Rural Fire Service bulletin - Public Service Association

Rural Fire Service bulletin

Rural Fire Service bulletin – January 2018 (PDF version)

Award variation lodgement

The PSA lodged an application in the Industrial Relation Commission (IRC) to vary the Crown Employees (Rural Fire Service) Award on 22 December 2017.

Your union filed the application on behalf of members to clarify when penalty rates (overtime) are payable. We will provide an update after the first hearing at the IRC.

Work health and safety – establishment of workgroups

At the request of members, the PSA wrote to the Rural Fire Service in late 2017 requesting the commencement of negotiations for workgroups and the election Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs).

HSRs are important as they are elected by workers to represent the interests of workers in their workgroup for work health and safety (WHS) matters.

HSRs have a number of functions based on consultation around WHS.

Trained HSRs also have the power to direct other workers and management to cease unsafe work.

Parliamentary Inquiry into Bullying

The NSW Government is currently conducting an Inquiry into bullying and other issues in emergency services agencies, including the NSW Rural Fire Service.

The employer has provided a submission and answers to questions on notice, as well as being interviewed by the Committee conducting the Inquiry.

The PSA expects to provide further evidence at a hearing date yet to be decided.

Many thanks to members and delegates for their interest and support for the Inquiry.

Workplace visits and meetings

Your union will be visiting Rural Fire Services offices and headquarters in the coming months to engage with delegates, members, and non-members to build strength on the ground.

The initial focus will be updating members on:

  • The Rural Fire Service Award
  • Work health and safety
  • Discussing local issues – including reviews/restructures
  • Encouraging members to get involved in their union by becoming an area contact or delegate
  • Encouraging non-members to join the PSA

If you would like to arrange a meeting at your workplace, please email Bart McKenzie .

Your Rural Fire Service Delegates Committee (DC)

Your delegates are:

Jim Killen

Ivan Perkins

Kam Baker

Ashley Frank

Damian Oborn

Andrew Kaye

Chris Wallbridge

Your PSA staff:

Andrew Boulton
PSA Industrial Officer

Bart McKenzie
PSA Senior Organiser

What can you do?

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