" If I were a factory employee, a labourer on the railroad, or a wage earner of any sort, I would undoubtedly join the union of my trade. If I were opposed to the policy of the union, I would join for no other reason than to help rectify that mistake. If I took exception to a dishonest leader, I would join the union to help remove him. In short, I believe in the union, and I believe that all men who benefit by the union, are morally bound to help to the extent of their power in the common interest advanced by the union. Unions, whilst they consist of members, do not belong to the members, but rather, they hold in trust, something for those in the future."
Nominations have opened in the UFUA triennial elections. All positions within the Branch are open to be contested. Any financial member may nominate. Nomination forms can be requested from the union office or the Australian Electoral Commission in Melbourne. If any member has any queries about the process please call the office during business hours
The Annual General Meeting of the Branch is to be held at Fire Stations around Australia on Tuesday the 3rd of April 2012. Please contact you Station Organiser for further details.
Our motto is "strength in unity" and we know it works. There will always be however, some people lacking in principle, that may consider selling out their mates, in the belief that they will benefit personally in the long run. Click on (more) to see what Jack London said many years ago of people such as these.
The Red Knights MC is an international social organisation for active and retired firefighters and their families with almost 9000 members in 10 countries. They would love to start a Chapter in Australia "click on more' to learn all about it.
Most members are aware of the discussion paper regarding the ARFFS in Australia. The UFU response is presented here for your perusal. Our expectations are that we will be involved further in discussions as this issue is progressed.
Some members wonder about what might happen to them under the Workchoices legislation should the Howard Federal Government be re-elected in 2007. Read on to find out what our New Zealand brothers and sisters suffered under very similar circumstances.
This address http://www.letsfirecancer.org (the actual link is stored under the links heading at the top of the page) will take you to the Retired Professional Firefighters Cancer Fund inc. The site provides a wealth of information for members and is published here in support of this worthwhile cause.
UFUA Victorian and National secretary Peter Marshall says the MFB workers are among the lowest paid in their fields and are demanding a 4.5 per cent pay rise each year for the next three years.
A picture of the Sydney Opera House with a clouds of smoke backdrop has been used in an al-Qaeda English-language magazine to illustrate bushfires as a weapon of terrorism.
Hong Kong firefighter demands for a 48-hour week were first made in 1990 but have gone unanswered for 22 years. Their current standard hours are 54 per week.
In recent years there have been a number of international reports of fires and of unsafe installations in domestic solar PV installations that could have posed a fire risk.
Plans to slash £1.8 million from a UK regional fire authority budget could cost lives says the UK Firefighters Union. If implemented, the cuts would render the county’s fire service 'not fit for purpose'.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has issued an improvement notice to the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) over inadequate personal flotation devices given to swift water rescue firefighters
At a yearly cost of about a cup of coffee for each ratepayer, the Tasmanian Fire Service would be able to stop potential station and training centre closures and fill vacancies.
The UFU says the lack of a purpose-built boat to tackle fires on Melbourne waterways is endangering lives. UFU Victorian and National Secretary Peter Marshall says the MFB Board should be sacked if it does not buy a firefighting boat.
United Firefighters Union National Secretary Peter Marshall said he hoped Tasmania would become the first Australian state to recognise, via legislation, the unique dangers firefighters face.
Following on from the successful enactment of the presumptive legislation for firefighters who are diagnosed with occupational cancer in the ACT and Aviation branches, and in accordance with the National Executive presumptive legislation programme, the United Firefighters Union of Australia is pleased to announce the following developments.
The Union is calling on the WA government to support a private members bill that would make special provision in the Workers' Compensation Act for firefighters who contract cancer linked to their employment.
A new analysis of evidence from Victoria's Bushfire Royal Commission finds Australia's revered 'stay or go' bushfire policy failed catastrophically during the 2009 Black Saturday inferno.
The UFUA fires up a campaign against Tasmania Fire Service cuts, proposals to close a training centre and one station, as well as other cost-cutting measures that could impact on operational firefighter numbers.
Tasmania's dismal record in fire protection is under further threat from budget cuts, according to a report presented to the Tasmania Fire Service. The State Government intends cutting $1 million a year from its funding of the Tasmania Fire Service.
Firefighters want better safeguards when facing the dangers posed by the country's fastest-growing source of renewable energy. The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council is researching the potential dangers.
This means that the Fair Protection for Firefighters Act is now in force and Aviation and ACT firefighters are now able to access workers compensation entitlements through presumptive legislation for occupational cancer.
