Inside this issue:
- Retained members left out of “modern” award
- Intentions clear from Workplace Culture Survey
- SASS and SSS (self imposed) rep-off
- LabourStart’s video of the year
March 12, 2010 by admin
March 5, 2010 by admin
Inside this issue:
- New transfer registers
- Additional gazetted holiday bonanza Read more…
February 26, 2010 by admin
Inside this issue:
- Waratah Dispute settled with new stations and extra jobs
- Drug and alcohol protocol
- All permanent members fined today
Read more…
February 19, 2010 by admin
All members would be aware of the current media coverage of alleged incidents of criminal bastardisation and assault that occurred at some NSWFB workplaces. While it appears that these actions were isolated incidents that occurred over twenty years ago, the FBEU nonetheless takes these matters extremely seriously.
Any member who has been assaulted in the workplace should contact the Police. Such acts have no place in this or any industry, and the criminal justice system is the appropriate vehicle to deal with what are without doubt criminal matters.
Victims of bullying, assaults or abuse at work also have rights pursuant to the Workers Compensation Act in relation to any physical or psychological injury sustained by them. In certain cases members may have additional rights to pursue the Department for work injury damages. While there is considerable media interest in these matters now, the truth is that neither the Sunday Telegraph, nor the Department, will help members exercise these rights. Members affected should contact me directly for further advice.
There is a significant difference between bullying at work, and the alleged acts of bastardisation now pending prosecution. Whilst neither is acceptable, they are of very different orders of magnitude.
Criminal assault in NSWFB workplaces is a thankfully rare contemporary event. Regrettably, bullying at Australian workplaces – either between peers or (as is more commonly experienced) between management and the workforce – is far more common.
What makes our industry different to many other occupations is that as firefighters we have a strong union as a defence against bullying. In many workplaces people are forced to simply leave their job when faced with ongoing bullying. That said, there is much to be done – a fact I openly acknowledged when seeking election last year.
A final comment – the media scrutiny of our job will continue for the foreseeable future. As well as the ongoing investigations into the assaults of the seventies and eighties there will shortly also be an ICAC report looking at alleged (yet once again isolated) corruption within the NSWFB.
The FBEU’s position is two fold. Firstly, we are not extending legal support to those facing criminal charges but defend their right to the presumption of innocence.
And secondly, the current allegations involve a very small minority amongst a workforce of thousands and while deeply disturbing, need to be viewed in proportion. It is a matter of fact that the overwhelming majority of FBEU members go about their work as firefighters in a principled and professional manner, and have always done so.
Jim Casey
State Secretary
February 13, 2010 by admin
Inside this issue:
- Waratah dispute update
- Bullying and harrassment
- Retained response during training and drills
- Tragic news
February 5, 2010 by admin
Inside this issue:
- Waratah Update – outduties ban to be lifted 0800 hours Monday
- Minimum retained payments
- Parental leave and other leave
January 29, 2010 by admin
Inside this issue:
- Have your say on bullying and harassment
- SOPP modules – old or new, but not both
- Executive Officers travel on duty
- Boxing day public holiday
January 22, 2010 by admin
Inside this issue:- Waratah dispute update
- PSTP2 done but not dusted
- Better deal for remote area members
- Footy knee jerks?
- Final word on 2010 membership cards
Waratah dispute update
The statewide ban on outduties that commenced on 1 January remains firmly in place. In proceedings before the IRC on 14 January the Department protested that our outduty ban was costing management $11,000 per day, so after 22 consecutive days we presume the bill has hit $220,000. Stay tuned.
PSTP2 done but not dusted
Today’s In Orders 2010/2 includes new and additional PSTP pre-requisites for sitting the annual SOPP pre-entry test. The Union argued that the introduction of these new competencies (an additional 6 units) represented increased work and qualifications without any corresponding increase in pay. While the Industrial Relations Commission accepted the Department’s argument that the new units should be introduced, it also acknowledged the Union’s concerns over additional work and qualifications and recommended that the Union raise the matter as part of our 2011 award negotiations.
Over the coming weeks the Union will be working with the Department to finalise the recognition of prior learning (RPL) arrangements for Senior Firefighters and Station Officers who progressed under the previous AFC module system, thereby allowing nationally recognised qualifications for all members.
Better deal for remote area members
Today’s In Orders also confirm the improved conditions recently secured by the Union for permanent members stationed in remote areas, with members at Broken Hill and Moree now entitled to reimbursements for every annual leave period and not only once per annum.
Footy knee jerks?
The Department has introduced new touch football rules in an attempt to reduce its workers compensation exposure, with the traditional rugby-style try now outlawed in favour of US-style “touch downs”. Whilst this may seem like an over-reaction, it’s not as severe as management’s original proposal for Station Officers to record formal pre-game risk assessments of every park and sporting venue throughout NSW. When the Union pointed out that this was not only demeaning to members but also ridiculous given that these same venues are used safely by thousands of children every weekend, the Department relented.
Final word on 2010 membership cards
A final reminder on 2010 Union membership cards with incorrect member numbers (usually one missing digit). Our card supplier has accepted responsibility for the error and will carry the cost of all replaced cards, so if you would like a replacement card please email your request to office@fbeu.net.
Jim Casey
State Secretary
January 15, 2010 by admin
Inside this issue:
- Station ‘move ups’ for staff shortages
- Have your say on bullying and harassment
- Department backs down on dinner allowance – correction
- Reminder – 2010 membership cards
January 8, 2010 by admin
Inside this issue:
- Department backs down on dinner allowance
- Don’t get caught out – have an observer
- South Yorkshire firefighters threatened with mass sackings again