Breach Of Protocol - Union Files In Employment Relations Authority
The Union has issued proceedings in the Employment Relations Authority against the employer seeking remedies relating to a direct communication about the collective bargaining issued by the Chief Executive to all staff (including volunteers and non‐members) on FireNet on 2 May 2011.
The communication was a blatant breach of the signed Protocols between the parties about Collective Bargaining. The signed agreement required the Chief Executive to respect the Union’s negotiating team and bargain through that team.
It explicitly required the Chief Executive to keep bargaining proposals confidential, and also to give advance notice to the Union about any communications, where possible, to allow for comment and discussion before proceeding.
None of this occurred, and now appropriate remedies including penalties will be sought.
Payment of P.C.A.
On inquiring, the Fire Service has advised the P.C.A. payment will be made on 29 June 2011.