It's a question most delivery drivers think about at some point — usually after a rough week with their employer or when they hear about a pay dispute in the industry. Should you join a transport union? The short answer is: it's worth considering, and for many drivers the benefits outweigh the costs. But like anything in this industry, it pays to understand what you're signing up for before you commit.
What a Union Does for You
The main transport union for delivery drivers in Australia is the Transport Workers Union (TWU). They represent workers across road transport, logistics, warehousing, and delivery — from long-haul truckers to parcel couriers.
The core benefits of union membership include representation in workplace disputes, access to legal advice for employment issues, advocacy during enterprise agreement negotiations, and a collective voice when companies try to change pay or conditions. If you've ever been unfairly disciplined, underpaid, or had your contract terms changed without notice, a union rep is the person who sits next to you in that meeting.
Unions have been instrumental in winning better pay rates, safety standards, and working conditions across the transport industry. The Road Transport and Distribution Award, which sets minimum pay and conditions for most employed drivers, exists largely because of union advocacy.
The Costs
Union membership isn't free. TWU membership costs around $12–$15 per week depending on your pay level, which works out to roughly $600–$780 per year. That's a meaningful expense, especially for lower-paid drivers. You need to weigh that against the value you personally get from membership.
Some drivers join, get their issue resolved, and then let their membership lapse. Others maintain it for years as an insurance policy — knowing that if something goes wrong, they've got backup. There's no right answer; it depends on your situation, your employer, and how secure you feel in your role.
Watch the Super Fund Recommendations
One thing to be aware of: unions sometimes encourage members to join specific superannuation funds. The TWU has historically promoted TWUSUPER (now part of the merged fund with other industry supers). This isn't necessarily bad — industry funds generally perform well and have low fees — but you should make the decision about your super independently.
Compare any recommended super fund against other options using the ATO's YourSuper comparison tool. Look at: investment performance over 5–10 years, fees (admin fees and investment fees), insurance premiums (which are deducted from your balance), and whether the fund suits your risk profile and retirement timeline.
Nobody should choose a super fund because their union told them to without doing their own research. Your super is your retirement money — it deserves the same attention you'd give any major financial decision. That said, many industry super funds genuinely are among the best performers with the lowest fees, so the recommendation might be a good one. Just verify it yourself.
Owner-Drivers and Gig Workers
If you're an owner-driver or independent contractor, union membership is still an option but the benefits are slightly different. Unions can advocate for better contract terms across the industry and provide legal advice on contract disputes, but they can't negotiate your individual contract the way they can for employed workers under an enterprise agreement.
For gig workers, the union landscape is still evolving. The TWU has been actively campaigning for better protections for gig delivery drivers, and joining gives you a voice in that advocacy. Whether the membership fee is worth it at this stage depends on how strongly you feel about the future of gig worker rights in Australia.