CODE 2, VOL 35, NO 2 : 20 january 2021

FATIGUE BREAK AFTER OVERTIME

This is important information for firefighters, station officers and fire communications officers on the 10/14 continuous shift roster.

You may be aware that there has been some discussion recently about the fatigue break QFES is obliged to provide you after you work overtime.

In general, you must get 10 hours clear of duty between finishing overtime and starting your next rostered shift. Generally, if QFES requires you to start your rostered shift before you’ve had your 10 hours break, you are paid at overtime rates until you are given 10 hours clear of duty.

The only exception to this rule is when the overtime that you actually work is less than 2 hours.

There has been some back and forth about this since the Award was amended in September.

We have now agreed to clarify the Award so that it is clear that when you work up to 2 hours of overtime after your first night shift (whether retained or recalled), you can come to work as rostered for your second night shift. The day crew does not need to stay back.

However, if you work more than 2 hours of overtime, you must get the full 10 hour break – or else be paid overtime for the whole second night shift.

Your union’s primary objective is always to ensure the highest possible standards of workplace health and safety are maintained for QFES firefighters, station officers and fire communications officers. In this case, we have fought to ensure that fatigue management standards are upheld and that these are balanced against operational imperatives.

You can access the correspondence sent by your union about this here.

Please note: Despite the wording of the email sent by A/Assistant Commissioner Brisbane Region today, there is no question that you are entitled to overtime rates for all overtime performed. If you are required to work outside of your rostered start and finish times, you will be paid at overtime rates.

John Oliver - General Secretary