The Northern Branch (particularly in Bay-Waikato) has been made aware of concerns Black Watch staff (VSO's) have, over the ongoing training of Volunteers i.e. BA revalidations etc.

Black Watch staff in the Bay-Waikato are making a stand by not undertaking this training due to abuse by the Fire Service in not paying them the correct wages/allowances to undertake this training, as would be paid to all other staff.

Not surprisingly, the Fire Service continue to hide behind the veil of Part 2 & 4 of the employment contract and continue to pay the worst of both parts of the contract and apply that to our Black Watch members, which is again another blatant incidence of the Fire Service not honouring the disputes procedure, where this problem could possibly have been resolved.

The action that has just concluded with Black Watch refusing on call pagers because of the Fire Service not abiding by this procedure is a perfect example of how, in unity, the employment injustices that are been carried out in the Fire Service can rightfully be addressed.

In support of our Black Watch members the Northern Branch advise operational staff that if they are asked to undertake these activities such as BA revalidations of Volunteer Brigades, they should decline.

There is no point in operational staff undertaking these activities and getting paid the rates that Black Watch ought to be but the Fire Service will not pay.

If there is any confusion as to what work operational staff should, or should not be doing, please contact a Northern Branch committee member for clarification.        

Members will be advised if and when this position changes.