The Fire Service has set up a comprehensive programme of work to focus on reducing firefighters’ exposure to carcinogens and other harmful substances in the workplace. The programme is a joint initiative involving the NZPFU and the UFBA.
On Thursday 14th August Derek Best and I had the privilege of attending the reception held in for the Recipients of the Bravery Awards.
Members are advised that the Auckland Local Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 20 August 2014.
Following on from our recent triennial elections for the Northern Branch Executive, nominations are hereby called for the following position that was not filled at that time:
The Local has written to Region 1 Manager Brian Butt informing him of the following regarding our position surrounding a 5th man being assigned to a particular shift period.
Do you have a great idea for improving some aspect of the New Zealand Fire Service that aligns with current organisational strategy and Vision 2020? If so, check out the Firefighters’ Scholarship.
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.
By the closing date for nominations for positions of Northern Branch Officials, the following nominations had been received.
In accordance with the Rules of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union, nominations are hereby called for the following positions:
The attached chart details the P.C.A. Payment.
The Collective Agreement (CA) agreed between the Fire Service and the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union in 2013 prescribes a review of market rates in May of each year that the agreement remains in force.
Subsequent to agreement between the Union and Fire Service, the following will apply:
The Employment Relations Authority held the Investigation Meeting regarding this dispute in Wellington on 15 April.
This notice provides an update on the joint work taking place between NZFS management, the NZPFU and the UFBA to resolve the current situation with BA set medium pressure hoses.
As members will recall, the existing Collective Agreement expires 30 June 2015. However, during the course of the Agreement, a number of Working Parties are to be established to look at:
Last week the NZPFU and the UFU of Australia National Committees met for a 2 day meeting.
Following numerous complaints from members in Area 3, the Union has written to Area Manager O’Donoghue demanding that the PRT qualifications, which were arbitrarily removed from affected members’ OSM profile, be reinstated. The Union also expects that members be allowed to maintain their PRT qualification through suitable training.
Members will know that over recent months there has been a significant increase in Medical Responses/Assists and a consequent increase in problems being experienced with those calls.
The Local is receiving a number of concerns from members regarding the Medical co-response which was sprung on members at the last moment before the recent holiday period.
Following the 4th Alarm fire at C C Interiors, Hannigan Drive, St. John’s, the Local draws members’ attention to NTM Ref: ALC-13-80 dated 23 December 2013 (copy attached).
The Union has been advised that management is conducting a review of Fire Net.
Members may have read various publications, including our own notices, surrounding the proposed MOU with the St John Ambulance.
Following the release of the highly flawed and inappropriate Operations Review and Level 2 Serious Harm Investigation into the LaHood Fire, the Auckland Local issues the following instruction to members:
Further to the number of Newsletters concerning the minor maintenance of B.A.
The Executive and Committee of the Auckland Local wish all members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
On behalf of the Executive of the Northern Branch, we wish all members and their families a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Members are advised that the Union is undertaking the first of what is proposed to be several on-line Surveys using Survey Monkey.
Updates have been made to our Compensation Insurance information. Please see the new attachments available for download.
The Local has received anecdotal evidence that there are faults with the new Dräger PSS 5000 B.A. Sets and the associated Merlin Boards.
Further to yesterday’s Newsletter No. 20 – herewith are the actual examples (name and identifying information removed) with the explanation of the various Back Pay line items.
Given the complicated makeup of the Back Pay, it has been agreed that a detailed explanation will be produced.
The appeal for funds to provide support and assistance for Troy and his family is still open but will close on Friday 1 November 2013. This provides you a last opportunity to demonstrate in a practical way your support for Troy and his family.
Members are advised that the Auckland Local Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday 4 November 2013.
The Local calls for Remits from members for the Annual General Meeting. We are exploring times and venues and expect to announce a location and date for the meeting next week. FF Position Advertised After meeting with Auckland Regional Management, the Local received an assurance that vacancies would be advertised as they occurred. This has now happened with a position at Titirangi Yellow Watch, and the Local encourages any member who wishes to move from a coloured watch position, to apply for this vacancy.
The Union met with the Fire Service on Friday 4 October in formal mediation in an attempt to further progress this matter. Present for the Union were Brad MacLeod and Stefan Talaic (both affected members from Auckland), Arie McPhee (affected member from Wellington), Peter Nicolle, Derek best and the Union’s lawyer Peter Cranney. Unfortunately attending for the Fire Service was only Chris Wells (Manager H.R. Services & employment Relations) – in effect Janine Hearn’s Deputy.
Troy Mahupuku The appeal for funds to provide support and assistance to Troy is still open, but will be closed shortly. So this is close to your last opportunity to, in a practical way, demonstrate your support to Troy and his family. Members are therefore encouraged to donate.
B.A. Maintenance Further to Newsletter No. 12 – 14 August 2013
The Union has had a number of queries from members regarding the above Survey (sent out yesterday).
Following confirmation of the ratification of the new Collective Agreement, we have had discussions with the NZFS on when members can expect implementation of the changes, and payment of relevant back pay.
Members of the N.Z.F.S. Associated Agencies have received enquiries from people asking where they could deposit money to help S.F.F. Troy Mahupuku who received burns to his arms and back – approximately 30% of his body, at a factory fire in Petone on 23rd August 2013.
The Union has been approached by several concerned members with regard to the voluntary servicing of B.A. equipment, including the testing of Level 4 Gas Suits.
1. The Union’s National Committee has resolved to “Recommend the Settlement to Members for Ratification”.
This is to inform members of the Auckland Local of the dates and locations of meetings for ratifying the proposed CEA.
Following a meeting of the Firefighter Pay Working Party, including both NZFS and NZPFU representatives, some significant changes have been agreed to the original proposals discussed at the recent information meetings. These changes have been made in response to feedback from the information meetings, and address the two key concerns that have been raised.
Breathing Apparatus There seems to be a number of concerns relating to the testing and minor repairs of all Breathing Apparatus equipment including Gas Suits that were once tested in Fire Service B.A. departments by certified technicians.
Attached is all the information that will be made available at the scheduled Information Meetings of Members.
The information produced regarding the Pay Review relates to Operational Officers & Firefighters (Part 2). The Pay Review exercise did not apply to Part 3 and Part 4 Workers.
A very informative and successful Seminar on Managing Firefighter Exposure was held on 27th June in Wellington. The Seminar, which focused on exposure to substances that are cancer causing was jointly hosted by the Union and the Fire Service.
By the closing date for nominations for positions in the Auckland Local, the following nominations had been received.
Meetings to provide information on the new pay structure for Operational Firefighters and Officers will commence shortly (see attached schedule).
The Union met today with Area 4 Management to discuss concerns raised by the Union with regard to training delivery for the new Level IV Gas Suits.
Q.F.F. PROGRESSION The Union met with H.R. management last week to discuss the dispute raised with the Fire Service regarding Q.F.F. progression.