The FSU has been dismayed by the scale and variety of natural disasters that we have seen across the country this summer.
We have been working hard to provide FSU members and their families with up to date information and advice about access to leave as well as where to find financial support and assistance, as well as providing information for FSU members who want to assist those who are struggling.
To this end, we’re setting up a register of FSU members who are also Community Service Volunteers so that we can provide you with targeted information about additional entitlements that some of your employers are making available at this time. If you are a member of one of your local Community Services, whether that be a State Emergency Service, Firefighter, Fire and Rescue, Reservist or other form of official support agency, please let us know by completing this form.
How the FSU can help if you are directly impacted by the fires
If you have been directly impacted by the fires and are suffering financially, the FSU can offer you a waiver on your union fees at this difficult time. You can contact us on 1300 366 378 or email fsuinfo@fsunion.org.au if you’d like to apply for a waiver.
Union members and retired members who are experiencing hardship as a result of the fires can apply for short term financial assistance from the ACTU Bushfire Fund. If you have lost or suffered damage to your home; or are experiencing severe financial hardship as a result of the fires; or if you’ve lost your usual mode of transport to work, you can apply for a grant from this fund. All applications will go through the FSU – please contact us as soon as possible if you (or an FSU member you know) would like to apply. You can call 1300 366 378 or email fsuinfo@fsunion.org.au
If you live or work in a bushfire affected community but don’t require financial support, OR you’ve found that you’re not eligible for other forms of assistance, please let us know by filling out the form at the bottom of this page so we can stay in touch.
Working in the bushfire recovery effort
FSU members, particularly in insurance and banking, will be playing a crucial role in getting people back on their feet and supporting impacted communities. We know that this additional work might be incredibly stressful so if you find yourself needing additional advice or support at work, particularly when it comes to managing workloads and reasonable overtime, contact us on 1300 366 378 or email fsuinfo@fsunion.org.au.
How you can help communities affected by the bushfires
The ACTU Bushfire Fund has been established to provide short term financial assistance to union members and retired members affected by the 2019-20 bushfires; donations to the ACTU appeal are NOT tax deductible. Every cent donated will be spent on supporting union members in affected communities. To donate follow this link: www.australianunions.org.au/bushfire_relief_fund.
In Unity,
Julia Angrisano