer these continuing to move Australia — to refresh Alan Joyce illegitimately outsource their who keep them in a job. transport company’s contracts to a company that has no and get ready for 2021, possibly the most jobs to cheaper labour hire companies pockets yet some this dangerous regard for their frontline workers and important round of enterprise bargaining who offer below minimum wages and Despite this, the TWU were instrumental are still trying to material in order draw this to their attention. in transport history. atrocious conditions. in facilitating the redeployment of claim they have to keep their jobs. aviation workers into the Victorian been negatively Cleanaway do not 12 13 BUS UPDATE

LEAVE send us in INCONSISTENCIES your photos! HIGHLIGHT YOUR “Ventura started allocating leave outside UNION’S VITALITY the agreement and was very inconsistent in how it was managed.” In recent months your TWU Organisers have met with Dysons, Transdev and Ventura to discuss preventing drivers from being stood regarding crowds and travel are lifted, BBQs with your TWU Officials and staff If you have any concerns or there is your TWU Bus Officials will be at your from stakeholder organisations like a hot talking point in your depot or down due to lack of available work. This directly affected school bus depots. It is hoped that the barbecue Maurice Blackburn and ME Bank. lunchroom, ring your TWU and ask them calendar can be put back in place. Staff about it. We are all under a variety of and charter drivers, as schools were closed and charters disappeared. As the Journals continue to be produced, from Maurice Blackburn solicitors, ME pressures at the moment, and issues the demand for photos of TWU bus Bank and TWU super attend these can get lost in the noise of work and members grows. The TWU is requesting TWU Delegates reached agreement on Those known to be tendering are CDC, the operator. One operator, in particular, events with the TWU to address any life. If you have a question your boss or photos from our members. Snap a track, school or charter drivers taking Skybus, Keolis, Dysons, Transdev, Ventura continues to be caught out this way. legal, banking or superannuation needs TWU Delegate can’t answer, or you just couple of quick ones and send them some leave, with track drivers who and Transit Systems (Sita). Apart from you have. Do we really want to highlight want to talk to us, give us a call. After all, Post-COVID – Will we ever get there?! to Senior Bus Organiser Mike McNess took leave providing work for school Ventura, Keolis and Transit Systems, the to our opposition that we have not been that’s why we’re here. As we move forward and restrictions on 0402 039 192. Perhaps a photo of a and charter drivers. These agreements TWU is of the view that these operators on site? Can’t we just reword this to read couple of workmates, a classic old bus, See you in the depot soon. worked very well in most cases. are suitable, and will work well with their the following: a NEW bus, members wearing TWU caps employees and the TWU. STAY SAFE. Ventura started allocating leave Post-COVID we look forward to a jam- or beanies, some fishing, golf or happy outside the agreement and was very Keolis is reputed to be anti-union/worker. packed calendar that will include more shots, anything showing our members at inconsistent in how it was managed Sita will have drivers on three different work or play would be great. Here is your across the depots. TWU Delegates met rates of pay and spend a lot of time and chance to be a published photographer! with Ventura recently to tighten up their effort ensuring their drivers have tucked The TWU is only agreement and insist that management away into the crap underpaid 4% of the Workplaces can be tough and busy implement it consistently and according industry. Unfortunately Ventura seem environments – for everybody. aware of two bus to the agreed rules. to have lost their way, avoiding any members who have accountability for decisions about their CDC does not have a heavy school or drivers, with a management structure been stood down charter division, and met with TWU in which the different arms blame one Delegates to propose a leave accrual during the pandemic. another. It is understood they are being policy. Unfortunately, as overseas travel advised by industry insiders to stay south. is essentially banned, all those overseas cannot go ahead. The TWU meets regularly now with the Department of Transport. This provides The TWU is only aware of two bus an opportunity for the TWU to discuss members who have been stood down industry issues or concerns directly during the pandemic. with the Department. In discussion with operators and our members, the finger Expressions of interest is often pointed at DoT by the employer. The Victorian Bus Tender contract This includes discussions about ticketing, should be in the hands of the new rosters and driver behaviour. contract holder by now, or be awarded back to Transdev. As a result of the Uncovering the truth pandemic, the contract has been pushed It is reassuring for the TWU and its back 12 months. Expressions of interest members that these discussions take are being submitted now. place and the truth can be taken back to 14 15 WORKING IN EXTREME HEAT ACTIVISM BRINGS CHANGES TO ACT

