UFU Victoria

United Firefighters Union of Australia
Victorian Branch

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Corporate member support

Your union and your delegates are here for you. You can always count on us.

about your delegates

Your delegates are other FRV employees who have volunteered to take on a leadership role in the union. They work alongside you every day. That means they know your workplaces, they understand your conditions, and they’ve chosen to step up because they believe every corporate and technical staff member deserves to be treated fairly.

As delegates, they are here to:

  • Answer questions about the EBA, protected action, and your rights
  • Keep you informed about where bargaining is up to and what it means for you
  • Hear your concerns and make sure your voice reaches the people making decisions
  • Help you get involved –  whether that’s taking protected action, sharing your story, or simply staying connected to the campaign

Delegates aren’t in this role for themselves. They’re in the role because they believe that after six years of disruption, uncertainty, and stagnating wages, corporate and technical staff deserve a fair outcome. And that outcome is only possible if members are informed, supported, and standing together.

If you have a question, a concern, or just want to know more about what’s happening, you can get in touch with any of your delegates. All delegate contact information is available on the UFU Intranet.

The UFU intranet is only available to UFU members. Can’t log in? Contact the UFU office.

SUPPORT FOR CORPORATE EMPLOYEES

There are a number of services, supports, and benefits available for UFU members. Not a member? Join here.

Welfare and mental health

Fire service employees are inherently exposed to stress and anxiety, which may result in depression or other illness. This is in addition to the financial stress that many corporate staff are experiencing. We want you to receive the support you need, and you can always reach out to a delegate or the union for a confidential chat about how you’re going.

Free counselling and psychology

You can access a dedicated counselling service with psychologists by calling 1800 161 415.
This service is free and confidential and can be accessed by you and your family. This support available on a 24/7 basis.
This service is provided as part of your FRV employment and is available to everyone regardless of union membership.

Other mental health supports

  • The Beyond Blue website has comprehensive information that deals with a range of mental health awareness and the support and other help that is available. 
  • Beyond Blue also has a support service you can call on 1300 224 636.
  • You can call Lifeline at any time on 13 11 14 if you are experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts. 
  • The Suicide Call Back Service offers free professional 24/7 telephone counselling on 1300 659 467 for people at risk of suicide or concerned about someone at risk, and people experiencing emotional or mental health issues.
  • You can also access an online chat with the Suicide Call Back Service here.

Substance use, gambling, and addiction supports

The UFU has partnered with ADA to provide all UFU members access to the ADA App and Friendly Ear Support Service. This is a confidential service that includes a support line that UFU members can call for free. You can remain anonymous, and can discuss a range of issues not limited to addiction. To get in touch with this service, you must create an account here using your UFU membership number. You will then be able to access the telephone number to place a call.

Union contacts

FINANCIAL

Many corporate staff are facing financial difficulty due to their stagnating wages. In addition to the welfare resources above, UFU membership enables you to access the following services and benefits. If you need assistance navigating a tough financial position or financial stress, you can reach out to a delegate or to the UFU and we will do our best to listen and assist you in finding the help you need.

Banking

UFU members are welcome to get in touch with BankVic, the bank for emergency service workers. BankVic offers a range of financial services including home loans, insurance, personal loans, traditional banking and more. UFU members can contact BankVic via a dedicated relationships manager on 0419 041 735 or at rattard@bankvic.com.au.

Workers compensation, injuries, and WorkCover support

UFU Members who have, or are in the process of making, a Workers Compensation claim are encouraged to contact the UFU Office on 9419 8811 for access to industrial and legal advice, or a referral to Union Assist. If diagnosed with, or in the process for testing for, a type of cancer, UFU Members should contact the UFU Office to speak with an Industrial Officer and to be provided information and assistance with the WorkCover process. 

The UFU can also refer members to personal injury specialist lawyer, James Carlson, who can assist you with your claim.

Free standard will

UFU members can get a Free Standard Will written via Slater + Gordon. For access to this benefit, please contact the Union Office on 9419 8811 or at reception@ufuvic.asn.au.

Save on services

UFU members are offered exclusive deals with businesses who recognise the important work you do. For a full list of current discounts and offers, please contact the Union Office. These deals include: 

  • Portarlington Grand Hotel – Members can access special room rates and bonus offers including dining credits and ferry tickets. More info here
  • Cosmetic Avenue Dental – Members and their families can access up to 15% off dental treatments, including cosmetic treatments. More info here.

GENERAL BENEFITS

Other varied benefits members can access are listed below. 

Health

The UFU has partnered with Care Guidance Victoria to offer a tailored placement service, working with select hospitals and aged care facilities around Victoria to find the right fit for UFU members (or their family members including parents). To access this offer, please contact the UFU Office on 9419 8811 or by emailing reception@ufuvic.asn.au.

Social events

The UFU has yearly social events and all members are invited and encouraged to attend. It’s a great chance to bond with your colleagues, meet other members, and keep in touch with union officials and delegates. These events include:

  • The Annual UFU Family Picnic – a social event for all UFU Members and their families.
  • The UFU Ball – agreat night to relax and enjoy the comradeship of family and friends.
  • The Annual UFU Retired Members Division Christmas Luncheon – in honour of retired members and for those registered with the UFU Retired Members Division.

Members Advantage

Members Advantage works closely with Unions to offer special discounts across various industries. To access the Members Advantage service please log in here.

ACTU member benefits

The UFUA is an affiliate of the Australian Council of Trade Unions. As such, UFU Members also have access to ACTU Member Benefits. You can learn more here.

WHEN WE STAND TOGETHER, WE STAND STRONG.

Every member is another voice calling for a fair offer from FRV.

Union membership is 100% tax deductible and all corporate staff can join.
Already a member? Update your details here.

Why join?

The union is made up of members just like you who want to protect their legal rights at work. Only UFU members can take protected industrial action, and the UFU’s legal team can only represent union members in legal disputes. But, most importantly, union members are the ones who shape our campaigns and our work.

Get your colleagues involved

Telling a workmate or friend about why you joined the union is the #1 way to get someone else involved. Every new member of the union means one more person taking action and one more voice in our call for a fair offer.