Published Tuesday, 13 January, 2009 at 02:08 PM
Treasurer
The Honourable Andrew Fraser
Firefighter wage deal settled
13 January 09
Treasurer and Acting Emergency Services Minister, Andrew Fraser has welcomed the United Firefighters Union’s (UFU) decision to accept a revised wage offer.
Mr Fraser said Queensland Firefighters and Station Officers voted strongly in support (73.9 per cent in favour) of job evaluation wage adjustments.
“This comes after a job evaluation report agreed to in the 2006 Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Certified Agreement.
“The report identified changes in the role and responsibilities of firefighters.
“The wage deal, worth $9 million per annum, means an average increase of over five per cent in recognition of changes in roles and responsibilities.
The increases are separate to the four percent wage rise Firefighters and Station Officers received in July as part of their current certified agreement (providing for four percent per annum increases over three years).
Mr Fraser reiterated that the Bligh Government was committed to maintaining wage levels that are both fair and financially practical for Queensland.
“I acknowledge the efforts of Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts, who worked hard to have this issue resolved.
The secret ballot was conducted from 22 December 2008 to 9 January 2009 and counting was finalised last night.
“Work is currently underway to arrange payment as soon as possible,” he said.
Firefighters and Station Officers will be entitled to back payment of 50 per cent of the increase for period 2 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 and back payment of the total increase applicable from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009.
Contact: Treasurer’s office – (07) 3224 6361
Treasurer and Acting Emergency Services Minister, Andrew Fraser has welcomed the United Firefighters Union’s (UFU) decision to accept a revised wage offer.
Mr Fraser said Queensland Firefighters and Station Officers voted strongly in support (73.9 per cent in favour) of job evaluation wage adjustments.
“This comes after a job evaluation report agreed to in the 2006 Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Certified Agreement.
“The report identified changes in the role and responsibilities of firefighters.
“The wage deal, worth $9 million per annum, means an average increase of over five per cent in recognition of changes in roles and responsibilities.
The increases are separate to the four percent wage rise Firefighters and Station Officers received in July as part of their current certified agreement (providing for four percent per annum increases over three years).
Mr Fraser reiterated that the Bligh Government was committed to maintaining wage levels that are both fair and financially practical for Queensland.
“I acknowledge the efforts of Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts, who worked hard to have this issue resolved.
The secret ballot was conducted from 22 December 2008 to 9 January 2009 and counting was finalised last night.
“Work is currently underway to arrange payment as soon as possible,” he said.
Firefighters and Station Officers will be entitled to back payment of 50 per cent of the increase for period 2 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 and back payment of the total increase applicable from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009.
Contact: Treasurer’s office – (07) 3224 6361