CODE 2, VOL 32, NO 33 : 20 december 2018

Christmas and New Year

Once again, the Christmas and New Year period is upon us.

For many people in our communities this period of the year provides much needed time for rest, and an opportunity to reflect on the last 12 months and to spend time with family and friends.

For our members, it can mean business as usual. Bushfires, cyclones and floods are always a possibility at this time of year and this may mean that many of you will be working long and hard protecting your communities during this period.

We dedicate our lives to serving our communities. The work we do can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be tough. Separation from family and friends can be difficult at this time of year. But, as peers, we look out for each other.

For those of us that may find this time of year difficult, remember, help is there if you need it.

On behalf of the UFUQ, I wish every member a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. I look forward to working with you all in 2019.

Christmas and New Year public holidays

In recent years there has been some confusion regarding public holiday dates for the Christmas and New Year period due to Christmas Day, Boxing Day and/or New Year’s Day falling on a Saturday or Sunday.

However, there should be little confusion regarding this Christmas and New Year period.

For the 2018/2019 period, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and/or New Year’s Day fall on a Tuesday or Wednesday, and therefore there are no ‘additional’ public holidays provided.

The public holiday dates for the Christmas and New Year period for 2018/2019 are as follows –

Christmas Day
Tuesday, 25 December 2018

Boxing Day
Wednesday, 26 December 2018

New Year’s Day
Tuesday, 1 January 2019

Please be aware that the public holiday provisions and arrangements relevant to your work situation and roster will apply for each of these days.

If an error is made by QFES and/or Queensland Shared Services (QSS) regarding your wages for these dates, in the first instance, please ensure you raise the issue with your regional HR contact as soon as possible.

If an issue remains unresolved, subsequent to contacting regional HR, please notify your local UFUQ representative for assistance.

UFUQ State Office

While the UFUQ state office remains open year round, please be advised that administration staff will be on annual leave from Friday 21 December 2018 until Monday 7 January 2019.

If you require anything from administration during this time such as a change of address or contact details, including station, rank, bank account details or personal email address, please forward your changes to ufu@ufuq.com.au or update on our website here. The UFUQ office administration staff will ensure all administrative matters are dealt with on their return.

If you urgently need to speak to a union representative during this period, it is best that you contact your local UFUQ branch representative or SCM representative in the first instance. If further assistance is required, they will be in contact with UFUQ industrial officers over this period.

You can find the contact details for your local UFUQ branch representative or SCM representative here.

John Oliver - General Secretary