Annual General Meetings for 2024 have concluded, with the final meeting held at Huntingwood Fire Station on Friday 8 November. The results of each motion were declared as below:
Motion
Support
Reject
Abstain
Adoption of Minutes
287
2
16
Appointment of Returning Officer
265
0
40
Appointment of Auditors
267
5
35
WAGE FIXING PRINCIPLES SUBMISSIONS
At AGMs over the past couple of weeks, I noted that the FBEU had made submissions in the Wage Fixing Principles case currently being heard by the Industrial Court.
This case helps to set the framework that is used to determine wage claims in Award cases.
Few other Unions made submissions, but considering our ongoing Award negotiations, we felt it was critical to do our best to deliver an industrial framework that was as beneficial as possible for our claims and for the future claims of FRNSW employees and all other public sector workers.
For any member interested, we also provide a copy of the FBEU’s submissions in the Award Arbitration. This 83-page document summarises hundreds of pages worth of evidence put on by our members to drive this case forward.
I want to thank every member that gave their time and put themselves forward to support this case. While Arbitration is uncertain, we have worked with the most knowledgeable and directly impacted Firefighters in our membership to give us the strongest case possible.
We will provide more updates as the case continues.
HSR POWERS AND PAYMENT DECISION STANDS
Recently in Sitrep 41, the Union shared a significant IRC decision reinforcing the rights and entitlements of Health & Safety Representatives (HSRs). The decision detailed FRNSW’s unsuccessful argument that a HSR required management permission when exercising powers under the Work Health Safety Act. Recently FRNSW and the Crown Solicitor’s Office lodged an appeal for that decision, but the application was later withdrawn at an initial hearing last month.
As stated previously, this decision is a pertinent reminder of the critical (paid) role of elected HSRs, a role which must be respected by FRNSW.
HSR members are encouraged to contact the FBEU Office for support. Safety is Union business.
