The Union and the Fire Service have met on 7 days since 4 December 2008 in negotiation. The Union consequently details the following information:
- At the finish of negotiations on 24 February 2009, Fire Service representatives continued to inform Union representatives that they still do not
have Bargaining Parameters to enable them to make a wage offer.
- Fire Service representatives however indicated they were sure that whenever Bargaining Parameters were provided (a further 10 days away?), those
Parameters would provide a 0% increase – or maybe 1% if concessions were made.
Clearly this is a quite unacceptable situation. The Union appreciated that because of the change of government and the economic situation, there would be a delay in the employer clarifying Bargaining Parameters.
However, some 2 months after the Collective Agreement expired, this delay can no longer be tolerated.
As well, the clear indication that whenever the Parameters are provided they will not contain anything close to acceptable is equally intolerable.
Consequently the Union Committee has resolved that meetings of members be organized to enable full discussion of the state of the negotiations, including the Union and Fire Service positions, and to seek direction from members as to the appropriate action to take.
A Ballot will be held at the meetings that would authorise the Union Committee to initiate Industrial Action up to but not including a Total Strike.
It is absolutely vital that all members attend these meetings so as to be fully informed on the present situation and to express a view on the Ballot that will be held.
These meetings are in the process of being organized and members will be advised when this schedule is finalized.
