Hamilton Firefighters Trust Fund
Donations to the Union Trust Fund eventually totalled just over $70,000 – a tremendous achievement and overwhelming from Firefighters (including Volunteers), and also Firefighter colleagues from Australia.
The Fund has now been distributed to the beneficiaries. Attached is a letter the Union has received from those directly affected.
On behalf of the Union, thanks to all members who contributed.
Icepack Coolstore - Fire Service Report
The Union sees this Report as essentially noting three major issues:
- The Firefighters who attended performed as well as anyone could have expected – that is – extraordinarily well.
- There was any number of deficiencies that led to the tragedy - particularly surrounding the Icepack Coolstore itself.
- The regulatory framework surrounding this type of operation lacks clarity and may be deficient.
The Union believes that points 2. and 3. need urgent attention and has written to the Hon. Trevor Mallard, Minister of Labour/Environment accordingly.
A copy of that letter is attached. Attached also is the Press Release distributed by the Union.
Management Restructuring
Thank you to members who provided comment back to the Union.
The Union’s submission to Mike Hall is attached. The Union is unequivocal that totally inadequate consultation has occurred – both in terms of the overall National position as well as specific Local implications.
It was the lack of proper consultation that the Union used to successfully resist all sorts of so-called restructuring plans in the 1990s.
The Union is also unequivocal that if the plan was to proceed, the new positions created – Area Manager and Assistant Area Manager – must be advertised to all who are suitably qualified to apply. The Fire Service must then appoint the best suited person for the position. Again, this can be pursued in the Courts.
The Union hopes that as a result of its submission – and others it is aware of opposing the plan, common sense will prevail and proper consultation will now take place.
