The UFU welcomes the announcement of the appointment of the new Chief Officer/Chief Executive of the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service and we congratulate Chief Officer Jeff Swann on his appointment to this important position.
Jeff’s already been making his mark acting in the position for the last three months and our union acknowledges the fresh approach to consultation he’s driving with a welcome increased focus on the health and well-being of firefighters.
We’ve got a long way yet to go and with Enterprise Agreement bargaining not far away it’s interesting times, however there’s certainly a positive buzz in the air.
Hopefully, we’ve turned a corner and we now can focus collectively on continuing to build a fire and rescue service we are proud of where firefighters are treated with respect and dignity.
UFUA MEMBERS IN ENGINEERING AND BATA TO REJOIN FIREFIGHTERS IN ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT
In the bargaining for the last enterprise agreement, a request was made by members employed in the Engineering Department and BATA to move back under the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service Enterprise Agreement and it was agreed this would be given consideration in the next round of negotiations.
I am pleased to report that following the recent meeting, the employer has agreed that this will occur and the work will be completed to allow this to happen prior to the commencement of negotiations in July. Strength in unity!
SFF UNDER AND OVER PAYMENTS
The matter of overpayment to Senior Firefighters Level 2 covered in Wordback 5/2024 remains in dispute and we are working with the SAMFS on the matter. Most recently we have written to the
employer setting out the information which we believe should be provided by the employer to each of the 60 members affected.
If members who are affected by this matter receive any communication in the meantime, particularly any attempt to recover monies, please call your union office on 8352 7211 or email us at info@ufusa.com.au immediately.
Meanwhile our union is working closely with the MFS leadership on having Shared Services improve clarity and information on payslips, calculations advice and eliminating the large number of over and underpayments which are occurring. All members are reminded to please check your payslips regularly, and to print out and retain a hard copy of them. There will likely come a time when you will be very glad you did.
MFS SECONDARY/OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT
Thank you again to all of you who have taken the trouble to make submissions to both us at UFU and to the MFS. Submissions received at our office were used to develop our union submission to the MFS on the matter.
The UFU submission was considered and endorsed by the 14 March meeting of State Council and was forwarded to the MFS on 15 March 2024. It is now on our website and you can access the submission by clicking on this link https://www.ufusa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/240314-UFU-to-MFS-Re-Outside-Employment-Policy.pdf.
UNION ROUND TABLE WITH PREMIER AND ATTORNEY GENERAL
President Chas Thomas and I attended a unions’ roundtable meeting with the Premier Peter Malinauskas and the Attorney General Kyam Maher on Tuesday where many issues were raised for consideration and discussed.
Among these was the sector approach to wages in bargaining and whether the government will have a set wages policy like the last government. The meeting was assured that each case will be taken on its merits and there will be no set government wage cap. Concern was also expressed in relation to the problems across the sector with payment of wages by Shared Services.
Chas and I made a short video after the meeting which you can view by control click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2mSaRHLS_M
ELECTIONS
Nominations for positions on the UFUSA Inc State Council will open at midnight tonight and close at 17:00 hours on Friday, 26 April 2024. The returning Officer will then determine whether a ballot is required and if so this will be conducted electronically.
Nominations for positions on the UFUA SA Branch committee of management are currently open and will close on 2 April 2024.
More details and nomination forms are available on the UFUSA website www.ufusa.com.au
Please have a safe and enjoyable Easter.
In solidarity
