The Government continues wage negotiations for Tasmania’s firefighters with the United Firefighters Union.
For “good faith” negotiations to occur, Government policy requires that there be no industrial action in place, including work bans.
The Lead Negotiator within the Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management has previously been generous in meeting with the union during work bans demonstrating their commitment to negotiating in good faith.
However, this good faith has not being returned by the union, who continue to implement and escalate work bans that are impacting on community safety.
The Government is therefore now negotiating in line with its wage negotiation policy, after having been more than accommodating in recent times for the benefit of the union.
The current union work bans include refusing to do work required of firefighters under their employment, or imposing restrictions or limitations on how the work should be completed by members.
Work bans, including partial work bans, are a withdrawal of labour and indicate that employees are not ready and willing to perform work as required or directed, impacting community safety, and why I encourage the union to cease the work bans.
Previous work bans have included not attending come and try days and picketing at these events to deter recruitment.
The ongoing work bans which are impacting service delivery and community safety include:
While the right of unions to represent their members is recognised, the Government must also continue to provide emergency response to keep Tasmanians safe.
Due to the community safety issues resulting from the work bans, a claim is being lodged with the Tasmanian Industrial Commission.
I encourage the union to cease their work bans so that negotiations can re-commence to ensure our firefighters get a pay rise.
More Media Releases from Felix Ellis
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