As a consequence of the Fire Service cancelling the bargaining meeting of 23 September, and their refusal to negotiate, the Union has sought an urgent hearing in the Employment Relations Authority seeking a Compliance Order requiring the Fire Service to meet with the Union for the purposes of bargaining.

Members will be updated as developments occur.

Strike Action

Further Notice of Strike Action has been lodged to commence 0800 hours on 8 October 2009 – 0800 hours on 15 October 2009.

The strike action to be taken is as outlined in Newsletter No. 31 – 17 September 2009. That Newsletter detailed additions to the Strike Notice to take effect from 0800 hours on 1 October 2009 for Black Watch workers.

In addition, the Strike Notice to take effect from 0800 hours on 8 October includes two additions for Communications Centre Workers.

a. A ban on completing all Urban and Rural statistics reporting.

b. A ban on participating in all onsite training delivered by the Fire Service, other than that required for progression.