CODE 2

v36#16 THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER PUBLIC HOLIDAY - ALL NORMAL ENTITLEMENTS APPLY

In this edition - As you may be aware, Thursday 22 September 2022 has been declared a public holiday by the federal government.

v36#15 SEPTEMBER 11 – 21ST ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIONS

In this edition - On September 11 2001, after coordinated terrorist attacks on United States soil, the twin towers of the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan collapsed. As a result, more than 2500 people were killed and many thousands more were injured, including 343 fallen comrades from the New York City Fire Department who put themselves in harm’s way to protect the lives of those victims.

CA22 Update 4 FORMAL BARGAINING DELAYED (AGAIN)

In this edition - In my most recent update, I mentioned that formal authority to bargain was yet to be given by the state government to QFES. This still has not occurred.

v36#14 QIRC LISTS DISPUTED AC APPOINTMENT HEARING DATES

In this edition - As you will recall, QFES recently conducted a flawed recruitment and selection process that completely disregarded the vital requirement for regional Assistant Commissioners to have professional firefighting qualifications and experience, and the UFUQ lodged a dispute at the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) regarding this matter.

v36#13 UFUQ PUSHES FOR ADDITIONS TO LIST OF CANCERS COVERED BY PRESUMPTIVE LEGISLATION

In this edition - For over a decade, the UFUQ had been pushing for a reverse of the ‘onus of proof’ for firefighters claiming workers’ compensation when they are diagnosed with specific types of cancers. In December 2013, the then state government opposition leader (now Queensland Premier Palaszczuk) in an agreement with the UFUQ wrote to us confirming that upon return to government (which occurred in January 2015) she would ensure presumptive legislation was introduced into the Queensland workers’ compensation system. That agreement with your state union happened as promised.

v36#12 CA22 GOVERNMENT WAGE OFFER IMMINENT

In this edition - In CA22 Update 1 (emailed to members on 31 May 2022), I reported to you that commencement of your new certified agreement is waiting on a formal wage offer from the state government and then the authority from the state government to QFES to provide your union with a notification of an intention to bargain.

v36#11 DAY WORK PROCESSES AND NUMBERS

In this edition - For some time, Station officers and Roster Officers in all regions have been reporting their concerns with the way the business is managing day work roles (too many day work roles, poorly managed rotation processes and cherry picking has a significant effect on availability of operational SO’s to crew appliances). These reports suggest the number of day work roles is excessive and this is having a detrimental effect on safe and full crewing in all regions.

CODE RED

Auxiliary Update 19 July 2024

In this edition - A number of Auxiliary Firefighters have recently contacted UFUQ representatives and the state office about some potentially mistaken and inconsistent application across the state of the mandatory two-hour minimum payment provisions contained in Clause 22 of your award.

Auxiliary Update - 18 June 2024

In this edition - A reminder that your union fee statement will be emailed to your personal email address.

Auxiliary Update - 24 May 2024

In this edition - You will recall I advised you earlier this year of your 2023 wage rise. You will soon see an increase in your remuneration (for example hourly rate and annual retention allowances) by 5.75%. This increase is a result of the State Wage Case, run by Queensland Unions in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.

Auxiliary Update - 02 April 2024

In this edition - Throughout the second half of 2023, your union provided multiple inputs (through the Queensland Council of Unions) to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) State Wage Case (SWC) hearings to ensure your work was considered by the QIRC in deciding on what wage rise (if any) to apply to Queensland Modern Awards for 2023.

Auxiliary Update - 29 March 2024

In this edition - With the Easter period, ANZAC Day and Labour Day almost upon us, I provide the following to UFUQ Auxiliary Firefighter members to clear up any confusion that may exist regarding what you are entitled to claim on the many upcoming public holidays.

WHS Bulletin