CODE 2, VOL 34, NO 67 : 18 december 2020

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

There is no doubt that for so many here in Queensland and all over the world, 2020 has been a challenging year, but it is drawing to a close and the Christmas and New Year period is again upon us.

For many people in our communities this period of the year provides much needed time for rest, and an opportunity to reflect on the last 12 months and to spend time with family and friends, and with all internal borders open in Australia, I hope you get to see family for what might be the first time in a year.

Despite the holiday season being here, this time of year means business as usual for you and your colleagues. Bushfires, cyclones and floods are a regular occurrence at this time of year and this is likely to mean that many of you will be working long and hard protecting your communities or handling vital communications during this period.

We dedicate our lives to serving our communities. The work we do can be extremely rewarding, but it can also be tough. Separation from family and friends can be difficult at this time of year. But, as peers, we look out for each other.

For those of us that may find this time of year difficult, remember, help is there if you need it.

On behalf of the UFUQ, I wish every member a safe and happy Christmas and New Year. I look forward to working with you all in 2021.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

In recent years there has been some confusion regarding public holiday dates for the Christmas and New Year period due to Christmas Day, Boxing Day and/or New Year’s Day falling on a Saturday or Sunday.

For the 2020/2021 period, Boxing Day falls on a Saturday which means that there is an ‘additional’ public holiday provided.

The public holiday dates for Christmas and New Year for 2020/2021 are as follows –

Christmas Eve – 1800 to 2400
Thursday, 24 December 2020

Christmas Day
Friday, 25 December 2020

Boxing Day
Saturday, 26 December 2020

Boxing Day Additional Public Holiday
Monday, 28 December 2020

New Year’s Day
Friday, 1 January 2021

Please be aware that the public holiday provisions and arrangements relevant to your work situation and roster will apply for each of these days.

If (when?) an error is made by QFES and/or Queensland Shared Services (QSS) regarding your wages for these dates, in the first instance, please ensure you raise the issue with your regional HR contact as soon as possible.

If an issue remains unresolved, follow the email process QSS requires, and keep your evidence for provision to the UFUQ if it gets to that point.

John Oliver - General Secretary

 

 

Authorised by John Oliver General Secretary 
United Firefighters' Union of Australia, Union of Employees QLD