BE SAFE IN the heat Wage Inspectorate LAST SUMMER PRESENTED WORKERS Both indoor and outdoor Victoria is taking WITH UNPRECEDENTED HEAT, SMOKE work measures to be taken a moderate and AND DANGER. should include: educative approach During hot days it is vital that you are Avoiding work in areas where workers armed with correct information about are exposed to heat. to enforcing the the impact that heat and prolonged DELIVERING Ensure that air conditioning is ODFC Act. exposure to heat can have on the functioning in vehicles. human body. FAIRNESS SO OWNER Providing lighter, alternative work. Every employer or Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) has Provision of constant supplies of cool a duty of care to ‘ensure the health and drinking water. DRIVERS CAN KEEP safety of their workers and others at the TO IMPROVE THE POSITION OF SMALL workplace’. This includes ensuring that The effects of heat are more pronounced BUSINESSES THAT TRANSPORT workers are not exposed to hazardous if the air quality is poor, for example, due GOODS IN VICTORIA, THE ACT: to smoke haze. When it is hot and there DELIVERING temperatures. is smoke haze the body spends energy  requires certain information to As the temperature rises, the body be given to contractors before keeping itself cool and coping with the Wage Inspectorate Victoria understands becomes less able to cope with the Changes to the law covering engagement effects of smoke haze. that, as we are experiencing a global strain and serious health risks become owner drivers in Victoria came pandemic, the timing of these changes  prohibits unfair contract terms more likely. Stay hydrated and know the first signs of heat stress. into force in May, making work creates challenges. and practices safer and fairer for people in  states that contracts be set out in Between 2005 Moderate approach the transport industry. writing for ongoing or long-term and 2014, 13 workers The hard work of people in these engagements died in Australia from The changes to the Owner Drivers and industries throughout the COVID-19  requires minimum periods of notice Forestry Contractors Act 2020 came restrictions has been invaluable. It has when terminating ongoing or being exposed to about because of staunch TWU activism. meant that Australians have had access long-term engagements Owner drivers are small businesses to vital commodities while they stay ‘environment heat’.  provides dispute resolution through that own and operate one to three home and stay safe. the Victorian Small Business vehicles to deliver goods. They and their With this in mind, Wage Inspectorate Commission. Heat discomfort is felt at 30 degrees hirers or freight brokers have rights Victoria is taking a moderate and celsius and all efforts should be and responsibilities under the updated educative approach to enforcing the Find out more at taken by employers to keep Owner Drivers and Forestry Contractors ODFC Act. It is focusing on providing www.business.vic.gov.au/odfc. Act 2005 (the ODFC Act). temperatures below this level, information, support and guidance to The Wage Inspectorate is available to or to provide conditions for The changes to the Act mean hirers help people in the industry to meet their help people in the industry understand outdoor workers that help and freight brokers may, for the first obligations. For now, it will not take their obligations and to answer any reduce the effects of seasonal time, face penalties for failing to meet legal action if it finds any cases of questions. Email them at hot conditions where the some of these obligations. The changes non-compliance. [email protected] or call the temperatures exceeds also make Wage Inspectorate Victoria information line on 1800 287 287. 30 degrees. responsible for enforcing the ODFC Act. 16 17 MORRISON GOVERNMENT FAILS 3.5M WORKERS FAIR WORK COMMISSION RULES FOR TWU MEMBERS jobkeeper cuts PROSEGUR FAIL TO CASH IN REDUCE SUPPORT 660,000 AT WORKERS’ jobs were lost between THAT KEPT US SAFE February and June. EXPENSE TWU MEMBERS WIN AT Working people have carried Missing $60 billion which centres on job security, inequality 3.5 and the record low wage growth being PROSEGUR APPEAL the country through this crisis, This comes after the Government’s faced by Australian workers. The premise but in the shadow of the budget calculation that the cost of JobKeeper of the National Economic Reconstruction MILLION was $60 billion more than the actual currently receiving the Morrison Government is is that Australian workers cannot and In a great result for the Cash- cost of the program. So, we’re left with must not accept a jobless recovery or a JobKeeper the question: if JobKeeper is being cut in-Transit sector, the advocacy cutting the support that has recovery that leaves the next generation Taken advantage of only months after its introduction, where with a social deficit will never recover from. of TWU members working with kept millions of families safe has the $60 billion in savings gone? Prosegur’s attempt to cut permanent The National Economic Reconstruction their Union has helped protect from the pandemic. It does not take advanced economic hours for workers is not an isolated plan addresses the fact that Australia the hours of full-time workers incident. Your TWU is constantly understanding to see that when workers needs more than a cyclical ‘recovery’, manufacturing, communication Between February and June, 660,000 fielding calls from members who feel receive a pay cut they tend to save their and that the Government must do far networking and transport projects). during COVID-19. jobs were lost. It is not yet clear that the they are being taken advantage of money more – and therefore don’t use This was marked by expansive worst is behind us. due to JobKeeper and their employers macroeconomic spending which The TWU challenged Prosegur in the Fair attempting to work the system in such a We know the deliberate shut down was stipulated through the 1945 Work Commission over an unfair system “Cutting JobKeeper is bad economics – way that their bottom line is bolstered at of major elements of the Australian White Paper on Full Employment. that exploited the JobKeeper scheme at the expense of their workers. economy – and our communities – the expense of workers. both in an individual and national sense.” We know the transport industry is in helped slow the spread of COVID-19 Much like the Prosegur case, employers a state of transition – thousands of Last month, Fair Work Commission throughout our workplaces, thereby are using JobKeeper payments as an highly-skilled people are now facing Deputy President Peter Sams found protecting public health and keeping their money to directly benefit Australian more than offering short-term fiscal incentive to make their employees work underemployment due to the non- it reasonable for the company to tell workers safe. However, the job losses businesses and the economy. Cutting incentives like tax cuts or temporary longer hours than they agreed to, while transitional nature of their skills. drivers it would cut the minimum hours experienced throughout the workforce JobKeeper is bad economics – both in an make-work projects. reducing hours of full-time employees. One crucial aspect of the National to 25 a week due to the pandemic – a meant that no action on a wage subsidy individual and national sense. This is a particular problem for an Australian workers – and the economy Economic Reconstruction plan disgraceful decision that your TWU would lead to community and individual increasingly casualised workforce, who JobKeeper was fought for and won by that relies on our labour to function – focuses on training and reskilling immediately appealed. devastation. can have their employment terminated the Australian trade union movement, need an ambitious, sustained and multi- workers facing unemployment At the appeal, the FWC full bench very easily. 