Members' Benefits
WHY YOU SHOULD BE A MEMBER OF YOUR UNION
The United Firefighters Union of SA was formed by firefighters to be a voice for and represent the interests of career firefighters in South Australia.
Full time and Retained Firefighters from the MFS, Firefighters from Ventia along with MFS Engineering and BATA staff, are members of our union providing great collective strength through a high membership density.
As a collective group we obtain wage increases and improvements in work conditions and safety.
Members of the UFU of SA have access to representation on industrial, work related and legal matters. These benefits are available to all members of the UFUSA:
1. Protection and security at work, with expert advice and support       Â
As a member of the UFUSA you’ll get:
- Expert advice on wages, conditions and your rights;
- Collective strength to negotiate the next enterprise agreement;
- Assistance for workplace problems such as under and overpayments;
- Access to union advocates if you get hurt at work;
- Support if you run into trouble at work – such as bullying, harassment, an unreasonable manager, disciplinary action or unfair dismissal;
- A union that fights discrimination against race, gender, age, sexual orientation and disability and works to foster respect and dignity in the workplace.
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2. Health and safety
Unionised workplaces are safer – fact. The UFUSA actively ensures our members have the best possible protective clothing and equipment, operational procedures and training. We are currently fighting for resourcing to improve the ageing MFS fleet together with professional asset management and planning within the MFS, to ensure safety for members and the community we protect.
We take up and actively campaign against occupational risks to members health and well-being in areas such as PFAS, asbestos, diesel particulates, cancer, PTSD and stresses and strain injuries.
We believe that the only people with the moral authority to assess the risk, are those who face the risk. And the only way to have a voice is to have a union. With the backing of your union, you can feel confident in saying no to dangerous work without losing your job. Trade unions campaign tirelessly for safer working conditions and can be thanked for most of the gains in workplace health and safety.
3. Better wages and conditions
Union members get better wages. By being a union member, you’ll help win better pay and conditions through collective bargaining with your employer. The more workers that are in a union, the bigger chance of getting better deal.
Did you know, that on average, people with a union collective agreement are paid $100 a week more? Union members also generally get better sick leave and holiday leave entitlements and have better working conditions, work fewer hours and have more job security.
4. Injuries at work
By its very nature firefighting is a precarious occupation. Even with the very best training, PPC, and equipment, injuries at work can and do happen. The workers compensation system whether state or federal is not worker friendly, so it pays to have reliable professional advice right from the beginning.
Presumptive cancer provisions for firefighters were introduced into state legislation due to the scientifically established greater exposure of firefighters to contaminants as compared with the general population.
If you or a workmate is injured at work, it makes sense to ring your union immediately.
The UFU not only assists our members in such cases but we also regularly assist retired members and the families of members who have succumbed to these diseases, to access legislative entitlements.
5. Affordable, tax deductible fees  Â
Union fees are 100% tax deductible, which means you can reduce how much you pay in tax if you’re a union member. Because fees are tax deductible and you’ll get great member benefits, being a union member can actually save you money.
6. Exclusive Member Benefits Â
By becoming a union member, you’ll get access to great member benefits through our membership of Union Shopper such as cheaper:Â
- White and Electrical Goods
- Motor vehicles
- Rental Cars,
- Cameras
- Computers
- Travel
- Accommodation
- Entertainment
- And Wine, Gift cards, Discounted movie tickets, Insurance and Health products are just some of the categories covered.
See a full list of Member Benefits
7. Joining is the right thing to do for the next generation of workers
Being union means standing alongside other firefighters but also the 1.8 million working people who are fighting for a better life every day; if you want a fairer Australia, joining your union is the best way you can make a difference.
If you have any questions, contact us on 08 83527211 – we’d love to talk
The APFF, the Australian Professional Firefighters Foundation, is committed to prevention support and recovery programs for Firefighters.
The Australian Professional Firefighters Foundation donate books, electronic equipment, game consoles, hospital equipment, beds, games, furniture and more to the Newland Ward at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The APFF support victims of fire, providing financial assistance and other support to families around Adelaide who have been affected by fire.
The APFF also support our members in a variety of ways when called upon. The Australian Professional Firefighters Foundation is a not for profit Foundation whose members are professional Firefighters. Based in South Australia our membership currently consist of over 850 people
What We Do
The aim of the Firefighters Foundation is to assist burns and road trauma survivors, as well as supporting our own Firefighter members and their families. We raise money for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
We do this by raising funds with various events throughout the year. Our Firefighter members donate their own time to assist the Foundation as well as donate money from their pay.
APFF Coffee Club
Next Coffee Club meeting:Â
Date and Venue to be advised.
