The Union would like to remind members of a great statement:
“WE WON’T FORGET.”
It is disappointing, but not surprising once again, that Local Management has downtrodden the integrity and stability of the Auckland Region by resurrecting the 1996-2001 era (C.S.T.).
The Regional Manager, with no regard for Union members or Fire Service Policies, let alone Employment Tribunal rulings, has unilaterally promoted the leading Union breaker, Don McErlich, to a Deputy Chief Fire Officer’s rank. This position has been held by Ross Taylor who has taken up the position as Acting Chief Fire Officer, Waitakere.
For those of you who have joined since 2001, Don McErlich was a leading light in formulating plans to undermine Union members by introducing the “McErlich Contract”. This contract, backed by Management, was designed to take away all the rights and conditions that you now currently enjoy.
Due to these despicable actions by Fire Service Management and McErlich, it cost members hundreds of thousands of dollars to defend our rights and conditions that we enjoy today.
It is frustrating, but not surprising, that the Regional Manager has blatantly and knowingly disregarded a Court Ruling, even after being explained the outcome by the Union (that McErlich will not work and engage with D1 staff on a daily basis).
Once again, the Fire Service Management and McErlich have the arrogance to think that they are above the law and are out to screw you, and it would appear, bring back conditions aligned to the 56 hours a week.
The Union has come to this conclusion by Management not advertising the position of C.F.O. Waitakere on a secondment basis to our members who have served in the role of Deputy Chief Fire Officer (some on numerous occasions) and are currently operational; but arbitrarily gave the job to Ross Taylor, then gave his job to McErlich.
Not only has the Regional Manager filled those two vacancies without advertising them, but also unilaterally placed Ted Fuller in the position of V.S.O. Northern. It is quite clear that Management supports these two scabs (McErlich & Fuller) above members of the N.Z.P.F.U.
The Auckland Local, therefore, directs members not to engage with McErlich in his current role. Furthermore, the Auckland Local directs members not to apply for or extend their secondments in the role of Deputy Chief Fire Officer, as there is a clear case of use and abuse by the Fire Service Management.
UNITED WE STAND
DIVIDED WE FALL
