The Union has learned from concerned members that CFO Edwards and ADCFO Best have today visited the staff at Parnell Station and, on the orders of FRM Butt, have continued to try and intimidate the staff into believing that they are required, or can be forced, to attend a Black Watch course against their will.
The Union is becoming very tired of this continual bully-boy tactic from the Auckland Regional Manager and is considering carefully what action can be taken against him. It appears on the surface that a complaint under the Fire Service Bullying Policy may be the initial course of action.
Members should be aware that there are only a few courses under the CEA that are compulsory and they all relate to progression from Trainee Firefighter to Firefighter to Qualified Firefighter. All other courses are voluntary. Do not be intimidated by the tactics that the Auckland FRM is trying to employ.
The Union is also very concerned by the Auckland FRM’s methods of using Union members against other Union members. We refer, of course, to the use of SSO’s acting as Deputy Chief Fire Officers to enforce his despicable bullying policy.
The Auckland Local has a committee meeting on 22 January and will be considering whether or not to withdraw those members from acting up positions as we believe it is another tactic by the bully-boy to use members against each other, and thus divide and conquer.
Members will be kept informed of developments as they occur.
