CODE 2, VOL 38, NO 26 : 10 december 2024

UFUQ blunts SAWS teeth

In your workplace, you may be involved in matters relating to performance or conduct, possibly relating to your own, or to others. In these circumstances, you are entitled to representation, a fair process and natural justice.

To assist in these processes, and ensuring that they are fair, your line managers and Senior Officers have access to public servants who can provide them with advice about how to best follow process. These employees are called Senior Advisor [Workplace Standards], or SAWS.

Recently, the State Office has become aware of SAWS failing to follow their role descriptions and taking an active role in the management of Fire and Rescue staff, which we consider outside their role description and a breach of protocol. Your rights to a fair process are hard fought and won, and it is concerning to see these undermined by employees of QFD who are outside your chain of command. We have previously taken steps to correct this poor local management of matters, and we are now required to do it again.

We have written to the Commissioner regarding this important matter and await his response. If you are contacted directly by a SAWS, your Union recommends that you do not engage in any conversation that could prejudice your employment, and that you immediately contact your local Union representatives immediately for assistance in whatever process may be underway.

You are entitled to industrial representation in any workplace conversation you wish, especially when it concerns the conduct or performance of you or anyone else.

Union members should also contact the State Office if they believe they have identified a breach in protocol, and that member’s rights are at risk.

SAWs have a role to play, but that role DOES NOT include emailing you or speaking to you in place of your Fire and Rescue management doing so. And your union is considering taking action if this mismanagement of the SAW role by Regional and Divisional management continues.

John Oliver - General Secretary