Strike Action
Further Notice of Strike Action has been filed to take effect from 0800 hours 14 November – 0800 hours 21 November 2009. The Strike Notice is as detailed
in Newsletter No. 35 – 24 September 2009.
Notice of Strike Action has now been filed to take effect from 0800 hours 21 November to – 0800 hours 28 November 2009. This Strike Action is as detailed in Newsletter No. 35 – 24 September 2009 with the addition of the following:
“A ban on the annual testing of Breathing Apparatus Sets unless at a Fire Station with Breathing Apparatus testing facilities by any Union member”.
The Committee specifically considered the forthcoming need for re-certification of B.A. fillers. As this is a re-certification for a further 5 year period, the Committee agreed the re-certification should occur.
The Committee further agreed that if, in the future, filling of B.A. should be banned as part of the Strike Action, then such a ban would be specifically provided in a Strike Notice.
The Committee also considered the various exemptions provided for participation in TAPs programmes. Despite these exemptions, the Committee noted the recent cancellation by Human Resources of a residential Phase Course and an Institute of Management Course component of an SSO TAPs programme.
This latter cancellation occurred despite formal advice to Human Resources that the Union had no problem with members participating in the Institute of Management Course. The Union has received no reply to this advice. However, it would seem that Operation & Training are not now in control of Fire Service Training – it is now being directed by Human Resources.
Collective Agreement Negotiations
The Union has written to the Fire Service formally advising the Ratification Ballot Result. The Union has also requested a meeting between the respective
Bargaining Teams as soon as possible. Members will be advised when this meeting is arranged.
Attached please find a letter received from Dame Margaret Bazley, the Chairperson of the Fire Service Commission, where she puts the Commission’s position regarding the negotiations.
The Union’s reply is also attached.
Dame Margaret’s letter is particularly interesting for two matters.
- The explicit confirmation that our negotiations are under the direct control of the government and with particular reference to the back-pay issue.
- The incorrect and very misleading information Dame Margaret has obviously been given regarding Firefighters Total Weekly Wage and how it is made up.
No reply has been received to the Union’s letter – Human Resources are probably trying to explain to Dame Margaret how and why they misled her.
Members will be advised of any reply if and when received.
