Our applications to lift standards in transport

The transport reform laws won by TWU members are powerful tools in our arsenal to increase pay, conditions and safety in the industry.

Here’s where we’re putting them to use.

1. Maximum 30-day payments

Transport workers and operators have struggled under elongated payment times.

It’s not uncommon to wait up to 120 days just to be paid, hugely affecting business cash flow.

Maximum 30-day payment terms need to become standard.

It will also ensure other unfair payment terms are eliminated. With consultation now complete on this application, we may soon see this become a reality in the industry.

2. Standards in last mile

The last mile sector in Australia has exploded, but behemoths like Amazon are undercutting decent operators with exploitative conditions.

We applied to set fair minimum standards in the last mile sector including:

• Minimum hourly rates that ensure cost recovery
• Pay transparency
• Company-funded super, safety training and paid rest breaks
• Union representation rights

We could also soon see world-first standards set in last mile.

3. Historic agreement in food and beverage delivery

A year after filing our application to lift standards in food and beverage delivery, we reached a landmark agreement with Uber Eats and DoorDash—marking the first time in the world seeing minimum standards in the gig economy.

This includes:

• Minimum safety net pay rates for all classes of transport types
• Dispute resolution processes
• A voice for platform workers, via engagement and feedback mechanisms
• Representation rights
• Accident insurance for injured workers

4. Banks paying up for cash transport

In February 2025, the TWU made an application to the Fair Work Commission for banks, retailers and industry participants to ensure they each do their fair share to properly fund critical cash-in-transit services, which led to a breakthrough on funding.

But delays led by the banks saw workers left with lagging pay after years of wage freezes.

NSW, QLD and VIC/TAS members endorsed protected action, with VIC/TAS members bravely taking strike action to push for fair pay and conditions, with our application still progressing through the Fair Work Commission.

5. Fairness in concrete transport

With Boral in Victoria threatening to terminate owner drivers’ contracts if they didn’t accept lower terms and conditions, we quickly made an application using the new laws.

It calls for better standards on:

• Training
• Consultation
• Dispute resolution
• Vehicle standards
• Fair pay

6. Minimum standards in rideshare

In late 2025 rideshare members made an application to lift pay and conditions for tens of thousands of drivers.

It follows a survey of over 1600 rideshare drivers revealing the extent of the exploitation they are working under.

Each week, the average rideshare driver:

The application calls for:

• Fair pay
• Trip info and transparency
• Safety and training
• A voice at work
• Allowances for cancelled trips and trip returns

These laws are powerful tools—but worker power is our best way to improve standards right across our industries.

Find out more about our 2026 fight for our roads, our skies and our future.