Members will be aware of M Halls whole of country e mail Friday 30 September 2005.

The Union has not seen any form of dispensation from ERMA regarding the continuing of BA Cylinders filling by non certified fillers.

The Act is explicit and in our opinion, and in good conscience, we recommend to non certified members that they do not fill up cylinders for their own protection.

It is obvious that we are now operating under a new legal regime and therefore current practices must stop until new processes are in place. Clearly, non certified fillers are not legally able to fill cylinders.

The Union is astounded by M Halls instruction that all existing Fillers must undergo the training and assessment as required by the Compressed Gas Regulations. This essentially amounts to bullying in the workplace.

Given that we are operating under a new regime, and that BA Cylinder filling was voluntary it is incredible that M Hall can effectively order someone to complete the new, legal requirements for cylinder filling.

The Union is interested to know whether a members’ employment could be affected if they failed the assessment and therefore failed to pass and complete what is effectively a National Commanders Instruction.

It is of course disappointing although not surprising that he declined the Union in negotiating an allowance for BA Cylinder Fillers.

Members are reminded once again that participating in any training regime to meet the requirements of the new legal regulations, is completely voluntary and are encouraged not to be bullied by the National Commander.

The Union is in receipt of an e mail from a CFO (sent to the entire Hutt District), detailing where cylinders can be filled with 24 hour service.

Accordingly, cylinders should be sent to Dive and Ski, 14 Waione Street, Petone. Phone 568 5028.