AUXILIARY UPDATE : 24 NOVEMBER 2015

QIRC AUXILIARY AWARD DECISION RELEASED

At a hearing before a full bench of the QIRC on Friday 20 November 2015, the QIRC approved the Auxiliary Firefighters’ Award – State 2016 for commencement on 1 January 2016!

On Monday 23 November 2016 the QIRC issued the decision, finalising the process of approving your new award.

A copy of the QIRC decision can be found here –

https://ufuq.com.au/files/5114/4825/6325/A12014_Decision_23.11.15.pdf

A copy of the award to take effect on 1 January 2016 can be found here –

https://ufuq.com.au/files/1014/4825/8159/auxiliary_award_9_nov_15.pdf

As we reported earlier in the year, the agreed content is to be phased in across the period 2016 – 2018.   Much more information is to come about the content and operation of the award and UFUQ is in discussions with QFES about a ‘roll-out’. We will report further to you about your award before the end of the year.

Happy New Year!

QFES appeal of QIRC decision to dismiss their application to ‘strike out’ your union’s auxiliary unfair contracts case - UPDATE

In 2014, your union lodged an unfair contracts case with QIRC, stating that a group of auxiliary firefighters were employed unfairly.

The QFES immediately lodged an application to ‘strike out’ our unfair contracts case.  The QIRC issued a decision in December 2014 that dismissed the QFES’ application to ‘strike out’ our case.

The QFES appealed that decision.  In April 2015, the QFES appeal to the Industrial Court of Queensland was heard.

On 17 November 2015, the Industrial Court of Queensland dismissed the QFES appeal.

Given the fantastic news in this auxiliary update about the fact the auxiliary award has been approved to commence on 1 January 2016, your union is considering what the next step might be for the matter relating to auxiliaries unfair contracts.  We will keep you informed about this matter.

UFUQ delegates

A number of auxiliary stations have nominated and elected UFUQ auxiliary workplace delegates to represent them and keep them informed in the workplace.  If your station has not nominated or elected a UFUQ auxiliary delegate yet, you can commence the process now, by using the following link:

https://ufuq.com.au/files/8414/4296/6492/Auxiliary_Delegate_Elections_forms.pdf

The process is very simple, members nominate people for election as a delegate for their station, then an election is held and a delegate appointed.  The delegate is appointed for a period of two years.

Station visits

Throughout 2015 many auxiliary stations have been visited, many for the first time.

We encourage you to organise a station visit on the next suitable training night.  Alternatively, a phone or video hook-up can be done with an industrial officer and/or a member of the union executive or state council.

Contact the state office on 1800 816 589 to arrange a visit.

Become a member of UFUQ and show your support

2014 saw many new members join or re-join UFUQ.  We want to continue to increase our strength in 2015.

Become a member of your union to show you are standing with your auxiliary colleagues as we continue the fight to improve your employment conditions and wages.

As a member, you also have access to the many benefits of coverage you will receive from a registered industrial organisation.

If you are already a member of UFUQ, now is the time to discuss membership of your union with your auxiliary colleagues.

Your union continues to send a strong and clear message to QFES and the government about your employment conditions.  We are showing them that we have the support of auxiliaries in our efforts to win fair employee conditions for you.

UFUQ needs your support now and will be there to support you should you ever need us!

 JOHN OLIVER - STATE SECRETARY