Members will be aware that Regional Manager McGill has been preventing staff from fully crewing fire engines in the Auckland Brigade.

What you may not know is that it has happened at least six times in the last two weeks. On one occasion it happened to two appliances on the same day. On another occasion it happened at a Yellow Watch station and regardless of the Officer writing his concerns to the Western Chief, concerns about distance of backup, Volunteer support responding under strength, if at all during daylight working hours, fatigue of a short crew working in the summer heat and safety of his crew and himself, his Chief gave him no support to maintain the MSM of his appliance.

Regional Manager McGill’s weak excuse that it has happened infrequently in the past is now no longer valid and can only be viewed by the Union as a direct assault on MSM with only hollow protestations about caring for the safety of his staff when turning out short crewed.

Responsibility for presenting yourself fit for duty in accordance with your contractual obligations lies with you, and only you know if you are tired, injured, sick, bored or happy.

Responsibility for calling back staff to fill gaps and maintain MSM lies with Rosters and their only question to you should be “Do you want to work an overtime?”

Members should be aware there are others out there who are fit, willing and able to fill gaps and protect their workmates by ensuring full MSM and that the NZPFU will fully support any member who works when they are fit, healthy and able to work.

The enclosed letters to Union members will give members an insight into both Management’s hard line view and the Auckland Local’s response.

Annex A Correspondence from Matt Evans to Mike Hall and his reply.
Annex B Letter from CFO Cocker to Matt Evans.
Annex C Letters from P Wilding to Peter Clark.
Annex D Letter from P Beech representing Union Member to P Wilding.