The Fair Work Commission will hold hearings in August 2026 on the Transport Workers’ Union’s (TWU) application for a road transport contractual chain order.
The TWU application includes a proposal for 30-day payment terms and proposes banning automatic rate reduction clauses and would require yearly rate reviews.
The FWC published a decision on 3 November, agreeing to hear the TWU application next year, allocating it two weeks.
The Road Transport Advisory Group, a consultation body established under the Fair Work Act, has provided advice to the FWC on the proposed order.
Under the Fair Work Act, a road transport contractual chain order can contain terms about a range of matters, including fuel levies, rate reviews and cost recovery.
However, there are several matters that must not be included in a road transport contractual chain order, including overtime rates, rostering arrangements, and certain matters (including matters relating to work health and safety) that are dealt with comprehensively by other laws.
The FWC decision sets out the following timeline for the TWU application:
- TWU is to file a draft order by 21 November 2025.
- Responses from interested parties due by 16 December 2025.
- Directions hearing listed for 19 December 2025.
- TWU evidence and evidence by other supporting parties due by 27 February 2026.
- Opposing evidence due by 10 July 2026.
- Hearings to be held from 17-21 August and 24-28 August 2026.
Read the TWU submission here.
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