3.5 million people – more than a third of with significant input from TWU activists dimensional plan for a national approach or underemployment. A focus on quashed that decision, and as a result the pre-COVID workforce – are currently from around the country. The scheme to economic reconstruction. retraining and education would While the Government claim they are Prosegur has now committed to a receiving the JobKeeper payment and has kept millions employed and in see free TAFE extend across the attempting to safeguard workers, many minimum of 60 hours a fortnight for have been made worse off by the contact with their employer during the country in priority areas. employees are so scared of going Reconstruction plan full-time workers, as well as a fairer Government’s cuts to the program. worst pandemic of our lifetime. However, against their boss they will agree to work The road ahead is challenging, but system for allocating any additional that pandemic is not over and cuts to It would not be the first time the longer, or work unpaid hours in order to Cutting JobKeeper from $1,500 a with the solidarity of workers across work that arises. JobKeeper should be this Government’s Australian Government adopted continue receiving JobKeeper. fortnight to $1,200 for full-time workers the country we will stand together lowest priority. forward-thinking job creation. In 1942, Your TWU argued that the company’s and to $750 for part-time workers has to fight for a better future. Now with an upcoming EBA round, it’s years before the end of World War direction was unreasonable and put significant financial strain on millions More must be done to ensure workers time for all Prosegur members to fight II, the Australian Government began You can read the complete disproportionately affected permanent of workers who are reliant on the wage are not left behind in the post-pandemic for strong wages and conditions. developing an ambitious, nationwide Australian Unions National employees, as full-time workers subsidy for income while the economy is recovery. reconstruction plan that would see Economic Reconstruction plan here: regularly worked up to 50 hours a *Is your boss using JobKeeper as a way still shut down. The trade union movement has derived a any willing worker employed on a https://bit.ly/3laojcw week including overtime, and part-time to change your ordinary hours to their National Economic Reconstruction Plan nation-building project (think mass car workers up to 35 hours. benefit? Call your TWU today! 18 19 MESOTHELIOMA COMPENSATION WIN ACCRUING AND TAKING ANNUAL LEAVE WHILE ON WORKCOVER HOW YOUR MEMBERSHIP AND MAURICE BLACKBURN WHAT ARE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE your RIGHTS? A chance meeting with a at times. I did not wear a mask when Accruing and taking annual [2017] FWCFB 4420) matters would be This brought Victoria (and Tasmania) working around or touching the lagging, “It gave him the heard together by the Full Bench. into line with several other states. It Maurice Blackburn employee leave while receiving weekly was also in accordance with a NSW nor was I given any warnings.’ The Full Bench heard that while Section financial security decision made by the Full Federal Court has helped a TWU member WorkCover payments was 130(1) of the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) The man left the workplace and carried on in 2015 (Anglican Care v NSW Nurses and he needed to enjoy restricts the taking or accruing of receive compensation in with his life. He held various other jobs and raised again in the Fair Work Midwives Association [2015] FCAFC 81). mostly worked as a truck driver – until in the most difficult Commission recently, when leave or absence whilst an employee relation to his exposure to is in receipt of workers’ compensation, recent years he began feeling unwell. Checking your agreement asbestos in the 1970s. stages of his life.” an employer refused to Section 130(2) of the Act creates an ‘I first experienced chest pain and exception. It states: It is important to note, however, that shortness of breath,’ he said. ‘I began recognise the annual leave The truck driver began chatting to a enterprise agreements can have different feeling dizzy and had trouble bending ‘Subsection (1) does not prevent an Maurice Blackburn union relationship entitlements of a TWU member ways in which personal leave and annual over. On one occasion, I was getting employee from taking or accruing manager at the Phillip Island Moto GP, leave accrues. So although they are rare out of my truck at work when I felt who was receiving workers’ leave during a compensation period if and mentioned that he’d been diagnosed in the transport industry, TWU members severe pain in my chest and ribs. I was also issued against the companies that the taking or accruing of the leave is with an asbestos-related disease. compensation between 2011 are urged to check their enterprise struggling to breathe and thought that manufactured, distributed and sold the permitted by a compensation law.’ harmful products in Australia at the time and 2016. agreement to determine whether it He explained that he had spoken to his I just had asthma… but my symptoms The Accident Compensation Act includes an extinguishing provision. site Organiser about getting a referral continued to persist.’ he was exposed. This despite the issue being clearly 1985 (Vic) (ACA) was the relevant to the firm so he could get advice about If you need any advice on this issue, or He was referred to a specialist and a A trial date was set so the matter could decided by the Commission’s Full Bench ‘compensation law’ in the two cases. whether he had any legal entitlements, if you or a loved one have been involved lung biopsy resulted in a devastating be promptly determined by the Supreme in 2017, pending the wording about such The ACA states: but he hadn’t yet made an appointment. diagnosis: mesothelioma. He was Court, given the man’s deteriorating entitlements in workers’ EBAs. She took his details and passed them advised by his doctors to cease working health. But shortly before the trial began, In United Firefighters Union of Australia v on to a lawyer who specialises in dust immediately and enjoy what little time he a confidential settlement was reached Emergency Services Telecommunications diseases compensation claims. The had left. that took into account his shortened “TWU members are urged to check their Authority T/A ESTA [2017] FWCFB 