A volunteer fire fighter has told how he and his crew were forced to flee when their tanker went up in flames. Government budget cuts and penny pinching stand accused.
Firefighters are threatening to close the CFA training facility at Fiskville, west of Melbourne, unless there is an independent inquiry into a suspected cancer cluster there. The United Firefighters Union has asked the coroner to conduct an investigation.
The Union wants the State Coroner to investigate the use of toxic chemicals at Fiskville. The Coroner has the power to investigate any fire or reportable death says UFUA National and Victorian Secretary, Peter Marshall.
The UFU says there is no way to deny firefighters had been exposed to cancer-causing chemicals at the Fiskville CFA training centre. Despite this, the Victorian premier reacts to revelations of a cancer cluster at Fiskville by ordering an inquiry.
In Victoria, firefighters, nurses, teachers, child protection and disability workers, paramedics, scientists and hundreds of other professions tackle government cuts.
UFUA National Bulletin: The Fair Protection For Firefighters Bill was passed in the Senate yesterday. Australia now has presumptive legislation for occupational cancer for firefighters.
Firefighters who develop cancer will be able to access workers compensation more easily, under new laws passed in the Senate. The Fair Protection for Firefighters bill gained rare tripartite support in the Senate today .... News Ltd story.
The UK firefighter's Union, the FBU, slams a £30 million boost to the London Met police budget when the government is demanding £65 million cuts to the city's Fire Service.
The federal Fair Protection for Firefighters legislation will now cover additional cancers, including multiple myeloma, primary site prostate, ureter, colorectal and oesophageal cancer.
Fire services chief Wayne Gregson says he was gobsmacked at inadequacies in the WA Fire and Emergency Services Authority and has flagged big changes, including more training for firefighters.
The UFUA's National Secretary Peter Marshall said the risk posed by solar panels had been a growing concern in recent years. Now, AFAC has launched an investigation into the alternative energy source's safety.
The Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill, which will ensure firefighters with occupational cancer get access to medical assistance and compensation, passes unopposed in federal parliament's House of Representatives.
The UFUA is sending a delegation of firefighters from around Australia to witness federal politicians vote on the Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill next week.
In response to the thousands of letters sent to politicians through the protectyourfirefighters.com website, opposition Coalition politicians have said they will not be opposing the Bill.
Australian Unions have launched a major campaign for secure jobs and a better future for Australian workers. NSW retained firefighter Marina Findeis helped the ACTU launch this critical mobilisation for job security and workplace rights.
The Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Legislation Committee Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Amendment (Fair Protection for Firefighters) Bill 2011. Read the Senate Inquiry report.
With only two weeks to go, every UFU Member is urged to go to the new UFUA Firefighter Protection Bill campaign website, register support for the bill and contact your local MP. Time is tight, so act now!
The Senate Standing Committee which has been investigating the Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill has released its report and recommends presumptive legislation be passed to compensate Firefighters with occupational cancer and to extend the coverage to 14 cancers.
In WA, an Assistant Police Commissioner has been appointed head of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority with a 12 month contract. Also, New York 9/11 remembered in this week's firefighter news links.
The UFUA has campaigned for many years to have cancers recognised as occupational diseases for firefighters. Legislation to achieve this goal is now in Federal Parliament.
Senators try hot fire training in Brisbane, then travel to Perth for the final hearing and learn about firies’ and their families' experiences with cancer.
The Senate Inquiry into the Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill continued this week with the ACT Government and the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations making submissions.
As part of the investigation into the Senate 'Fair Protection for Firefighters' Bill, members of the Senate Standing Committee visit the Melbourne Airport Fire Station at Tullamarine.
The UFUA bid to have cancers recognised as occupational diseases for firefighters is a step closer with the Senate Standing Inquiry into the 'Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill' commencing its work.
A Senate Standing Committee will examine evidence and arguments to recognise leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, brain, bladder, kidney, testicular and breast cancers as occupation diseases for firefighters.
A bill to recognise firefighter cancers as occupation diseases was introduced in federal parliament yesterday. Today, the Senate voted to hold an inquiry into the legislation.
Following the Queensland floods, the UFU has established a dedicated welfare fund for our UFU Qld Members. Donations will go into the fund and be paid directly out to Members experiencing financial hardship.
