News

Extra 1% for FSS members From 1 July 2002, all employers were forced to lift their minimum contribution towards their employees’ superannuation accounts, from 8% to 9% of salary.

D&D Update – Benefits to be optional? Negotiations are continuing as to final shape of the new death and disability arrangements, but we remain confident of an agreed settlement shortly.

D&D Update: Pensions for death/TPI on-duty On 24 June we reported on the disagreement which had developed between the Union and the Government over the lump sum benefits payable in the event of death or TPI on-duty (see Union website “D&D […]

Following below are the results of the Union’s triennial elections for Sub-Branch Committeepersons for the term 2002-2005, as declared by the Returning Officer on Thursday 30 May.

Two weeks later and this, comrades, is still the (multi) million dollar question. From our perspective, a clear answer was given by the Union members who attended our Special General Meetings which were held across the state between the 4th […]

Firefighters’ Health and Fitness Program Without doubt, the most controversial component of the proposed D&D settlement is the agreement for a compulsory health and fitness program for all firefighters. Several members have pointed out that the Union’s officials (and myself […]

If there is one thing that is by now abundantly clear to everyone, it’s that superannuation is an extremely complex issue. Of course public sector superannuation is no different.

First State Super members First State Super (aka “the new scheme”, or FSS) has operated since December 1992. Permanent firefighters who have joined the Brigades since that time, and all retained firefighters are in the FSS scheme, save for the […]

Options for SASS members The State Authorities Superannuation Scheme (aka “the middle scheme”, or SASS) operated between July 1985 and December 1992, when it was replaced by FSS. Only permanent firefighters who joined the Brigades in that period were eligible […]

The document which follows below is, word for word, a copy of the agreement reached between the Union’s negotiators and the NSW Government last Friday, 31 May.

Rehabilitation and retraining for permanent firefighters Some permanent members have expressed concern over the rehabilitation/retraining program in the proposed D&D settlement. In particular, members have questioned the likelihood of the Department finding additional alternative duties jobs for permanently incapacitated members […]

As previously advised, Special General Meetings will now be held over the coming fortnight to brief all Union members, both permanent and retained, on the details of the proposed settlement, and to allow those members present to vote to accept […]