LMR for F.S.Os and V.S.Os
Some time ago, management determined that, on the supply of new vehicles for FSOs and VSOs, the vehicles would not be equipped with LMR. However, on 23 April, management advised this decision had been reversed and that LMR would now continue to be provided for FSOs and VSOs.
Management conceded that a principal reason for the change was “After the policy was issued we received many submissions from FSOs and VSOs putting the case for retaining LMR in their vehicles.”
Many of these submissions were communicated through the Union and the Union raised the matter on a number of occasions with Paul McGill and at the National Occupational Health & Safety Committee.
However, the Union is sure that if appropriate and meaningful consultation had taken place, the policy more than likely would not have been issued in the first place.
Secondly, this once again demonstrates that with the collective efforts of affected members (primarily based on health and safety concerns) at various levels, change can be effected if we remain united and resolute.
Q.F.F. PROGRESSION
The Union has had a number of communications and discussions with H.R. on this issue.
H.R. seems presently to have adopted a position that Courses (presumably all) need to be extended by the length of the industrial action carried out in 2011 – 2012.
The Union sees this position as far too simplistic.
There certainly were delays in the QFF programme, but no way can these be simply attributed to the industrial action.
The Union is continuing to pursue this with the Fire Service.
Policy on Re-engagement of experienced Operational Firefighters
The Fire Service has advised the Union that they wish to re-look/review this policy.
The Union agrees, particularly because of the growing number of anomalies arising out of the operation of the existing policy – or more particularly – the ignoring of the policy for certain persons.
The Union has two representatives on the Group to carry out the review – Denis Fitzmaurice and Jim Ryburn.
If you have any submissions to make, please forward them to either Denis or Jim.
B.A.
The significant number of problems that continue to be experienced are being slowly worked through – for example – the seating problems.
However, progress is still frustratingly slow and is another example of how not to roll-out new equipment.
Wages Working Party
The Union is very concerned to ensure that before the information meetings previously mentioned take place, that we are in a position to provide full details to members to particularly include wording of the new Clauses/provisions.
This is being worked on at present as a matter of urgency.
