The UFU understands that travel allowances continue to go unpaid by the MFS.
Despite claims in the Chief Officer’s communication and the suggestion that we are collaborating with him on the issue, we regret to advise that recent correspondence from the MFS just in, is short on solutions and firm timelines to fix the problem and big on excuses.
While our Union is open to discussions about how to streamline the travel allowance payment process in future, we cannot and will not agree to any process that could mislead members about their rights, or which could see entitlements that are owed, not paid promptly.
On Friday 7 March the UFU initiated legal proceedings in the South Australian Employment Tribunal seeking orders bringing to an end the MFS’ contraventions of Award, Enterprise Agreement and industrial legislation, in non-payment of the money owed to members.
We will continue efforts to ensure that members receive their lawful entitlements, and I will provide further updates to you as they become available.
In the meantime, if you are an impacted member and you have not completed our survey, please do so at your earliest possibility, through the below link in order that we can assist you:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XDCKS9D
ENTERPRISE BARGAINING – SHOP STEWARDS MEETING
Shop Stewards are reminded of the Shop Stewards Meeting which is scheduled for:
09:30 hours on Tuesday, 25 March 2025
at the UFUSA Office, 148 South Road Torrensville.
If you are a Shop Steward and are rostered on at that time, we have sought deployment on your behalf from the MFS, so you are able to attend.
A two day introductory Shop Steward training course is also scheduled for 29 and 30 April 2025 at your UFUSA Office so please let us know by emailing info@ufusa.com.au if you’d like to come along and find out more about what’s involved in being a UFU Shop Steward.
If your workgroup doesn’t currently have a Shop Steward, it’s time to ensure you have a voice by giving us a call on 8352 7211 or emailing info@ufusa.com.au and nominating ASAP.
LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT CHANGES
Shane Presch who is taking over from Deb Parsons on her retirement, was introduced at the February State Council Meeting. The meeting was advised that training for Regional Operations and Communications will be coming under the umbrella of L&D and the news that training in structural firefighting has just been signed off was welcomed with our Union emphasising that our pursuit of more and enhanced training on behalf of members continues.
STATE COUNCIL MEETING
The next meeting of the UFUSA State Council is being held on Thursday 13 March at the union office and ACFO Roy Thompson has been invited to speak on Artificial Intelligence.
STATION UPGRADES
As plans slowly proceed for O’Halloran Hill and St Mary’s Stations, draft proposals have been drawn up for improvements to Adelaide and Kadina Stations. We are advised that consultations will be conducted (and hopefully the funds found) and preliminary documents have been provided to our office which will be on display for State Council and interested members on Thursday.
MARINE REVIEW
News in this week from the MFS is that the very long awaited Marine Review is due to commence very soon. Interested members will have the opportunity to have input and our Union will participate and make a submission.
WHSR TRAINING
Training for WHS Reps level I is scheduled for 27 – 31 May 2025. This is the accredited training required in order that you can exercise your WHSR powers under the Act. Even if you’ve done it before a refresher is always well worthwhile. Let us know if you’re interested.
WORKPLACE INJURIES
Just a reminder that if you or a mate is injured at work, please ensure you immediately notify your union by calling us on 835272211 or emailing us at info@ufusa.com.au
A big part of our work as your Union is looking after injured members in claiming workers compensation and receiving effective rehabilitation and support where needed.
ELECTION NOTICE: UNITED FIREFIGHTERS UNION of SA – TREASURER
Members are reminded of the call by our Returning Officer Paul Caica for nominations for the vacancy of Treasurer on the State Council. Nominations opened at midday on 7 March and will close at midday on Friday, 4 April 2025. All financial members are eligible to nominate.
Nomination Forms can be accessed from the UFUSA Inc website here or by contacting the UFU Office on 83527211 or emailing to info@ufusa.com.au
All eligible UFUSA Inc members are urged to check that your email address and mobile phone number and any other relevant contact details are current with our office; this will enable all members to participate should a ballot be required.
In Solidarity
