CODE 2, VOL 36, NO 22 : 30 november 2022

HOW THE QFES GRINCH TRIED TO STEAL YOUR UNION CHRISTMAS GIFT

You will no doubt have seen the UFUQ Code 2 dated 25 November 2022 providing you an update on your soon to be paid 17.5% loading payment.

In that Code 2, I mentioned that the UFUQ had received an assurance from QFES that the payment had been calculated correctly (i.e., that it would be paid on your full take home rate of pay). I sought this assurance because it was paid incorrectly last year and was only corrected after the UFUQ intervened.

You will also recall I advised you that there was a possibility that errors may be made by QFES and/or QSS regarding these payments. It would now appear that this advice was an understatement.

I am aware that you have now received a very cryptic QFES HR notification that tries very hard to avoid telling you that QFES has not calculated the payment correctly despite the assurances given to the UFUQ. They have done it again.

In the HR notification, QFES make mention of an administrative issue with employees on higher duties and then advise that “the correctly adjusted calculation and application of the payment may result in an additional payment being made in a future pay cycle”.

However, this will likely apply to all members, not just those on higher duties. Most, if not all, of you will likely receive the payment in two parts, across two pay periods.

I have been informed that this ‘error’ has arisen because there is a Grinch within QFES who, despite a clear understanding that the 17.5% payment is to be made on your full take home rate of pay, made a deliberate decision to try to steal your union Christmas gift and pay you on your base rate of pay instead.

Do they not know that wage theft has been outlawed in Queensland?

Your union worked hard to push the reform of QFES announced by Minister Ryan on 26 October 2022, and I am sure you all agree with me that the reform process cannot come soon enough. When it is time for determining what furniture is kept and what is sold, I have no doubt the record of people like the QFES Grinch, who continue to deliberately attempt to diminish your lawful entitlements, will be reviewed. And so it should be.

John Oliver - General Secretary