Interview Panels

The Union’s position on members’ involvement on Interview Panels for appointment to positions covered by the Collective Agreement was outlined in Newsletter 3/2002.

That advice was because of a conflict of interest situation and members having to choose between members the Committee recommended to members not to participate in any Interview Panels that involved appointment to positions covered by the Collective Agreement.

Please note that this does not apply to Interview Panels for recruits, as at the time of appointment to a recruit position, these persons are not Union members.

Holidays Act – Holiday Pay Supplement

A number of members, particularly those moving from Firefighter to Qualified Firefighter in the last 12 months, have expressed concern at the method of calculation and the consequent low level of Holiday Pay Supplement being received.

This matter was covered in Newsletter 15/2004.

The problem arises out of the hard line interpretation the Fire Service is taking on all matters arising out of the Holidays Act 2003.

Once again the Union believes the Fire Service’s interpretation is wrong and the Holidays Act is quite clear in that more favourable arrangements can be agreed between the parties.

As noted in Newsletter 15/2004 this is another matter that will need to be determined by the courts.