New rates of pay under the SAMFS Firefighters Enterprise Agreement are now applicable and the backpay for current employees should be included in this week’s pay.
All members and retired members are reminded to ensure you check your payments carefully when they come through. You can request further detail if required to reconcile the payments and you should raise any issues in the first instance with your employer in writing asap and keep us informed.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY!
Today, March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD), a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of working women.
The UFUSA takes this opportunity to recognise the contribution of all women around us, our partners, our mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, neighbours, friends and workmates, in making our world a better place. In particular we express our profound gratitude, to all who have gone before us; those who have sacrificed to pave a smoother and safer path for the women of today and for our girls – the women of tomorrow.
First marked in 1911, IWD was inspired by a protest on 8 March 1857 by women garment workers in New York City who acted collectively to demand shorter working hours, better pay and voting rights.
While there is been much progress, much remains to be done with many women still living in fear and with fewer rights than imaginable in many parts of the globe.
As a union we have a proud history of standing together to confront and fight for justice, in calling out discrimination and bias, and seeking transparency and inclusion. We know from experience that collective action is what drives change and by uniting together, we can use our influence and embrace equity.
For IWD 2023, the global campaign theme is #EmbraceEquity The 2023 campaign aims to encourage important conversations on Why equal opportunities aren’t enough and why equal isn’t always fair.
The UFUSA has an AA agenda in 2023 of continuing to ensure that women are safe from violence and harassment in the workplace and domestic settings, ensuring access to improved family friendly conditions, recognising that women are often the primary carer, and developing inclusive policies for members who are pregnant or returning to work after parenting leave.
Firefighters know our mindset and actions count and that you can make a difference for women in the world. All IWD activity is valid. IWD is inclusive, not exclusive and everyone, everywhere, can help to build on IWD’s century-plus history.
So why not be a part of it on this International Women’s Day and join us and many other women and supporters, at the International Women’s Day March this afternoon. Look for our union flags as we meet at Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square) on Wednesday 8 March at 17:00 hours for a 17:30 hours start, walking to Mukuta (Hindmarsh Square).
Wednesday, 8 March 2023 17:00 hours
Tarntanyangga (Victoria Square)
RBA MAKES WRONG CALL ON 10TH STRAIGHT RATE RISE
The ACTU has called on the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Board to stop hurting workers with interest rate rises after its 10th consecutive interest rate rise yesterday. The increase of 0.25% will increase repayments by $90 a month on the average mortgage of $600,000.
Ordinary Australians are already struggling to get by on wages that are not keeping pace with inflation, and today’s rate rise will only intensify the immense pressures mortgage holders and renters are already under.
Working people are being punished for inflation while the real driver, corporate profits fuelled by unnecessary price rises, are surging. Any savings working people had accumulated have been wiped out over the past 10 months.
In a further sign that rate rises have already done enough damage, inflation has peaked, economic growth has slowed, unemployment is rising, and consumer confidence is at rock bottom. Many people are still to feel the full effect of the nine rate rises, let alone the 10th.
There is no wage-price spiral. It’s time to cease interest rate rises and call on corporate Australia to immediately moderate their profit expectations.
COMMS UPDATE – EXTERNAL RECRUITMENT?
Many members have expressed interest in and conveyed concerns about the MFS proposal for an external recruitment process for Comms.
Your union has advised the MFS that as always we are open to discussions about any difficulties being experienced with recruitment to Comms and in canvassing potential resolutions.
In this instance, please note that absolutely no agreement has been reached on the matter to date.
As you know, Firefighters have been and remain resolute in our view that community safety is best served by retaining members with operational knowledge and experience in the Comm Centre.
A range of questions have been returned to the MFS wherein we seek further information and clarification on numerous points of the MFS proposal. We are keen to receive and understand the information sought in order that discussions can proceed, and resolution identified to the concerns raised by the employer. It is understood that this is a matter of great concern to UFU members and it will not be determined lightly or in the absence of your input.
As ever, your union is most interested to hear your view on this matter and if you have questions and/or views, please do not hesitate to contact your UFU office by directing your email to info@ufusa.com.au or by calling us on 8352 7211.
ABSENCE ON LEAVE FROM DUTY
Members are advised that due to the requirements of my family circumstances, I am embarking on a period of extended leave. I will not be far away and yes I will be back, however in my absence, the excellent staff in our office are always available to assist you, led by our Senior Industrial Officer Dan Farmer and supported by our elected Executive members.
Thank you as always for your understanding and support as well as your active participation in your union. Together we make a difference.
In solidarity