4537, lawyer visited the man’s home soon life expectancy, continued medical the UFU made an application to the Fair after, outlined his entitlements and care, and his loss of earnings among enterprise agreement to determine whether Negligence claim Work Commission following a dispute signed him up as a client. other particulars. A negligence claim was lodged by with ESTA regarding: ‘It was a great result that our client was it includes an extinguishing provision.” Maurice Blackburn against the man’s Asbestos exposure really happy with,’ the man’s lawyer said. ‘Whether or not an employee under 1970s employer and proceedings were ‘He was especially pleased that we were Emergency Services Telecommunications Investigations then began into when the able to resolve everything so quickly Authority Operational Employees man was likely to have been exposed to ‘If the current weekly earnings of a in a road accident, been injured at because it gave him the financial security Enterprise Agreement 2015 who is the deadly asbestos product. The time worker are reduced because the worker work, have a public liability or medical he needed to enjoy the most difficult receiving workers’ compensation is frame was soon narrowed down to the is on paid annual leave or long service negligence claim, or wish to make or “The lawyer visited stages of his life.’ entitled at the same time to accrue any 1970s, when he had worked at a factory leave, the Authority or self-insurer must dispute a will, free legal advice with leave of absence during the period of not, by reason only of that reduction, as a labourer. the man’s home If you need any advice on this issue, or Maurice Blackburn is a benefit of your receipt by the employee of compensation alter the amount of compensation in the if you or a loved one have been involved union membership. ‘I used to help a fitter carry out payments.’ form of weekly payments.’ soon after, outlined in a road accident, been injured at maintenance work on machinery,’ he said. For more information about how work, have a public liability or medical Similar disputes had arisen between ‘There were pipes in the factory that Accordingly, the Full Bench held that Maurice Blackburn can help you his entitlements negligence claim, or wish to make or the Australian Nursing and Midwifery were covered with asbestos insulation. ‘[A]n employee is permitted to take or on a no-win, no-fee basis, visit and signed him up dispute a will, free legal advice with Federation and Alfred Health, so the accrue annual leave during a workers www.mauriceblackburn.com.au or ‘I recall that while I was working in the Maurice Blackburn is a benefit of your Fair Work Commission agreed that the compensation period pursuant to section call us today on 1800 810 812. factory, I pulled the lagging off the pipes as a client.” union membership. UFU and ANMF (Australian Nursing and 130(2) of the FW Act and the Victorian Midwifery Federation v Alfred Health workers compensation legislation’. 20 21 SAVE QANTAS JOBS CAMPAIGN ACTIVITY AVIATION UPDATE 25 Aug 26 Aug 27 Aug • Qantas announces • Delegates across QAL, Qantas workers protest plans to outsource all QGS and Jetstar meet to at Sydney, Perth, Adelaide HOLDING AN AIRLINE GIANT 2,500 ground and fleet plan the way forward. and Brisbane airports & presentation workers. • TWU and other unions join a digital picket in • TWU launches petition for take Qantas to court for Victoria and Queensland. TO ACCOUNT FOR PANDEMIC Alan Joyce to resign. abusing JobKeeper. ATROCITIES 3 Sep 5 Sep 8 Sep Just like their competitors at outsourcing was announced as being a All of this allowable with only 12 hours’ result of the pandemic. rest in between duties, or as little as 10 • Qantas workers protest at Darwin airport and Save Qantas Jobs campaign Media reveals documents showing Virgin, Qantas are also doing hours’ rest where unplanned disruption Qantas continue to come under fire Parliament House and meet politicians. Facebook page launched. Qantas outsourcing was planned occurs. The TWU have grave concerns everything in their power from the TWU as they stand by their regarding safety and fatigue in response • TWU files dispute in FWC over unfair bidding process. 10 years ago. decision to outsource those jobs – roles to strip workers of their to Qantas’ proposals. hard-earned conditions and that are not genuinely redundant. This disgraceful behaviour by the Qantas The TWU will continue to hold Qantas outsource jobs wherever they Group is a blatant attempt to deunionise accountable for this deplorable behaviour. see an opportunity. the industry. Recently, the TWU successfully took 11 Sep 14 Sep 15 Sep Qantas to the Federal Court to stop the Alan Joyce has long been vocal about company manipulating shifts to avoid Qantas TWU engages global Qantas starts bidding war CEO Alan Joyce has continued to use his resentment of unions. His decision to paying their staff anything above the workers deliver letter consultants Ernst & Young between States for Head Office the COVID-19 pandemic to attempt use labour hire companies to take over $1,500 fortnightly JobKeeper payment. to Joyce’s residence. (EY) and renowned waterfront location. TWU urges states to set to deunionise aviation through the the existing work required to operate lawyer Josh Bornstein. strict conditions on Qantas jobs. outsourcing of jobs and by decimating the airline is clear evidence of this. This As a group, Qantas are the largest workers’ hard-earned conditions. move shows a total lack of care towards recipient of the JobKeeper subsidy, and long-serving, loyal and hard-working have received more than $800 million COVID-19 could not have come at a Qantas employees. in Government subsidies throughout better time for the Qantas Group. It has the pandemic. However, this has not been exposed that CEO Joyce has for Concurrently, Qantas are also proposing prompted them to use this funding to do 10 years had plans to outsource 2.500 a whole new Enterprise Agreement 17 Sep 18 Sep 21 Sep the right thing by their workers. We will ground handling jobs. Coincidentally, this for cabin crew which would see their EY report claims bidding TWU opens Save Qantas • Mark Butler MP meets workers. continue to work closely with members upcoming agreement essentially equate Jobs campaign hub next door to and Delegates and band together process ‘unrealistic & • Worker Graham McKay on to the Aircraft Cabin Crew Award 2020. to stand up against these kinds of unattainable’. Scott Morrison’s office in Cronulla. ABC 730. The current Award pays workers a base “This disgraceful corporate bullying tactics. hourly rate of just $22.26, and considers behaviour by the Qantas all public holidays and weekends as Group is a blatant ‘ordinary hours of work’. The Award also allows for up to 14-hour 24 Sep 24 Sep attempt to deunionise planned domestic duties dependent on Qantas workers protest at Adelaide, Qantas loses case on JobKeeper abuses. Federal the industry.” a combination of operational and non- Darwin and Perth airports and Warren Court demands Qantas pay workers thousands in operational sectors, and up to 16-hour Entsch’s office, Cairns. stolen wages. days for unplanned domestic duties.

