Over-payments

The Union has been advised that a small number of members (19), have apparently been over-paid - some for up to around 6 -7 months. These are persons who were in the groups that were intended to be grand-fathered as a consequence of the pay changes last year.

The Union is working through the issue with the Fire Service and those persons concerned will be notified directly. As well, it is intended that meetings will be offered to the affected members to discuss the issue with management and Union officials.

Pay Review - Black Watch and Com. Centres

Job Descriptions have been completed for Com. Centre staff and for Fire Safety.
Work is continuing to finalize Job Descriptions for Trainers and V.S.O.s

Wet Weather Gear

The Union is aware of the problems with the distribution of Wet Weather Gear and has ensured that Senior Managers are also aware and are addressing the issues. Given the well documented problems with new equipment recently (e.g. B.A.), it is very disappointing to see numerous problems with the distribution of this wet weather gear, but the urgency at this time is to get the problem fixed.

Trial of New Equipment

For some time the Union has been concerned at the unstructured, haphazard nature of many of the so-called trials that have occurred. Trials ought to be important and provide verifiable and useful results.

Management has accepted that things need to be improved and the Union expects to see more formal protocols and structures around trials in the future.

Carcinogenic Exposure Project

A deal of background/backroom progress has been made and an informative D.V.D. is about to be released. The various stream groups have also commenced work.

It is expected that a Business Case for a longer term extended project will be completed shortly.