PCA Allowance - Superannuation Scheme Voluntary Contributions
The Union wishes to again inform members of the Fire Service’s intention to pay the PCA annual allowance.
Superannuation Working Party
This Working Party has had its initial meeting and the Joint Statement copied below outlines the future work and direction of the Working Party.
Flood Contamination
Members are advised that further to NTM 03-04 20 February 2004 and ARFC e-mail last week;
Wellington Local Notice to Members
Members will be well aware of the recent floods throughout the region last week. As a result of this, members’ PPE should be considered as contaminated with faecal matter. This includes level 2 bunker coats, overtrousers, gloves and gumboots.
Diary, DCFO & VSO
Diary
The Union has decided to produce a Diary for 2004 itself. Consequently, the Diary will be smaller because it will not include advertising.
Turn table Ladders
Members should be aware that due to the continual run down and Band-Aid servicing of the two TTL’s reg. no. OM3919 and NT7872 this local (and senior instructors on these appliances) have little faith in their safe operation.
Structural Firefighting Apparel - Precautions
The Union considers that it is an opportune time now that the summer season is upon us, to remind members of the precautions to take while wearing Structural Firefighting Apparel during hot weather or in high temperature firefighting conditions.
Appointed Relievers
It has been brought to this Local’s attention that there is an inconsistency in the Arapawa Best Practice manual regarding appointed relievers and what is actually happening in the districts.
Partnership Conference, Taking of Leave/days in lieu
Partnership Conference 2003
On 18 December the Union’s Committee, along with representatives of the Chiefs and Deputy Chiefs Association, met with the Fire Service Senior Management
Team with the
objective of developing a Partnership Protocol.
Conference 2003, Physical Competency Assessment
Conference 2003
Conference 2003 was very successfully held in Auckland 9–11 December.
Presentations included:
- Russell Fairbrother on behalf of George Hawkins, Minister of Internal Affairs.
- Sergeant Mike Beale – N.Z. Police, on the Fire Service’s role in dealing with clandestine drug labs particularly those manufacturing methamphetamine. Mike noted the very significant increase in the number of these labs being detected. He emphasized the dangers involved, considering the type and storage of the various chemicals involved.
- Mike Hall, who spoke on the Review of the Fire Service presently underway with an expected outcome of a Fire Service Bill for next year.
- Innotech – This was an Australian Company developing high-tech equipment for firefighters. The presentation covered two products:
- Guardian Communications - This is a radio system able to be connected either directly to a helmet, or to a B.A. face mask.
- Guardian Incident Control Unit - This is a computerized Incident Control System that allows rapid communication of Incident Ground Information.
As well as the usual matters considered (e.g. Protective Clothing, Occupational Health & Safety), a matter of concern raised by Delegates was the
operation of the Fire Service
Claims Management Unit, arising out of the A.C.C. Partnership Programme.
Super Scheme, Medicals
Last Minute Reminder – Joining the Superannuation Scheme
Members are reminded of the new policy adopted by the Superannuation Scheme Trustees regarding joining the Scheme after 3 months of being employed.
Auckland Integration
A final resolution of this Dispute has now been reached.