As members will recall, the UFU brought a dispute to the South Australian Employment Tribunal seeking to resolve an ongoing issue in which PPE is stored in engine bays in at least 13 stations across Adelaide.
The MFS has recently proposed an interim solution to the safety issue, which is proposed to be introduced firstly at Port Pirie Station, and later at other stations pending longer term building works to address the risk posed by PPE exposure to diesel particulate matter (DPM) and other chemicals.
As you may note, this interim solution has also been proposed in memos relating to PFAS whilst building works are undertaken at stations including Angle Park and Largs North. Information about the proposed tent at Port Pirie is below.
The UFU has raised a number of questions and concerns about the proposal, however our Union is driven by our members’ views and as such would appreciate it if any members at stations which have your PPE stored in engine bays, provide your feedback on the proposal to us at info@ufusa.com.au, identifying your station in your email please.
If you have concerns about the proposal including any views on what suitable alternatives might be, such information would also be of assistance. We would be most grateful for any responses by close of business on 16 June 2025. My apology for the tight timeframe.
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SCOPE OF WORKS – Temporary Dust Shelter
• Supply and install approximately 20m of temporary PPE dust shelter.
• Chipboard shelter to be installed over existing PPE coat hook rails
• Plastic 80um Zipwall curtain with 2 zips per cubicle
• Approximately 11 cubicle @ 2100h x 1000d x 1800w
• 16mm Chipboard side and top panels
• Top and bottom front rails @ 90 x 35 MGP10 pine
• Top and bottom wall fix rails @ 90 x 35 MGP10 pine
TRAVEL ALLOWANCES
Members involved in the travel allowances case should this week have received interest of 7% on the monies received in backpay. It is important that you check the calculations against what you calculate you should have received.
The CEO of Shared Services Mark Carey has advised that individuals will receive details of the calculations used by Shared Services for calculations of your backpay and interest in the next fortnight.
We have asked for and been assured by Mr Carey that members will receive a contact for you to direct any queries or concerns to in the first instance, including someone to speak to, once you have received your calculations.
We are advised that all claims have now been addressed; it is important that you check your payments and immediately advise the employer of any errors you believe have occurred and if you would cc us into your email, at info@ufusa.com.au we would appreciate it.
And please remember to save a copy of your payslip – every time.
HSR TRAINING HEATS UP SAFETY FOCUS FOR FIREFIGHTERS
If there are sufficient registrations, a further HSR level I course is scheduled for 21 – 25 July so please get in touch ASAP to indicate your interest, by emailing info@ufusa.com.au.
The course will not proceed in the absence of sufficient registrations received by 3 July 2025.
LATERAL ENTRY HIT THE GROUND RUNNING
And last but certainly not least, our Graduates of the Lateral Entry Program have now successfully completed their SAMFS orientation course and commenced operational duties.
No doubt all members will join with us in welcoming our comrades from other services and in acknowledging the resilience which has been required of them to succeed in this program, not to mention the wealth of knowledge, skills and experience they bring to both the MFS and UFU.
A warm welcome to you all..
In Solidarity,