25 Sep 28 Sep Protests at • TWU calls for Government funding Qantas HQ, to come with conditions to stop the Sydney and Luke outsourcing. Howarth MP • Workers Nick Bennet and Elif Celik # SAVEQANTASJOBS office, Brisbane. appear on ABC news.

22 23 AVIATION UPDATE SUPPORTING ROLE SHIFTS FROM CABIN CREW TO QUARANTINE BAIN’S FIRST CUTS DEEPEN HELPING BEAT THE FEARS OF FRONTLINE VIRUS AFTER A WORKERS A WORRYING FIRST REAL LOOK AT VIRGIN 2.0 BUMPY LANDING Back in March, as a deadly A lifeline Employees’ fears have been the new owners and Virgin Australia Bain Capital and their close affiliation management that the culture would with former Jetstar CEO Jayne Hrdlicka. virus began spreading around Salvation came thanks to her union. The realised, with private equity be decimated should the company’s During her time as Jetstar’s CEO, Hrdlicka the globe, Jamie* and her TWU worked with Government to arrange for stood-down aviation employees to firm Bain Capital wasting proposed conditions be adopted. was known for her ruthless attitude cabin crew colleagues landed toward the workforce which sparked a work as residential support officers in A currently stood-down Virgin Australia no time in restructuring the tense relationship with unions. Private back in Australia after a quarantine hotels, using their experience flight attendant of 10 years and proud airline and attempting to slash equity firms like Bain Capital have a and expertise with policies, procedures TWU member says: ‘It’s utterly shocking routine Los Angeles stopover. reputation for swooping in, driving and crucially people to help manage a conditions for thousands of – changes are necessary, but we have down costs at the employees’ expense, Within days, the job she’d potentially dangerous environment. all seen where the inefficiencies have frontline workers. generating a quick profit and then loved for close to two decades been over the years. They do not stem ‘We have very strict training and offloading the company. had all but vanished. protocols that we have to follow and There has long been speculation of adhere to, everything from uniforms what Virgin 2.0 may look like post- ‘I had no idea that was going to be my to policies,’ says Jamie, who is proud administration under its new owner, last flight,’ Jamie says. ‘I remember we to have helped ensure the safety and particularly since Virgin Australia’s “Frontline workers are got off the plane thinking COVID-19 security of returned travellers through 9,000 employees endorsed the sale in looked pretty interesting, then in a short their quarantine period. early September. The airline is urgently furious and feel they time it just got worse and worse. Within attempting to reduce its cost base by Working alongside already-familiar cabin have been misled a week international flights stopped and crew colleagues and others she’s come proposing new Enterprise Agreements, we were all stood down.’ proposals which are set to slash current by Bain Capital and to know well, Jamie sees similarities with pay and conditions for thousands of The landing was bumpy. Jobkeeper was the customer service work they would frontline workers. Virgin Australia yet to be announced, so Jamie followed normally be doing at 30,000 feet, not the many whose lives had been upended least in the interaction with guests as A reduction in salaries management.” onto the ‘dole’ queue – one that literally they arrive and depart. stretched around the block and down Virgin Australia management have the street. Getting back in the sky blamed frontline workers’ salaries in ‘There’s an underlying satisfaction that large part for the struggling airline’s lack The future remains uncertain, and Jamie while the industry that you come from of profitability, and say that in order to from frontline workers. We are the bread fears that years could pass before she “I think people has been decimated, you’re doing a job return to profit, Enterprise Agreements and butter of this airline; we won awards next welcomes passengers on board an that actually is directly combating the across pilot, cabin crew and ground crew annually because we were happy at However, employees heeded the advice aircraft. The prospect feels both exciting underestimate the thing that killed the industry. That’s groups must have ‘increased flexibilities work. Stripping back our conditions of Virgin Australia CEO, Paul Scurrah, as and a little surreal, and she knows how rewarding.’ and efficiencies’ moving forward. and salaries is not the answer. they believed their best interests were importance and important getting back in the air will be Some of these proposals would see a at heart. In October, the Virgin Australia The work of the TWU to place members to the world regaining its rhythm. reduction in salaries of up to 40 percent, Tense relationship workforce took another hit when the in such roles hasn’t been lost on Jamie, power of a union, the ‘I miss the feel of aviation, and the with longer days and less days off per well-received Scurrah was pushed out buoying her confidence that the union ‘We were told Bain’s pockets were deep, people I work with,’ she says. ‘But roster. This is on the back of one third of and replaced by Hrdlicka, despite Bain’s will navigate the difficult terrain of we were told they appreciated the work they do for you also just seeing a different bunch of Virgin Australia’s workforce being made early promises that he would remain at getting its members back in the sky in a culture. Right now, it seems that was customers every day, and making a redundant this year. the helm of the operation. behind the scenes.” way that is fair, equitable and beneficial. a script to get the sale across the line. difference to their travel journey. Frontline workers are furious and feel Now is the time for Bain to put their The TWU Bargaining Committees across ‘I think people underestimate the ‘In a way that’s what I’m doing here, they have been misled by Bain Capital money where their mouth is and stop different workgroups are alarmed by the importance and power of a union, the ‘I’d never had a handout before, it was because quarantine is part of their travel and Virgin Australia management. Bain trying to take advantage of the people proposed agreements, and are working work they do for you behind the scenes. quite strange territory for me. I’d never journey too.’ Capital stated the culture at Virgin who make Virgin Australia what it is.’ tirelessly to stop the race to the bottom been unemployed. I just never thought People are unaware that the things they within the aviation sector. Australia was a big drawcard during Prior to the final creditors’ meeting, I’d be one of those people who needed take for granted are actually fought hard *Jamie is not the member’s real name. the sale process, yet employees warn many employees were sceptical about assistance from the Government.’ for by your union.’ 24 25 VIRGIN AND QANTAS WORKERS TEAM UP TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE

