Black Watch Workers – Success Factors
The Union understands that the Fire Service has again commenced communicating with Black Watch Workers regarding the use of Success Factors.
The Union addressed this in Newsletter No. 1 – 22 February 2008 here reproduced:
“Black Watch Workers – Enabling Performance Agreement
Part 4 of the C.A. (Clause 4.5.1) provides:
“Employees will be provided with performance and development reviews using the Enabling Performance Agreement format at least every six months. No employee shall progress under Part 4 - Clause 2 if their performance is assessed as being below requirements or unacceptable”.
This provision does not affect the payment of increased wages arising out of C.A. negotiations – it relates specifically to moving from one step to the next.
The Union has become aware of the Fire Service’s wish to significantly change the way in which performance reviews are to occur – through a process called “Success Factors”.
The Fire Service has not provided the Union with any information regarding this change let alone discussed or consulted with the Union.
What little the Union does know is that what is proposed does make significant changes to the previous practice caught by the title “Enabling Performance Agreement”.
Consequently, the Union advises Black Watch members that there is no requirement to participate in the “Success Factors” programme. “
Since then the Fire Service has still not approached the Union regarding Success Factors. The position therefore remains as in Newsletter No. 1.
The Union therefore reiterates and reinforces the previous advice given – Members are not required to participate in Success Factors, and given the continued refusal of the Fire Service to discuss this, let alone properly consult with the Union over all aspects of the Success Factors programme, members are advised not to participate.
Most Trusted Profession
Once again Firefighters have come out on top of the Annual Readers Digest Survey of New Zealand’s Most Trusted Professions. Firefighters headed off Ambulance Officers (2nd), Pilots (3rd), Nurses (4th) and Doctors (5th).
This ranking continues to demonstrate the public’s respect and recognition of the work of Firefighters and is therefore a tribute to every member.
