TWU loses bid to bargain on behalf of GTS Freight Management drivers, but wins approval to ballot Kalari drivers
By Brad Gardner | September 24, 2012
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has lost its bid to bargain on behalf of truck drivers working for GTS Freight Management.
Fair Work Australia Commissioner Tim Lee dismissed the union’s application after the results of a ballot in late August indicated not enough drivers supported enterprise bargaining negotiations.
Lee says 34 of the 65 drivers balloted did not support it, with 30 drivers voting in favour. There was one informal ballot paper.
“I am not satisfied that a majority of the affected employees wish to bargain for an enterprise agreement. The application for a majority support determination in this case is dismissed,” Lee says.
The TWU initially raised allegations about the conduct of the ballot and requested a hearing. Lee says the union withdrew its allegations after he wrote to it requesting more information.
The TWU in August claimed a petition proved the majority of drivers working for GTS, which is based in Victoria, supported bargaining.
However, the TWU did score a victory with its application to seek support from truck drivers at Kalari for industrial action as part of enterprise bargaining negotiations.
Commissioner John Lewin says the TWU is genuinely trying to reach an agreement with Kalari, which did not oppose the application.
Drivers will be asked if they support overtime bans, stoppages and work bans.
