The long running dispute concerning plans to renovate Ainslie fire station, which was back before the Fair Work Commission on 19 June 2019, is the main topic of this Signal 7. A copy of the Commission's statement of 9 July 2019 is included in this edition. The Fair Work Commission reports that in the course of the conciliation, "it became clear to the parties that the most … [Read more...]
UFU concerns about ESA website depiction of firefighters
Attached is a copy of an email sent to the Chief Minister ACT, Andrew Barr, raising concerns the UFU has about the revamped Emergency Services Agency website and its depiction of firefighters, in particular regarding the Real Time Reporting of Worker Activity. … [Read more...]
Signal 7 of 12 June 2019 – A positive budget for firefighters
This edition of Signal 7 sees the UFU welcome some positive initiatives coming out of the 2019/20 ACT Budget, including a commitment to run two colleges of 18 firefighters in the financial year, and to allocate funds to City and Molonglo fire stations. A briefing note on the budget prepared by Emeritus Professor David Hayward, Professor of Social Economy and Public Policy … [Read more...]
ACT on Fire: A modern fire service for ACT
The key issues for ACT Fire and Rescue firefighters in their next enterprise bargaining agreement are: Keep the pay rise, invest in safetyRecruit to address the firefighter shortage and address excessive overtime Implement a modern training regime Implement a firefighter wellbeing initiativeEnsure fire stations meet modern safety standardsOnly use firefighters' images in … [Read more...]
New $2.2m ‘Bronto’ to come on line
The aging and breakdown-prone Bronto, "the ACT's only specialised aerial firefighting unit" will be replaced with e new $2.2 million vehicle, according to a report in The Canberra Times of 8 May 2019. The government has also confirmed it had "signed off on a new $2 million pumper." In response to both announcements, UFU ACT Secretary, Greg McConville, said, "It's a welcome … [Read more...]