The Transport Workers Union has begun campaigning strongly in 2010 with the NSW Branch leading the way on Safe Rates running a media, government lobbying and community campaign in regional NSW. The message of this campaign is that drivers need safe rates so that they can make a fair and decent wage to support their families and to ensure safer roads for drivers and all road users.

We need to continue the campaign for Safe Rates until legislation is passed. The major event in the Safe rates campaign this year is a Convoy to Canberra. We need to show the politicians that we are serious about Safe Rates and intend to campaign until Safe Rates legislation is passed by the federal government.  To demonstrate driver support and the need for change we held a Convoy to Canberra on 20 June 2010. Visit here to find out more.

To date, there has been very positive feedback from the federal government about the need for Safe Rates. A task force has been formed but now more than ever we need to maintain our focus and apply pressure on the government to bring the current carnage to an end. Furthermore with the impending end of the contract determination system this issue has never been more important to our members, affecting employees and sub contractors alike.

The TWU is a diverse union representing members across all areas of the transport and distribution industry. We are committed to building strength across these industries and have established industry committees to address the specific issues faced by members in each industry.

The TWU is running major industry campaigns across 13 industry sectors. Current campaigns include the fight for amenities and a reduction in waiting times on the Waterfront, a campaign to improve safety and job security in Aviation and improvements in safety for Bus drivers. These are just 3 examples of our current campaigns.

To ensure we achieve the best possible results for TWU members and their families I encourage members to get involved. Members who want to find out how they can get involved in their industry committee should contact their delegate or organiser or ring the TWU call centre on (02) 9912 0700.