The UFU says the lack of a purpose-built boat to tackle fires on Melbourne waterways is endangering lives. UFU Victorian and National Secretary Peter Marshall says the MFB Board should be sacked if it does not buy a firefighting boat.
" If I were a factory employee, a labourer on the railroad, or a wage earner of any sort, I would undoubtedly join the union of my trade. If I were opposed to the policy of the union, I would join for no other reason than to help rectify that mistake. If I took exception to a dishonest leader, I would join the union to help remove him. In short, I believe in the union, and I believe that all men who benefit by the union, are morally bound to help to the extent of their power in the common interest advanced by the union. Unions, whilst they consist of members, do not belong to the members, but rather, they hold in trust, something for those in the future."
Your Union Benefits Update
New Branch Secretary
UFUA shift calendar/organiser (App) available NOW from the itunes store.
Nominations have opened in the UFUA triennial elections. All positions within the Branch are open to be contested. Any financial member may nominate. Nomination forms can be requested from the union office or the Australian Electoral Commission in Melbourne. If any member has any queries about the process please call the office during business hours
The Annual General Meeting of the Branch is to be held at Fire Stations around Australia on Tuesday the 3rd of April 2012. Please contact you Station Organiser for further details.
Topics: Annual BCOM Conference, Presumptive Legislation, CFBT, Aerial Vehicles, IR Updates, Responding in an Emergency, Office Christmas Closure.
Posted here for all members information are the financial statements of the Branch for the year ended 30 June 2011.
ARFF avoiding Fly in Fly out conditions of service
Unions welcome appointment of Simon Crean as new Workplace Relations Minister
Memorandum to All Members
Little Tacker UFU "T' shirts are now available sizes 2 and 4 @ $15.00 each.
Fire Station Lawns
How to process an issue of concern through your Union channels.
The 2009-2013 CA is in force and members do not clean Fire Stations.
Special deals for UFU members on VW vehicles
The Red Knights MC is an international social organisation for active and retired firefighters and their families with almost 9000 members in 10 countries. They would love to start a Chapter in Australia "click on more' to learn all about it.
Some members wonder about what might happen to them under the Workchoices legislation should the Howard Federal Government be re-elected in 2007. Read on to find out what our New Zealand brothers and sisters suffered under very similar circumstances.
UFUA Victorian and National secretary Peter Marshall says the MFB workers are among the lowest paid in their fields and are demanding a 4.5 per cent pay rise each year for the next three years.
A picture of the Sydney Opera House with a clouds of smoke backdrop has been used in an al-Qaeda English-language magazine to illustrate bushfires as a weapon of terrorism.
Challenge yourself on a life changing Himalayan adventure to Mt. Everest base camp with an ultimate adventure and training package - October 10 to 28.
Hong Kong firefighter demands for a 48-hour week were first made in 1990 but have gone unanswered for 22 years. Their current standard hours are 54 per week.
In recent years there have been a number of international reports of fires and of unsafe installations in domestic solar PV installations that could have posed a fire risk.
Plans to slash £1.8 million from a UK regional fire authority budget could cost lives says the UK Firefighters Union. If implemented, the cuts would render the county’s fire service 'not fit for purpose'.
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has issued an improvement notice to the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) over inadequate personal flotation devices given to swift water rescue firefighters
At a yearly cost of about a cup of coffee for each ratepayer, the Tasmanian Fire Service would be able to stop potential station and training centre closures and fill vacancies.
The UFU says the lack of a purpose-built boat to tackle fires on Melbourne waterways is endangering lives. UFU Victorian and National Secretary Peter Marshall says the MFB Board should be sacked if it does not buy a firefighting boat.
United Firefighters Union National Secretary Peter Marshall said he hoped Tasmania would become the first Australian state to recognise, via legislation, the unique dangers firefighters face.
Following on from the successful enactment of the presumptive legislation for firefighters who are diagnosed with occupational cancer in the ACT and Aviation branches, and in accordance with the National Executive presumptive legislation programme, the United Firefighters Union of Australia is pleased to announce the following developments.
The Union acts as Cairns firefighters say their lives are endangered during swift water rescues because of low grade personal flotation devices.
The Union is calling on the WA government to support a private members bill that would make special provision in the Workers' Compensation Act for firefighters who contract cancer linked to their employment.
The Department's handling of - and response to - the Margaret River bushfire was a fiasco. The Keelty report recommends an urgent review of the DEC.
A new analysis of evidence from Victoria's Bushfire Royal Commission finds Australia's revered 'stay or go' bushfire policy failed catastrophically during the 2009 Black Saturday inferno.
