Union's WA officials 'breached duties'

Federal court proceedings have commenced against two former WA branch secretaries of the Transport Workers' Union, with the Fair Work Commission alleging they breached their duty to act in its best interest and personally benefited from the conduct.

The allegations against James McGiveron and his successor Richard Burton relate to the purchase of two vehicles, which were not disclosed to the union's branch committee of management, and Mr McGiveron's redundancy.

FWC general manager Bernadette O'Neill is seeking declarations that both men contravened various sections of the Registered Organisations Act and also civil penalties.

The investigation began in December 2014 when the union notified both the FWC and the Trade Union Royal Commission of the potential contraventions.