Who Are We? | TWU VIC/TAS

The Transport Workers Union (TWU) is one of Australia’s most influential and respected unions, dedicated to representing the interests of transport workers across the nation. Established in 1888, the TWU has a long and proud history of fighting for the rights, safety and well-being of those who keep Australia moving, including truck drivers, couriers, airline workers, passenger transport and more.

Our Mission
The mission of the TWU is to advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions and respect for all transport workers. We believe that every transport worker in airlines, logistics, road transport and passenger transport deserves to be treated with dignity and to have a voice in the workplace. Our union is committed to standing up against exploitation, unsafe practices and unfair treatment, ensuring our members are protected and empowered.

Our Strength
The power of the TWU comes from our collective strength. With tens of thousands of members across various sectors of the transport industry, we have the ability to drive meaningful change through law and secure better outcomes for workers. Our union operates on principles of solidarity, unity and justice, which are the foundation of our success. 

Collective Bargaining Power
The TWU has a proven track record of negotiating strong enterprise agreements that provide fair pay, improved working conditions and job security for our members. Our collective bargaining power ensures that employers take our members’ needs seriously.

Advocacy and Campaigns
We are relentless advocates for transport workers’ rights. The TWU leads national and local campaigns to address critical issues such as road safety, fair pay and the impact of the gig economy. Our campaigns have resulted in significant legislative and regulatory changes that benefit all workers in the industry.

Legal Support and Representation
Our members have access to expert legal advice and representation. Whether it’s dealing with workplace disputes, unfair dismissals, or health and safety issues, the TWU provides the support needed to protect our members’ rights. In 2021, the Transport Workers Union took one of the largest employers in Australia, Qantas to court over the dismissal of 1685 baggage handlers and cleaners during the COVID-19 pandemic, whose roles were later outsourced. The TWU argued that the airline’s actions contravened the Fair Work Act, while Qantas claimed it had to make the cuts to ensure the company’s survival during the pandemic. In July 2021, the Federal Court of Australia ruled in favour of the TWU, with Qantas losing an appeal in May 2022 before the case moved to the High Court of Australia in May 2023. In September 2023, the High Court ruled against Qantas, upholding the original Federal Court decision and leaving the airline liable for compensation. After the verdict Qantas issued an apology to the sacked workers and now face millions of dollars in compensation. The case was a message to every single company in the transport industry.

Health and Safety Initiatives
The TWU is committed to ensuring the highest workplace health and safety standards. We work with the industry, regulatory bodies and our members to identify risks and implement effective safety measures, reducing accidents and injuries in the workplace. We proudly partner with leading health and safety training provider Training Ahead Australia to ensure our members' safety is put first and our members have access to tailed transport specific training.

Member Services and Benefits
We offer our members a range of services and benefits, including training and development programs, financial advice and exclusive discounts. These services help our members advance their careers and improve their quality of life.

Community and Solidarity
Being part of the TWU means being part of a community. Our members support each other, share experiences and stand together in times of need. This solidarity is a key element of our strength and success.

To represent our members effectively, we have hundreds of experienced Organisers, Delegates, Lawyers and Occupational Health and Safety Officers in hundreds of workplace. The powerful network focus on improving membership density, providing strong representation and making workplaces better for transport workers.

As a leading Union in Victoria & Tasmania, we initiate and support programs and campaigns tailored to the evolving needs of transport workers. 

We respond to public issues impacting both the industry and the wider community and provide continuous training, expert services and various resources to support our members.

Who We Represent & How We Win
The TWU has coverage throughout over 50 sectors of the transport industry including: 

Road transport (passenger, construction and freight) 
Aviation (airport security, ground services, catering, guest services, cabin crew, pilots, airfreight and cargo, refuellers) 
Oil, fuel and gas 
Armoured vehicle drivers, guards and staff 
Waste and recycling industry workers 
Forklift drivers and dock hands 
Clerical staff in the transport industry 
Bus, taxi and coach drivers 
On-demand rideshare and food delivery riders and drivers Owner
Drivers

Through the powerful onsite representation, the TWU negotiates over 100 workplace agreements in the above industries.  

The strong campaign objectives of the TWU have led to landmark agreements and legislation being secured in the transport industry, including through historic strikes in airlines, buses, dairy, owner-drivers, logistics and road transport.  

These campaigns are built from workplaces with members objectives been captured through structures built around a strong Delegate network and extensive workplace visits from dedicated Organisers that involve union meetings, consultative committee meetings and surveying of workers.  

We take workplaces issues to negotiating tables across hundreds of companies or directly to lawmakers where we win legislation that benefit the transport industry. Recently, we have won Same Job Same Pay Legislation, Closing the Loopholes Legislation, Wage Theft laws and tougher laws against passengers who abuse and assault Bus Divers in Victoria.   

Upon bringing together the common industry issues or workplace objectives, campaigns like Transport Reform, Our Victorian Buses or Safe & Secure Skies are built that deliver better workplaces, stronger industries and strong outcomes.  

Join Us
The Transport Workers Union is more than just a union; we are a movement dedicated to improving the lives of transport workers. By joining the TWU, you become part of a powerful force that stands up for justice, fairness and the rights of all workers. Together, we can achieve great things and create a better future for everyone in the transport industry.

For more information on how to become a member and join our powerful union, please visit our membership page or contact our office. Your voice matters and together, we can make a difference.