At our AGM scheduled for 11 December 2025, Members will receive a report from our Auditor who will speak to and answer questions about the audited accounts of both the UFUSA Inc and the UFUA SA Branch. You can access the accounts here on our website.
‘WITHOUT PREJUDICE’ EB OFFER
As reported in WordBack 26/2025 members are congratulated as it is your campaign efforts which have brought about a significant change in the stance of your employer on our new Enterprise Agreement.
Since receiving the employer’s latest offer on a “without prejudice” basis, substantial work has focused on the detail of the offer which has been the subject of meetings and correspondence with the government and in particular the officers of the Industrial Relations and Policy Branch. A further meeting is scheduled by our negotiating team for this Thursday, 30 October 2025 and I note the negotiations appear to have returned to good faith bargaining.
As we all know the devil can be in the detail so it is important that we understand exactly what the detail of the offer is and have that understanding agreed by both parties and documented. We expect this to occur in the near future and will bring it to you ASAP so you can see the offer in its entirety.
Many of the areas of concern where the detail in the employer’s offer was unstated or unclear, were included in the last WordBack. As one example the recognition of all public holidays in the composite rate is not as straightforward as it may initially appear – ie some of the public holiday hours fall on a Saturday or a Sunday in some years but not others (resulting in a higher penalty rate). The parties have discussed an averaging approach which would address concerns; once this issue is resolved, calculations about the overall impact of the wage increases on you will be facilitated more accurately.
If the negotiations result in the package we understand it to be and can put to you, the parties will produce a draft Agreement and Explanatory Notes which would be sent out to every member. This would be followed by the organisation of an electronic ballot which you will be able to participate in by responding to an SMS or going online and voting at a website. Full details and directions would be provided to you. We will keep you advised about the arrangements if we reach this point.
It is important to note that no offer can be accepted unless and until it is voted on and accepted by a majority of those covered by the EA. And it only comes into place once it has then been certified by the SA Employment Tribunal. So there is still a little bit to go even once terms are agreed. Thank you all for your patience and we are all working hard to ensure the offer is worth your consideration.
In the event that there is no satisfactory resolution to the outstanding detail required, our campaign will be re-energised and we will fight on. State Council anticipates that this won’t be required however from caution, while some bans will be lifted in good faith, other actions remain in place in order that the Fair Go for Firies campaign remains visible.
Presumptive Cancers – Separate to the enterprise agreement the Government has made an offer to incorporate seven more cancers into the presumptive legislation this year and the remaining four in our claim of 11, by 1 July 2026, bringing it to a total of 23 presumptive cancers to be covered for firefighters in South Australia.
Your UFU will continue to work hard to bring you the best possible offer for your consideration. In the meantime…
ACTIONS/BANS LIFTED:
Please note the following areas have returned to normal as a demonstration of good faith in bargaining:
- Work To Rule Shift Changeovers
- Charging Bans all lifted
- Relievers
- PR Visits may proceed as agreed by crews under Nu-Passive below.
ACTIONS TO CONTINUE:
Campaign Signs – signs which are in place will remain in order for us to remain visible in case we need to reactivate campaigning. Signs will be removed when/if terms of an offer are acceptable for consideration.
Campaign T-shirts – All Members are urged to continue wearing UFU campaign T-shirts as a minimum on day shifts. Photos of members wearing the red T-shirts and drilling or carrying out your work are very much appreciated. Additional T-shirts are available at $10 each. Hoodies can be ordered and paid for through the union shop on the website www.ufusa.com.au
Display UFU Flags publicly everywhere we can.
Social media – Thank you also to everyone who has participated in the social media campaign, liking and sharing and we can keep this activity going however with sensitivity to the discussions underway.
CommCen – Operations Deployments will not be preloaded as usual but will instead occur at commencement of shift at 08:00 hours with usual communications sent subsequently.
E Shift – consistent with the OTR bans, will only cover training; A ban on OTR relieving of individuals rather than whole crews, resulting in recalls being required for individual relief.
‘Nu-Passive’ Action – The Alternative Daily Work Routine with core skills, SDF, training and public drilling as determined by crews and officers who are UFU will continue. This means a deviation from the daily deployment if so decided and agreed. Regular station and appliance maintenance to be conducted as per current requirement. PR activities in line with decision of crew involved. In service courses and SOPP programs are exempt from any ban.
Operations – Ban on Act Ups, in this stage now including long-term GADs. This applies to Operations and includes Adelaide personnel acting up in Port Pirie Station. Day work exempt.
Marine Act Ups – Marine are participating in the Act Up ban tailored to the situation. Please speak to your Shop Steward Steve Buchanan if any queries.
ComCen Ban Act Ups – Members in Comms are banning day to day act ups but not on GADs due to needs and the local circumstances. Please speak to your Shop Steward Brad Burch if any queries.
Virtual Standbys – Coms Members have also placed a ban on Virtual Standbys; again, please note that those already in place will be honoured.
A ban on transfers to and from Operations to Comcen.
Reminder: Training and promotion processes are exempt from campaign actions.
In the event of any queries or concerns please contact your Shop Steward or State Councillor in the first instance or call the union office on 8352 7211.
PROMOTIONS TO SO
Congratulations to all of our members recently promoted to Station Officer. The additional promotions above numbers were proposed by the MFS Chief Officer Swann and agreed by the UFU State Council. As part of the agreement, a trial program is being conducted wherein one additional SO may be requested to act down on each shift. State Council does not believe this trial will have a significant impact however members are invited to provide feedback in writing as the trial proceeds to info@ufusa.com.au
SECRETARY ON LEAVE – ACTING SECRETARY PETER RUSSELL
For your information, I am currently on a period of leave to address some pressing personal matters. I am continuing however while on leave, to attend and participate in a small number of priority matters of importance to members. Obviously this includes the enterprise agreement negotiations and hopefully, in conjunction with our negotiating team, bringing them to a conclusion.
State Council has authorised UFU Director of Legal, Industrial and Membership Services Peter Russell to be Acting Secretary for any periods of my absence on leave exceeding one week and accordingly Peter is currently in the chair. I know that you will all give him the same solidarity and support you extend to me and thank you for your understanding.
In Solidarity
