All Stations and work groups are urged to ensure their Shop Steward (or alternative representative if their Shop Steward is unavailable) attends the EA Meeting scheduled for:
MONDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2024
09:30 to 13:30 hours
UFUSA 148 SOUTH ROAD TORRENSVILLE (ENTER FROM CARLTON PARADE)
All those to be covered by this enterprise agreement are urged to ensure they have a representative in attendance – for clarity, this includes Engineering Department and BATA.
Deployment has kindly been agreed to for this meeting by the SAMFS Chief Officer so please do check ASAP to ensure your name is included for deployment. Contact UFUSA office on 83527211 if you encounter any problems with attendance.
Some ability to join the meeting electronically will be available – please call the UFUSA Office ASAP to request a link and we will do our best to organise your participation. Attendance in person is preferred wherever possible but please don’t come if suffering cold/flu symptoms.
Thank you to all Members who participated and returned their enterprise bargaining surveys which were analysed and used to inform the log of claims developed over the period since the last negotiations.
It is not surprising that overwhelmingly, members report feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis and nominated a substantial pay rise as a priority in this round of bargaining. Enhanced training and professional development, employee health and wellbeing together with the strict maintenance of confidentiality of health records were prioritised by Members.
In addition there are a range of important issues affecting discreet areas of work identified which must be addressed including for Retained Firefighters, FCI, Engineering and more.
Matters for discussion at Monday’s meeting will include the log of claims, the negotiation meetings to date followed by a report on the offer tabled by the government (Industrial Relations and Policy IRAP representatives) as employer, on Monday this week, following Cabinet consideration.
“The employer’s proposition on a without prejudice basis, for a new South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service Enterprise Agreement to replace the current enterprise agreement is as follows:
- Period: An agreement up to three (3) years from the date of approval by the South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET). As discussed today, the employer is open to an agreement of less than three years. As discussed today, the employer is open to an agreement of less than three years.
- Wages and Allowances: Three (3) annual wage increases of 3% pa payable from the first full pay period on or after 1 January 2026, 1 January 2027 and 1 January 2028 respectively for a “rollover” agreement, noting that the employer is not seeking any efficiencies as part of this proposition.”
Disappointingly, when we sought from IRAP the rationale for an offer which actually delivers a pay cut for firefighters in real terms given the continued rise in the cost of living, while a broader range of duties is being required of you, it was very difficult to get an answer. Eventually we were told it is because “no efficiencies are being sought.”
Members have told us you expect better from the government, and you deserve better.
A better pay offer with a whole range of issues of importance to firefighters to be addressed.
Please take the time to let your union rep know how you feel about this offer.
At next Monday’s meeting, your Shop Stewards will be determining recommendations to the State Council for their consideration at the meeting of Council on Thursday 12 September 2024.
Please ensure your voice is heard.
In Solidarity
