The FIA Board recently met to discuss the current economic climate and how it can assist its members during these tough times. Whilst we have seen a number of Formwork businesses struggle in the current climate, the FIA board believe that together we can work to strengthen our members knowledge, develop ideas and offer further membership benefits to advocate for changes to the Formwork Industry that benefit our members.
The FIA is already advocating on a number of issues affecting the industry and we plan to strengthen the FIA's position and relations with government entities and improve member engagement through a number of committees.
The objective of these committees is to source fair, efficient, transparent and equitable outcomes for industry. Each committee will meet six times a year to collaborate and formulate policies, position papers and strategies that align with industry values and principles. Each committee will be made up of a Board member and various members and partners, with attention being paid to the skills and area of expertise each member brings.
Committees will be presented with the opportunity to contribute to documentation containing suggestions, advocacy and promotion of industry requisites prior to their submission to the relevant government minister, department or key industry stakeholders and released to industry.
On occasion, guest speakers will be invited to committee meetings and especially scheduled events to explain new and updated procedures and regulations and outline any changes that potentially affect Formwork business operations.
Volunteering to become an FIA committee member is a valuable opportunity to collaborate and network with industry colleagues, remain ahead of current events, have your say on important topics and acquire new ideas to apply to your business. Most of all, it is a great way to be a direct participant in advocating industry necessities to government for policy change.
The FIA will launch the following committees:
- Formwork Technical Committee
This committee will provide access for government/external agencies to understand industry issues and what is best practice. It will look at new technology, improvements, policies, manuals and the provision of technical notes to assist Formwork companies across Australia.
- WHS/IR/HR Committee
This committee will address the safety issues and training within the industry, work closely with government departments on legislation, WHS, standards, Compliance, changes to law, recent cases and the impact on Formwork business. FIA's current work on the NSW Code of Practice and work with SafeWork Australia and the NSW Building Commissioner's office will continue here.
- Business Advisory Committee
This committee will provide information for Formwork business owners on how to run an efficient Formwork business, financial and business advisory services, contract negotiation, tender and procurement processes, insurance and Workers compensation advice.
Further details will be posted on the FIA website in October, SafeWork month and any member wanting to join a committee should contact our General Manager, Michael Sugg with their expression of interest.
Our members are experiencing many challenges to their businesses and the Formwork industry. Many changes and more challenges are yet to come with the increase in legislative cases, financial challenges in a COVID-19 and post COVID-19 economy and with changes to the education of formworkers and access to training. The FIA is here as your industry association to represent you and to advocate for change - change for the better that benefits you. Together We Are Stronger.
