Over the last week, members from across NSW have been deployed to assist in areas affected by storms and the resulting rescues and disasters.
In the last 24 hours, more than 100 members have been deployed to assist communities across the Mid North Coast, especially around Port Macquarie.
The FBEU office, SCOM and organisers have been fielding calls from delegates and members around the nature of this particular deployment and what members are entitled to.
It appears that FRNSW arranged accommodation for the strike teams but this was not clearly communicated from the outset. As members made their way to the Coast, FRNSW subsequently allowed members to book and pay for their own accommodation (not part of the Award) separate to what had already been put in place. They then later tried to send members back to the original accommodation.
This series of events and the approach taken by FRNSW left members understandably confused so we’ve been in discussions today to promptly resolve it.
As an immediate interim measure, FRNSW has this morning agreed that those who have booked accommodation are able to stay in that accommodation until Saturday 27 March.At that point members are to use the accommodation provided by FRNSW and be paid the associated entitlements.
Any special circumstances regarding accommodation needs will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Members requiring special consideration should discuss this with their chain of command and contactoffice@fbeu.netif they are not able to resolve it locally.
We will provide a comprehensive explanation of all entitlements whilst on deployment in tomorrow’s SitRep.
I am currently on my way to Port Macquarie and I look forward to meeting the delegates and members there undertaking this important work.And a special thanks from myself, SCOM and staff to all the delegates on the ground who have been diligently and actively communicating with myself and members throughout this all.
I am also aware that some members across the state have been personally affected by the storms and flooding and our thoughts are with you. Stay safe and further updates will be provided tomorrow.
