Formal advice has been received from the MFS that the new rates of pay incorporating the mid term pay increase of 2% will commence to be paid to those employed under the SAMFS Enterprise Agreement 2014, from the paid period of 13 September 2018.

A warm welcome to the members of MFS Recruit Squad 52/2018 who will graduate tomorrow.

Members would be aware that pursuant to SAMFS Memorandum number 69/2018 the Chief Officer has directed that only staff with HR licenses can currently drive the MFS heavy urban fleet.

I am pleased to advise members that the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service Enterprise Agreement 2017 was yesterday varied to incorporate the 2% mid-term pay increase.

Advice was received today that this matter is progressing in the Employment Tribunal with the support of the MFS. I hope and anticipate that I will be able to advise you of the finalisation of the matter very soon.

Our UFU office in Torrensville will be closed on Tuesday, 31 July 2018 due to the interruption of electricity supply to the building.

I’m pleased to advise reaffirmation by MFS management last week of the new station build for Noarlunga. Thank goodness because it’s well overdue.

UFU members unite in sadness at the news today of the immediate retirement of SAMFS Chief Officer Mr Greg Crossman.

Written correspondence in relation to this matter was received on 7 July 2018 from the MFS, confirming agreement between the parties of the quantum for the mid-term pay increase.

I’m pleased to report that an urgent meeting with senior MFS management yesterday resulted in a resolution of our differences in relation to the above matter.

A ‘reformed’ working group focussed on SFF Level 2 is set to start meeting this week to identify and discuss issues involved in the new level 2 SFF (AKA SFFQ) arrangements.

I have been appointed as the Union’s Returning Officer for the forthcoming election of Work Health Safety Representative (WHSR)/Shop Stewards.

As members are aware, significant work effort is being invested in driving the agenda of the Enterprise Agreement 2017 (EA), designed to modernise the Metropolitan Fire Service through consultation and cooperation.

Meetings between the UFU and MFS management are ongoing in relation to the implementation of our Enterprise Agreement 2017 (EA).

The new UFU State Council met last Thursday at a very productive meeting, aiming to hit the ground running. New President Chas Thomas chaired his first meeting.

Following the declaration of the ballot in the UFU on 16 May 2018, I have taken up the position of Secretary of our union and I’m currently dealing with the business involved in the transition to ensure that it proceeds as smoothly as possible.

The AEC Returning Officer has now formally declared the results of the UFUSA election for the following offices, conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 and the rules of the organisation.

Following the close of nominations on 3 April 2018, and withdrawal period for nominations closing on 11 April 2018, the following position does not require a ballot and the candidate was elected uncontested.

With team captains Station Officer Jo-Anna Kenney, Communications Officer Carly White and Station Officer Neil Mangelsdorf, our union will again be participating in the Mother’s Day Classic.

The State election is only a few days away and the UFU wants to remind members of the record of one of the candidates who’s getting a lot of attention.

Members are advised that the Fair Work Commission has made arrangements with the Australian Electoral Commission under Section 189 of the Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 for an election to be conducted.

It’s pleasing to report to members the successful amendment to the Firefighting Industry Employees (South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service) Award 2007 to introduce an exemption for firefighters from the cut off provisions of the Return to Work Act.

Members are advised that 14 March 2018 will see nominations open for all elected positions for our Unions State Council.

During the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), where the SA Metropolitan Fire Service Superannuation Scheme suffered a financial loss, a Special Board of Trustees Meeting held on 4th March 2009 determined that all defined benefit members of our scheme would contribute an additional 3% of their salary to keep their defined benefit.

I am pleased to advise members of the UFU of the certification of the SAMFS Enterprise Agreement 2017 (EA) today in the SA Employment Tribunal (SAET).

The vote on the new Enterprise Agreement, which closed at 1800 hours today, has resulted in an overwhelming acceptance of the government’s offer.

The electronic ballot on whether to accept the EA offer, commenced 0630 hours on 22 November, and will close at 1800 hours on 29 November 2017.

As advised to members in previous Word Backs and at meetings around the state over the last month, an electronic ballot on the EA offer, will commence 06:30 hours on 22 November, closing at 18:00 hours on 29 November 2017.

As previously advised, a renewed offer for our new Enterprise Agreement (EA) was received from the government on 20 October 2017.

A renewed offer for our Enterprise Agreement (EA) was received from the Government this morning by email.