VFBV officials last week gave evidence to a Senate Inquiry
which is part of the process to consider the proposed Federal Legislation, Fair Work Act Amendment (Respect for Emergency Services Volunteers) Bill 2016.
The Amendment Bill is designed to prevent interference with the capacity of organisations such
as CFA to manage, support, deploy, value or engage their volunteers.
Among 300 submissions to the Inquiry, two thirds were from volunteers, which shows the level of concern about the EBA’s effects on the volunteer based
CFA.
Assuming it is passed by the Senate, it provides some clear principles for the future that will make it much clearer for everyone and give a constructive way forward that should avoid the mess and tension we have experienced in recent times.
The Commonwealth Department of Employment have explained to the Senate Committee that the changes being proposed to the Fair Work Act will make it unlawful for clauses in an EBA, such as the one CFA is negotiating with the UFU, to interfere with an organisation’s ability to manage its volunteers.
They explained that the changes proposed to the Fair Work Act will not delay the Fair Work Commission’s EBA approval process, will not delay EBA bargaining between an organisation and its employees and will not affect appropriately tailored EBA consultation arrangements between an employer and employees.
The UFU have opposed the legislation despite UFU Secretary Peter Marshall agreeing during the Senate Committee hearing that EBAs should not be allowed to include terms that limit the provision of support to volunteers, or limit the way an organisation manages its operations and deploys
its volunteers.
These are the core principles contained in the proposed Fair Work Act amendments.
It seems that most people either support the proposed Fair Work Act amendment, or agree with the principles proposed by the Fair Work Act amendment, and/or agree that the proposed CFA EBA either does not, or should not be allowed to include things that offend the principles outlined by the amendment.
The Fair Work Act amendment would also allow volunteers to make a submission to the Fair Work Commission to raise volunteer concerns; something the current legislation denies us.
When volunteers recently raised concerns and asked for a fair say we were told that with the EBA in the Fair Work process, we had no place and no right to be heard, even though the issues directly impact on volunteers.
VFBV reinforced to the Senate Committee that volunteers have no quarrel with the pay and allowances of our paid colleagues. We are just asking for a fair go for volunteers.
The Senate Committee has been provided with extensive material and detail to show how the CFA proposed EBA would negatively impact on the way CFA engages and deploys its volunteers; the provision of support and equipment to volunteers; the way CFA manages its operations in relation to volunteers; and CFA’s ability to have regard to genuine and meaningful consultation with volunteers under the Volunteer
Charter.
The Senate Committee is due to report to Parliament on 10 October.
On a separate issue, the case in the Victorian Supreme Court continues although the trial date has been delayed again from the original September schedule.
At the
time of writing this, even the rescheduled trial dates set for early October will not proceed and hearings are scheduled to determine new dates.
VFBV did not create this delay and we are disappointed with CFA’s approach that has led to the
delays.
The trial date is now unclear and will be the subject of further decision in the first weeks of October.
More advice will be posted to VFBV website as soon as possible.
In the meantime, VFBV efforts
to raise funds to support the Supreme Court case continue.
As part of our fund raising effort VFBV has started a crowd funding campaign supported by the ‘mycause’ website.
I urge everyone
reading this to help spread the word about the importance of people donating a small amount if they can afford to.
Even if you can’t make a donation you can also help our fund raising effort by posting the mycause ‘Supporting and Valuing CFA volunteers’ site link on your Facebook page or giving the details to people you know.
VFBV needs everyone to help spread the word and we need donations no matter how large or small from as many people as possible.
To those who have donated already or who are actively spreading the word, thank you for your
support.
To those who are yet to become active, I need your help please.
This is a crossroads for volunteers and the very nature of CFA, it has been left to VFBV to make a stand, and we are greatly encouraged by the huge number of messages of support we are receiving from volunteers and others in the community.
Although I would rather we were not forced into this situation, I believe our campaign to protect the volunteer based and fully integrated CFA is in good shape.
All involved in preparations, activities, raising awareness of our issues and raising funds are doing a great job, keep up the good work and thank you.
FAREWELL AND RESPECT TO MFB CHIEF PETER
RAU
In recent days MFB Chief Officer Peter Rau has resigned.
Peter had spoken out publicly about his concerns with the proposed EBA impacts on his ability to perform his function as Chief Officer, and he joins the former Minister, CFA CEO, CFA Chief Officer and CFA Board who have had the courage to stand by their values and moral judgement.
I take this opportunity to thank Peter for his commitment over many years, his strength of leadership and work that he has done in such a difficult and critical role in recent times.
I am sure volunteers across Victoria will join me in wishing Peter, also a long serving CFA member, all the best.