HOW THE PANDEMIC BROUGHT AN ODD COUPLE Dean Sloan Branch Committee of Management member Anthony DeRomeis Senior Delegate TOGETHER

DeRomeis is a carpenter by trade who dispatch allocator – for his former ‘We were delivering to schools, breakfast backdrop of massive job losses at Virgin more people who join, the more powerful also worked as a police rehabilitation competitor, Qantas. for kids who struggle to get breakfast at and Qantas, their conversations would you are.’ officer, in building maintenance and as a home,’ Dean says. regularly arrive at how fortunate they ‘I rang Mem at the TWU and said, ‘You’ve When Melbourne’s second wave hit their barista before becoming a Leading Hand feel to be members of a strong union. got Virgin and Qantas boys as a driver and Adds Anthony: ‘When you’re working you Foodbank work stopped. Dean has since with Virgin, running the bag room at The COVID-19 pandemic’s jockey for Foodbank!’ You wouldn’t read always feel good, you’re not sitting at ‘If we weren’t in the union there’d be been making use of the forklift licence Tullamarine. His CV speaks of someone about it. Of all the places to meet up.’ home thinking, “Where’s the next dollar no-one fighting for us,’ says Dean, who he got while at Ansett three decades knack for putting people who is up for anything. coming from?”’ remembers starting with Ansett when ago, and waiting to hear what comes of in situations they never he really was a young fella, and being redundancy negotiations at Qantas. imagined was driven home “We were delivering to schools, breakfast for Strength in a union At schools they chatted to teachers, “When you’re working you always feel good, you’re to Anthony DeRomeis one kids who struggle to get breakfast at home.” – Dean Sloan Bcom member getting a read on the mood around not sitting at home thinking, ‘Where’s the next dollar late-autumn day, as he Melbourne’s lockdown that Anthony reckons left them well qualified to be coming from?’” – Anthony DeRomeis prepared to drive a van out Ferrying food around Melbourne suburbs After being stood down before Virgin pollsters if a snap election was called. as far-flung as Broadmeadows and In the meantime, Anthony is hoping to of Foodbank’s Brooklyn base. went into administration, he reached ‘Most people support what Dan Andrews asked, ‘Are you gunna join the union, or Ferntree Gully, the pair compared notes get back on the road with Foodbank. out to the TWU who were assisting has done.’ are you gunna join the union?’ about how things were done at their old ‘Hopefully the young fella’s there and stood-down workers looking for work workplaces, and imagined what might Anthony calls Dean ‘the young fella’, Pondering where he’d be without the we can catch up and do some more to tide them over. At Brooklyn he met be next for the embattled industry. The despite being only a few years his senior TWU, Anthony says probably sitting at trips together – so I can teach him how his delivery truck ‘jockey’, Dean Sloan, experience gave them perspective at a at 58 (‘even if I’m only one month older, home stressing out. ‘They’re there to it’s done!’ another stood-down aviation worker difficult time. he’s still the young fella’). Against a help you, it’s a show of strength – the and Bcom member who was a catering 26 27 CLEANAWAY MANAGEMENT CONTINUES SHOCKING BEHAVIOUR BULLYING AND LEAVE RORTS LEAVE A SOUR TASTE

