03/06/2026
The Transport Workers' Union has lost one of its great characters, leaders and storytellers with the passing of former Assistant Secretary and Communications Manager, Paul Aslan.
For more than 40 years, Paul dedicated his working life to the trade union movement, serving workers across three unions and spending 22 of those years with the TWU. His contribution to working people cannot be measured simply by positions held or years served. Paul helped shape the culture, character and voice of the union movement in Western Australia.
Paul was many things: journalist, strategist, mentor, advocate and leader. But above all, he was a unionist.
As Communications Manager, Paul became the voice of the TWU. He understood the power of words and the importance of telling workers' stories. He could distil complex industrial issues into language that connected with ordinary people and never lost sight of who the union was there to serve.
Working alongside former State Secretary Jim McGiveron, Paul brought his trademark wit to every day. Each morning he would greet Jim with the question, "Who are we going to hold accountable today, Jim?" It was classic Paul: irreverent, sharp and guaranteed to get a laugh. Yet behind the humour was a fierce commitment to fighting injustice and standing up for workers.
Paul's commitment to members was legendary. He believed workers deserved to be heard and treated seriously, no matter how unusual the circumstances.
Rest in peace Paul.
