VETS IN THE NEWS

After 40 years of membership and a life dedicated to the union movement, the Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) has been saddened by the loss of one of its veterans, Brian Thomas.

Brian Thomas gave much of his life to the TWU as a truck driver and as a veteran. Brian first became involved in the TWU in the early 70s joining up as a truck driver at Pioneer Tippers. This encounter with the union turned into a life of service, which saw Brian progress as a role model and leader within the union; as a Delegate at Pioneer Tippers and acting on the Sydney Sub Branch executive as the Chairman. But it will be Brian’s solid contribution to the Veterans Club, as its President that many will remember him by.

Transport Workers’ Union Veterans were at it again last week, taking a stand outside Coles stores around the country, to send a message to the big retailer that it needs to take responsibility for the pressures it places on drivers in the transport industry.

TWU Veterans from across the country took action outside Coles Stores today, speaking out against the pressures being put on truck drivers by the retail giants. Read more about the day of action here.

The TWU Veterans' Club, with Peter Cooley, braved a cold winter's day in Sydney to protest Barry O'Farrell's attack on the rights of bus drivers - an attack that will put bus drivers and their passengers at risk.

Big Bad Barry and the NSW Government are putting private bus contracts out to tender and will pick the lowest price regardless of cuts to the wages and working conditions of bus drivers and other cost-cutting measures which will put the safety of both drivers and passengers at risk.

"I congratulate the courage and commitment from members of the TWU Veterans' Club who fight for workers rights on behalf of their children and grandchildren: they are an example to all of us that we must continue to fight for our rights, more so than ever," says State Secretary Wayne Forno.