The Local writes to inform members that a situation has arisen, due to over-hiring of staff, where some watches at some stations may be rostered with an Officer and four Firefighters. In the event of this occurring, the Union advises that the following is to apply.

If the extra member is required to cover an absence at another station and has not received fourteen days’ notice of that movement, then they will report for duty to their usual station and will move to the relieving station after start of shift.

The employer will be responsible for moving the member from their station at start of shift and returning them to their usual station by end of shift. Obviously, if you are at the station awaiting the arrival of the relieving Firefighter, you are not necessarily required to be held back. However, the Union’s view is that we should always endeavour to maintain Minimum Shift Manning of an Officer and three Firefighters. If you do hang back for the arriving Firefighter, you are, of course, entitled to claim overtime for the extra period you spend on-duty.

If there is no absence available for a particular shift, then the Officer will approach Area Management to ensure that there is a complete, fifth set of protective equipment, as normally provided on an appliance, for the extra Firefighter. This includes a PSS5000 B.A. Set, as the extra member is on duty as a Firefighter and is to be utilised as such. This matter was raised with Acting National Commander Paul McGill and he agreed with the Union’s position, on both operational and Health and Safety grounds.

In determining which member is required to move from their usual station for a particular shift, it is the Union’s view that this primarily be a recruit in the “last on-first off” principle. It should not fall to the Officer of the watch to make a determination as to which member has to leave their normal position for a shift.

Related Articles

VIEW ALL VIEW ALL

Breaking News

Near Disaster on the North Shore

Members will no doubt be aware of the major 5th Alarm fire that broke out last night on the North Shore. This fire had widespread impacts to people across Tamaki Makaurau with several Emergency Alerts having to be made. Additionally, our thoughts go out the local community, including the owner, tenants, and staff of the businesses impacted.


Major Fire Causes Widespread Disruption to Auckland Fleet

Members will no doubt be aware of Wednesday's major fire in a scrapyard in Papakura. Whilst the cause of this fire is still under investigation what is known is that the impacts of it were widespread right across Auckland.


Return to Work Duties

We have been told that staff wanting to do Return to Work Duties will have to do them at District HQ and they do not intend to reimburse your travel costs, “you are getting an enhanced pay and you can fund your own travel”. We have since got an agreement that the travel distance reimbursement will be paid for travel to District HQ.