EBA INDUSTRIAL CAMPAIGN UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSED
As members are aware from previous WordBacks, a meeting of UFU Shop Stewards was convened on Tuesday 12/8 to hear a report on the ongoing enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) negotiations with the government.
Regrettably, after 13 months of negotiations it was not able to be a positive report in terms of either a decent pay offer or real progress on the resolution of firefighters’ claims.
Matters deteriorated recently when issues not considered controversial were flatly denied by the government negotiators saying this was on the instruction of the government.
For example, we were advised that our claim for the inclusion of the additional public holiday on Easter Sunday into the formula calculating the composite wage was refused by the government as was our claim for the right to training.
And despite the requirements of the Fair Work Act, no rationale for the government’s position was provided by them.
After hearing a full report, Shop Stewards unanimously expressed serious concern at the disrespectful treatment of firefighters by the government and recommended to the State Council that a campaign of industrial action be commenced in order to achieve the fair EBA objectives set by members in 2024.
UNANIMOUS STATE COUNCIL DECISION:
At its meeting today the State Council strongly agreed with our Shop Stewards and expressed a very significant concern at the disrespectful approach of the Malinauskas Government to enterprise bargaining with firefighters, authorising the Secretary to design and implement an enterprise agreement industrial campaign involving the taking of a wide range of actions.
The resolution sets out some of the options to be considered and potentially included in the campaign and contemplates ongoing escalation of industrial actions. Such actions and the timings of them, are not set out publicly here but are being discussed with members progressively and will be communicated through Shop Stewards and State Councillors.
As a symbolic action, State Council agreed that members involved in setting up of the Graduation Ceremony (but not involved in any ceremonial duties) on Friday, 15 August 2025 will wear the UFUSA T-shirt as a sign of solidarity and commitment to the campaign. Thank you D shift.
As always in our campaigns, community safety continues as a priority issue for firefighters and while it is not proposed at this time that there be any withdrawal of labour such as a strike, I’m sure that Mr Malinauskas is wise enough to not look upon this responsible approach as any lack of resolution by firefighters. Discussions around stations which are ongoing, indicate a very cohesive determination.
You can be confident that your union as always remains open to discussions with the employer seeking a resolution however it is anticipated that given the government’s current attitude, only a strong, united, disciplined and resolute front will succeed in delivering the expectations of our membership for fair wages and conditions. I look forward to speaking further directly with you in the near future.
Dare to struggle, dare to win.
CONGRATULATIONS
SAMFS RECRUIT SQUAD 64 OF 2025
AND WELCOME TO YOUR UNION
In Solidarity,
