I’m pleased to report that following our representations to the government about their breaches of the Fair Work Act in relation to bargaining, a meeting was organised and conducted yesterday which we hope will set us back on track for meaningful negotiations for our next EBA.
Our union responded to a number of questions raised by the employer (IRAP) about our log of claims and further information was provided with parties agreeing to carry out some further work on aspects of the claims and meet again in January 2025.
In the membership survey you collectively indicated that a decent wage increase is a key issue for members, and this is of course being vigorously pursued, together with other important issues in the log of claims. Station meetings are continuing where more detailed feedback can be provided to members as well as a full report at the AGM on 12 December 2024 at the UFU.
TRAVEL ALLOWANCE UPDATE
One of the ongoing issues which our union has been addressing for some time now is the non-payment of travel claims, with some members reporting a wait of eight weeks so far, from lodgement of their claim. In discussion with management about the matter on 14 November, we were advised that the matter would be investigated and resolved, and our follow-up has resulted in correspondence from the Chief Officer received yesterday. An explanation FYI:
“You refer to previous communication regarding the payment of travel allowances. As previously advised, this is not a simple payment process and there was a view formed that the payment of these allowances was automatic, which is incorrect. Unfortunately, the process has not been appropriately documented, creating a single source of failure. I acknowledge that this is a South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) matter to manage, and that the sudden absence of the person responsible for the payment of travel allowances has presented significant challenges for the continuation of payments.”
We thank the Chief for his response and the advice in his correspondence that the MFS is focused on addressing this “as a matter of urgency” and that we should receive an anticipated resolution date next Monday. Our union will continue to pursue resolution of the issue.
PROMOTIONS PROCESSES
Thank you for your messages and calls and I can advise that we continue to work with the Chief Officer and Executive Director on the membership concerns raised about consistency of processes with the current SAP 40. Members can forward concerns to info@ufusa.com.au.
PRESUMPTIVE CANCER PROVISIONS CAMPAIGN
As previously reported, our campaign to extend the presumptive cancer provisions for firefighters continues. We have the support across the political spectrum to pass the amended legislation through the lower house but are still in discussions with the labour government for their commitment to timing of it.
As a reminder, as MFS firefighters you are currently covered under Schedule Three of the Return to Work Act 2014 for: primary site brain cancer, bladder, kidney, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukaemia, breast, testicular, prostate, multiple myeloma, ureter, colorectal, and oesophageal.
We are seeking the extension of coverage for: primary site lung cancer, skin, penile, liver, pancreatic, thyroid, ovarian, uterine, cervical, malignant mesothelioma and asbestos-related diseases, together with a reduction of the latency period for oesophageal cancer to make it consistency with other jurisdictions.
This coverage arises from the compelling evidence of scientific studies focused on the exposure of professional firefighters to carcinogens in your work.
YOUR VIDEO MESSAGES FOR MEMBER ADRIENNE CLARKE
Your UFU is collecting all the kind and funny video messages you’d like to send to Adrienne to let her know we are all thinking of and supporting her. This is of course being done with Adrienne’s consent and we hope you may have some entertaining messages and recollections of our first woman firie to contribute. We’d like to keep it really positive and cheerful and while the final compilation will not be a public website post, you will have access to it once it’s been presented to Adrienne and her family.
The short videos can be from groups or individuals, holding the camera in a horizontal position (landscape please or resolution can be affected in the final product), shot from no less than 2 m away for good audio reproduction, and please shoot in light shade.
Members are requested to transfer all videos as MP4 files via https://wetransfer.com and upload it to info@ufusa.com.au. We would like to have this done by Christmas if possible so please get busy.
FIREFIGHTERS TO TURN OUT FOR THE 2024 MRA TOYRUN ON SUNDAY MORNING
Sunday, 8 December 2024
Meanwhile, a number of us have decided to turn out for the Motorcycle Riders’ Association of SA annual toy run this coming Sunday to help Vinnies provide toys for children who otherwise may not get a Christmas present and also to demonstrate our support for all our members currently fighting the above conditions contracted as a result of working as a firefighter.
If you can, please do come and join us; you can bring a toy, a gift certificate or make a donation.
We will be decorating our bikes and scooters with purple to denote our commitment to fighting diseases affecting our firefighters like pancreatic cancer.
The weather is currently looking great for a ride on Sunday with cloud clearing and 26° forecast. The MRA have welcomed us to join them and are excited that an MFS appliance will be at the grounds.
Please arrive from 09:00 hours at Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi, enter towards and wind around the grandstand from Wakefield Road, preparing for departure at 11:00 hours, returning at 11:30 hours.
The toy run takes a different format this year taking a run up the freeway for about 16 km and returning to Victoria Park where there will be live music, stalls and other entertainment. Remember to stay road safe and watch for the UFU Flag to join us. Please come and join us for an enjoyable morning and a demonstration of your solidarity.
YOUR UFUSA AND UFUA SA BRANCH FINANCIAL REPORTS
Just a reminder that the Audited Financial Statements are posted for you to peruse on our website – this link will take you straight there https://www.ufusa.com.au/ufusa-financial-statement/
AGM & XMAS LUNCH
All members are kindly invited and urged to attend the AGM on Thursday 12 December at 1000 hours at the UFUSA Office 148 South Road, Torrensville (enter from Carlton Parade). You’ll get a report
Caterers have a special treat in store for us for the lunch this year but please you will definitely need to RSVP to info@ufusa.com.au by 9/12. Please do come along as our guests for a delicious lunch and a good chat about the campaign for your next wage increase.
In Solidarity