In a recent online survey of members Maternity leave from Cleanaway, 63.6% of workers stated that they had been asked to The behaviour of management comes take long service or annual leave during months after battling with the company COVID-19. Of this, 79.2% of workers at the Fair Work Commission to ensure said that in being asked to take leave, a female truck driver was paid the same they were not afforded the correct maternity leave as other office workers, notification period of four weeks. In after we discovered office staff were saying that, 90.9% of workers surveyed receiving higher maternity leave than It came as no surprise to were not aware of the proper notification drivers. the TWU when news broke period when they were asked to take leave. In an article investigated and released in the Australian Financial In October, the situation at Cleanaway by the Australian Financial Review, went from bad to worse with bargaining journalist Michael Roddan exposed the rotten-to-the-core modelling used by Review about Cleanaway negotiations ceasing due to the and a TWU Official presented at Perry Since this letter, Cleanaway has removed – most likely to Sydney and Canberra. Cleanaway to push lower management intimidation and harassment faced by Road, Dandenong South for a scheduled the manager in question from bargaining In this instance, Cleanaway’s lack of rorting workers of their into bullying and harassing staff the Delegate-led negotiating team. At Enterprise Agreement bargaining negotiations and attempted to lodge a foresight and care for their staff could members. In a letter from your Branch leave balances through the commencement of the bargaining meeting in good faith. Our intent for the Bargaining in Good Faith vote. have led to interstate infections. meeting at Cleanaway, as well as name- Secretary, John Berger, to the Executive meeting was to secure the conditions implementing a negative The article on 1 October 2020 exposed calling, the local manager resorted General Manager, Human Resources, your employees are requesting: namely Used medical waste Cleanaway for their promotion of leave strategy. to throwing objects as a method Johanna Birgersson, Berger expressed pay parity as per the industry standard, negative leave schemes. Negative leave of intimidation. At this point in the his dismay at the behaviours and and safe conditions. Further, AFR journalist Roddan also found discussions, TWU officials made the conduct of Cleanaway lower management: that workers at Cleanaway’s Cahill Street schemes are a mechanism used by ‘In former meetings, it had been site in Dandenong were made to handle companies to strip workers of their leave measured decision to terminate the ‘On Wednesday, TWU Chief of Staff Mem agreed by the TWU Chief of Staff, Mem used medical waste which had come from balances and force them to take unpaid Enterprise Agreement discussions. Suleyman along with TWU Delegates Suleyman, your Human Resources aged care facilities – at the peak of the leave. This news came within weeks of Manager, Shane Burbidge, and Regional COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria. several bullying claims from white collar Manager, Hugh Cotton, that the workers against CEO Vik Bansal. following meeting would be productive However, not only were Victorian If you know of behaviour like this “Since this letter, Cleanaway has and resolve the survey results the TWU Cleanaway staff made to handle occurring in your workplace, now is the issued to Cleanaway. The survey results the waste, because of the sites’ time to act. removed the manager in question included alarming feedback about the Environmental Protection Authority license restrictions, 90 tonnes of the workplace from our members.’ Contact your union at [email protected] from bargaining negotiations.” medical waste was transferred interstate

28 29 TIPS FROM ME BANK TAKE SOME TIME OUT

AFTER SUCH A TOUGH AND ARDUOUS 5 WAYS TO BE YEAR, IT IS NO DOUBT MANY TRANSPORT WORKERS ARE FEELING THE IMPACTS OF THE PANDEMIC – BE CHARITABLE IT PHYSICAL OR THE MENTAL TOLL. That is why this holiday season we are encouraging you to take some WHEN TIMES important time out. Spend some time with your friends and family, enjoy a walk with the dog or do something ARE TOUGH nice for someone around you. The holiday season can be tough on many people for multiple reasons, Supporting your favourite charity doesn’t have to particularly after such a trying year. mean handing over hard-earned brass. From donating Never be ashamed to ask for help. blood to using ME Bank’s Pink debit card that helps Lifeline 13 11 14 fund breast cancer research, it’s possible to lend your favourite cause a helping hand at no cost to you.

