GKR Transport union truckies are celebrating a big win today with the news their week-long strike action has delivered major pay gains.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) said its GKR members had secured a significant result by forcing the company back to the bargaining table and locking in a strong in-principle agreement.
In holding the line for the full week, the union said drivers across WA, Queensland, Victoria and SA/NT demonstrated the power of unity and sent a clear message that long-distance transport workers will not accept anything less than fair, safe and respectful conditions.
The in-principle agreement delivers major gains, including:
• 13 per cent increase to kilometre/hourly rates over three years
• 19.5 per cent increase to annual leave over three years — including 11.5 per cent in year one
• Delegates’ rights locked into the Enterprise Agreement to keep the workplace strong and represented.
These improvements will hit payslips from the next pay cycle, with back pay to July 1, 2025, delivered once the EA is approved, expected in early January.
TWU WA State Secretary Tim Dawson said the result shows what workers can achieve when they take action collectively.
“GKR drivers stood together, refused to back down, and showed exactly what unity looks like,” Dawson said.
“This win is theirs. It sends a message to the entire industry that transport workers will not be taken for granted.”
Dawson said the result positions GKR drivers strongly for future bargaining and sets a benchmark for long-distance transport conditions heading into 2026 and beyond.
“This is just a snapshot of what is to come in 2026, where the TWU has 210 agreements expiring nationally, and more than 60,000 transport workers are in a position to take action for fair wages, safe jobs and strong conditions.
“Stay strong. Stay united. This is what winning looks like.”