Important notice to all members, rule amendments as adopted by NCOM. Please see attached National Bulletin
The UFUA fires up a campaign against Tasmania Fire Service cuts, proposals to close a training centre and one station, as well as other cost-cutting measures that could impact on operational firefighter numbers.
Firefighters want better safeguards when facing the dangers posed by the country's fastest-growing source of renewable energy. The Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council is researching the potential dangers.
A volunteer fire fighter has told how he and his crew were forced to flee when their tanker went up in flames. Government budget cuts and penny pinching stand accused.
Firefighters are threatening to close the CFA training facility at Fiskville, west of Melbourne, unless there is an independent inquiry into a suspected cancer cluster there. The United Firefighters Union has asked the coroner to conduct an investigation.
The Union wants the State Coroner to investigate the use of toxic chemicals at Fiskville. The Coroner has the power to investigate any fire or reportable death says UFUA National and Victorian Secretary, Peter Marshall.
The UFU says there is no way to deny firefighters had been exposed to cancer-causing chemicals at the Fiskville CFA training centre. Despite this, the Victorian premier reacts to revelations of a cancer cluster at Fiskville by ordering an inquiry.
In Victoria, firefighters, nurses, teachers, child protection and disability workers, paramedics, scientists and hundreds of other professions tackle government cuts.
Firefighters who develop cancer will be able to access workers compensation more easily, under new laws passed in the Senate. The Fair Protection for Firefighters bill gained rare tripartite support in the Senate today .... News Ltd story.
The UK firefighter's Union, the FBU, slams a £30 million boost to the London Met police budget when the government is demanding £65 million cuts to the city's Fire Service.
In Queensland, the Union goes to the state's Industrial Relations Commission to assist a Member with epilepsy.
The federal Fair Protection for Firefighters legislation will now cover additional cancers, including multiple myeloma, primary site prostate, ureter, colorectal and oesophageal cancer.
Fire services chief Wayne Gregson says he was gobsmacked at inadequacies in the WA Fire and Emergency Services Authority and has flagged big changes, including more training for firefighters.
The UFUA's National Secretary Peter Marshall said the risk posed by solar panels had been a growing concern in recent years. Now, AFAC has launched an investigation into the alternative energy source's safety.
The Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill, which will ensure firefighters with occupational cancer get access to medical assistance and compensation, passes unopposed in federal parliament's House of Representatives.
The UFUA is sending a delegation of firefighters from around Australia to witness federal politicians vote on the Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill next week.
In response to the thousands of letters sent to politicians through the protectyourfirefighters.com website, opposition Coalition politicians have said they will not be opposing the Bill.
Australian Unions have launched a major campaign for secure jobs and a better future for Australian workers. NSW retained firefighter Marina Findeis helped the ACTU launch this critical mobilisation for job security and workplace rights.
In WA, an Assistant Police Commissioner has been appointed head of the Fire and Emergency Services Authority with a 12 month contract. Also, New York 9/11 remembered in this week's firefighter news links.
The UFUA has campaigned for many years to have cancers recognised as occupational diseases for firefighters. Legislation to achieve this goal is now in Federal Parliament.
Members of the Senate Committee inquiring into the Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill walked through a smoke filled building in Brisbane yesterday.
Two Firefighter Fair Protection Bill Inquiry Senators visit Geelong Fire Station and get an overview of the hazardous nature of firefighters'work.
As part of the investigation into the Senate 'Fair Protection for Firefighters' Bill, members of the Senate Standing Committee visit the Melbourne Airport Fire Station at Tullamarine.
The UFUA bid to have cancers recognised as occupational diseases for firefighters is a step closer with the Senate Standing Inquiry into the 'Fair Protection for Firefighters Bill' commencing its work.
A Senate Standing Committee will examine evidence and arguments to recognise leukemia, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, brain, bladder, kidney, testicular and breast cancers as occupation diseases for firefighters.
Information re the 20th NCOM.
Contact Numbers for Flood relief
A bill to recognise firefighter cancers as occupation diseases was introduced in federal parliament yesterday. Today, the Senate voted to hold an inquiry into the legislation.
Following the Queensland floods, the UFU has established a dedicated welfare fund for our UFU Qld Members. Donations will go into the fund and be paid directly out to Members experiencing financial hardship.
RE:Floods - Aid And Support For Our UFU Members In Queensland
