Our Union successfully moved a resolution at the ALP Convention held in Adelaide this weekend, supporting the extension of the presumptive cancer provisions available to firefighters in SA.
The extension is based on recent robust scientific studies demonstrating that the work of firefighting exposes members to a far higher risk of contracting a greater range of particular cancers and asbestos related diseases.
Accordingly firefighter unions around the globe are arguing for the extension of presumptive provisions and more recently right across Australia, in every state, territory and the commonwealth.
The resolution passed this weekend acknowledged the recent introduction in Queensland of an extension from 12 to 23 conditions covered by presumptive legislation and called upon the SA Government to follow suit. This would add primary site lung, skin, penile, thyroid, pancreatic, liver, ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers, malignant mesothelioma and asbestos diseases to our current legislation.
Currently we have 12 conditions covered under SA legislation which provides qualifying periods of service as an operational firefighter, and we seek the reduction from 25 to 15 years for oesophageal cancer for consistency with most other jurisdictions.
We note the introduction of a Bill in the SA Parliament last Thursday by the Attorney General Kyam Maher to extend the presumptive provisions for firefighters from 12 to 15 by the inclusion of Ovarian, Uterine and Cervical Cancers.
While welcoming this step, there is great disappointment at the government’s ongoing refusal to acknowledge the additional risks which are proven to exist in firefighting and to accept responsibility to assist when the worst happens. The struggle continues unabated.
BAY TO BIRDWOOD SHOWCASES ‘NEW’ APPLIANCE!
Great to hear that members have been out and about at the Bay to Birdwood run this weekend revelling in the sunshine.
Thanks for pics and thankfully the new appliances members won in the Safety and Resourcing Campaign which now keep on arriving, are just a bit more contemporary than this classic which we are told made the distance.
ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT LOG OF CLAIMS
Station visits are now underway with thanks to those who have recently kindly hosted me (and thank you for lunch). We’re talking about the Log and all things EA so let me know if your crew is keen for a chat sooner rather than later and we’ll schedule you in for a visit at your convenience.
WHSR and SHOP STEWARD ELECTIONS – NOMINATIONS SOUGHT
Work Health and Safety Representative (WHSR) nominations are now open.
Traditionally the WHSR has also held the position of UFU Shop Steward when the position has been held by a UFU member. We look forward to an enthusiastic team of WHSR/Shop Stewards working with us as we continue our current EA negotiations and campaign. These are essential roles in our Union that communicate the views of our work groups keeping us informed about our members views, keeping members informed and helping to shape the direction of campaigns and strategies.
Nominations are to be sent to info@ufusa.com.au and close on Monday October 21st at 1700 hours.
Nomination forms with details, including the work groups for which you can nominate, have been sent out by MFS this week.
For further information please contact the Returning Officer, Rachel Eisen, on 0488 998 873 or industrial@ufusa.com.au
In Solidarity
