We started to take the campaign for presumptive legislation to recognise occupational cancer on the road. National President Ian Wright joined us for the road trip and first stop was Masterton Fire Station for firefighters to hear about Alex’s experiences and the support firefighters can give to the campaign through sharing NZPFU posts through social media as well as posts from MPs that support the campaign.
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Alex Forrest, NZPFU President Ian Wright and National Secretary met with Minister Iain Lees-Galloway today and ACC advisors. Despite the many challenges for the Government this week, the Minister set aside almost an hour to hear about Alex’s international experience in presumptive legislation to recognise firefighters occupational cancer. This is the second meeting for the NZPFU with the Minister.
In between meetings with the National Committee and MPs, Alex used any spare time for station visits to talk to firefighters about the campaign and the preventative measures and programmes. We can never fully protect firefighters but we can minimise the exposures. Bagging and tagging contaminated PPE, showering as soon as possible to remove the spot and toxins, clean hoods and regularly cleaning helmets and helmet skirts are just a few of the measures firefighters take to minimise the impact of the absorption of toxins.
Day three of the campaign trail included Alex Forrest briefing members of the Labour Government.
IAFF Canadian Trustee and Winnipeg Firefighters Union President Alex Forrest briefed the NZPFU National Committee today on the science and basis for presumptive legislation recognising occupational cancer.
The messages of support from our international brothers and sisters has continued with a personal message from Fire Brigades Union National Secretary Matt Wrack.
Members will be aware that Canadian firefighter, lawyer and international expert on presumptive legislation, Alex Forrest is currently in the country to talk to politicians, media and firefighters.
Members who were around in the 1990’s will remember Tom Goddard – Chief Judge of the Employment Court.