Members may well be aware of the recent Gazette Notice 24/2008 regarding Fire Risk Management Officer, Auckland Region (Vacancy # 139/2008 – Multiple Vacancies).

The Union views this role as a completely new position, as per FRM Brian Butt’s notice on 2 December 2008 (see attached Region Notice 121/2008).

The Union has serious concerns that the process of implementation of the new, un-negotiated role and position of a Fire Risk Management Officer is a re-invention of the disastrous CST system, whereby members are pitted against each other in a ‘dog-eat-dog’ battle for positions and jobs. To fully appreciate the methodology that the Fire Service Management is rehashing, members need to read Dr Paula Beever’s document dated November 2008, Decision on the Proposal to Change the Focus of Current Fire Safety Positions within the New Zealand Fire Service, more commonly known amongst staff as Paula’s bedtime story.

Clearly, the Union sees this as an attempt to force out and undermine our existing Fire Safety Officers and, at the same time, implement the first stage of an unpalatable development whereby Management commence the civilianisation of both the Fire Safety Department and Operational Firefighter and Officer roles.

The Union’s position and instruction to members is a strong recommendation that no NZPFU members apply for the position as set out in Gazette Notice 24/2008, Vacancy # 139/2008 or undertake any new duties that this proposed position details.

The Union intends to raise this matter in full with the Fire Service Management at the earliest opportunity in an effort to fully clarify our concerns and the impact that Dr Paula Beever’s document has on existing members’ roles, job description and on-going future employment.

Members are also advised that any approaches by Fire Service Management or any attempt to bully and intimidate individuals into applying for these positions should be referred to a Union Official.

The NZPFU and PSA are working together on this issue and are working to develop a joint position that will be conveyed to members in due course.