The 2003 Death and Disability Award has a nominal life of 3 years, and will therefore officially expire next month. The Union opened negotiations with the Department for a new D&D Award last October and fully expects to have a new 2006 D&D Award in place by 21 March. Read more…

Earlier this month a conference was held to trial delegate training and to discuss the future of the Union and its delegate structures. Members of the State Committee, sub branch executive committees and a number of delegates were involved in a very useful dialogue on the challenges facing the Union. Read more…

Following negotiations with the Department, permanent members working the Special Roster (Monday to Friday dayshift) at Coffs Harbour, Armidale, Moree, Toronto, Goulburn and Narellan will trial an arrangement whereby they will no longer be required to attend their station on Good Friday, Christmas day or New Year’s day provided sufficient retained members remain available to respond. Without this trial, these members would have been required to work every single public holiday this year, save for Easter Saturday. The trial will be reviewed mid-2007.

Craig Harris

State Secretary

Also taking effect on and from the 3 March will be a decrease in the contributions of members occupying subsidised accommodation. Currently members contribute the lesser of either 50% of the market rental, or 5% of their salary. Read more…

The next pay rise for permanent members will take effect on and from Friday 3 March. This is the latest instalment of the 17% (cumulative) wage increases secured by the Union since 2004.  Read more…