The COVID crisis has hit charities hard The cut in income comes at a time when Charities have always supported by ruling out traditional fundraisers charities face rising demand. Food rescue Australians, and now it’s our turn to give like sausage stalls and door-knocking group OzHarvest, says demand for food back. Here are five ways to make a real campaigns. As a result, donations are relief is at an all-time high. Beyond Blue difference, even if you’re strapped for SCHOOLBOOKSCHOOLBOOK expected to fall by over 7% in 2020, with has seen a 27% increase in calls this year. cash yourself. a further 12% drop forecast for 2021. 2021 SCHOLARSHIPSSCHOLARSHIPS 2021

DO A DONATE HAVE A GIVE YOUR ApplicationsApplications close close 30 30 January January 20212021 GOOD DEED REWARD SPRING TIME OR DONATE 1 EVERY PAY 2 POINTS 3 CLEAN 4 SKILLS 5 BLOOD Select a debit card linked to a If you’re a loyalty We all have items Giving up a few The average adult TWUTWU $75 $75 Schoolbook Schoolbook ScholarshipScholarship ApplicationApplication Form Form particular cause, like the Pink scheme member, lying around at hours of your time has around five litres Everyday Transaction Account card chances are you home that we no costs nothing but of blood flowing TWUTWU Member’s Member’s Name: Name: InIn respectrespect of of this this application, application, I I offered by industry super fund- can turn reward longer need, which it means a lot to through their veins. acknowledgeacknowledge that that it itmay may be be subject subject to to owned ME Bank. Each time you points into charitable can be turned into charities, who may Surely you could TWUTWU Membership Membership No.: No.: aa ballotballot conducted conducted by by the the TWU TWU Vic/Tas Vic/Tas pay for a purchase with the Pink donations. Frequent cash at your local otherwise have spare a drop or Branch Committee of Management card, ME will donate to the National flyer points, and op shop. Bag, box or to pay for tasks two? It takes just a Member’sMember’s Address: Address: Branch Committee of Management Breast Cancer Foundation. points earned bundle up all those to be completed. few minutes for the andand I Ihereby hereby agree agree to to accept accept as as final final through supermarket unwanted gifts, There’s a whole Red Cross to collect Postcode: the result of such a ballot. As a cardholder it costs you Postcode: the result of such a ballot. reward schemes, tacky souvenirs and world of volunteer 450ml of the life- nothing, but the donations can be swapped for outdated garments, opportunities giving liquid – and quickly add up. ME has already STUDENT DETAILS donations to a wide and take the lot to explore, from you won’t walk away STUDENT DETAILS Member’sMember’s donated over $1 million to cancer range of charities. down to your local walking rescue dogs empty-handed. signaturesignature research, and during October ME Name: Age: charity store. One at your local animal Blood donors receive Name: Age: quadrupled the amount donated person’s trash is shelter to offering a drink and snacks from 1 to 4 cents every time 2021 Class: another’s treasure, specialist skills in plus an endless 2021 Class: Please return to: customers use their Pink debit Please return to: right? pro bono roles. supply of the warmth TWU Scholarships card. The funds raised will support 2021 School: TWU Scholarships that comes with 2021 School: research into a revolutionary new POPO Box Box 203 203 helping to save lives. Note, If you have a child in Year 10, 11 or 12 in 2020 Port Melbourne blood test designed to better Note, If you have a child in Year 10, 11 or 12 in 2020 Port Melbourne detect and manage breast cancer. Only one scholarship is available per family VIC 3207 Only one scholarship is available per family VIC 3207

30 31 For the people who keepYour Australia super moving fund stands behind people in transport.

People working in transport are affected in different ways by COVID-19 and market volatility. Some segments have been stopped altogether – impacting whole families, while others are experiencing high amounts of pressure from increased demand. All Australians owe a debt of gratitude for transport workers at this difficult time.

You can rest assured that TWUSUPER is here to help. Your Fund is in a strong position to ride out this time with you and we will do whatever we can to assist you and your family. There may be delays if you phone the Contact Centre during periods of high demand. The best place for general guidance and information is our website, which is continually updated. You can also log in to your account online to view your account details.

The key takeaways so far are:

The Government has announced the Our Balanced (MySuper) option* is Insurance cover provided by TWUSUPER early release of some super for eligible invested across a diverse range of covers COVID-19 as it does all pandemics. people (up to $20,000 in two payments assets, but will be impacted by the The insurer TAL will not be invoking a – see twusuper.com.au/covid for more ongoing market volatility. Keep in mind limited clause for new members or those detail). This will be arranged directly there have been 10 years of strong upgrading cover. You can check your through the Government ‘my.gov.au’ returns and super remains a long-term cover at our website MemberOnline. website as scheduled for mid-April. investment for most people.

. We realise many people will find the next few months extremely difficult – please consider carefully before accessing your super. Withdrawing super now can have a significant impact on your future balance. Analysis** has shown that by accessing the full $20,000 – lost future retirement savings could be approximately: 25 year old = $120,511; 35 year old = $78,420; and; for a 45 year old = $51,030.

We will continue to update our website with new information as it comes to hand. twusuper.com.au

*Investments can go up and down. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future performance. **Based on modelling by Industry Super Australia. For assumptions visit industrysuper.com/assumptions TWU Nominees Pty Ltd, ABN 67 002 835 412, AFSL 239163, is the trustee of TWUSUPER ABN 77 343 563 307 and the issuer of interests in it. When TWU Nominees and its representatives provide you with general financial product advice, they do not receive any remuneration (such as commission) or other benefits for providing this advice to you. TWU Nominees and its representatives do not have any associations or relationships with other entities and persons which may influence the financial services it provides to you. This information is of a general nature and does not take into account your personal objectives, situation or needs. Before acting on this information, you should consider your objectives, financial situation and needs. A copy of the 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 a decision to acquire the product or continue to hold the product. This document has been prepared and is issued by TWUSUPER. TWUS 56404