Paul Baxter’s Resignation

Posted 11 Jan '17 under National

The Union is disappointed, but not surprised to learn of Paul Baxter’s resignation. It seems obvious to the Union that the Commission’s announcement of the new Management structure, where Operations is relegated to the background, was the last straw and Paul had no alternative but to accept the considerably lesser position of running a State Fire Service in Australia.

Interestingly this position, as the Commissioner reports directly to the Minister, and is effectively a combined Chief Executive/National Commander Role.

No other reputable Fire Service splits these roles and relegates Operations to the background. But the “Board” apparently knows better than London, New York, Chicago, NSW and many more.

Completely out of their depth and hopelessly inept.

Near Disaster on the North Shore

25 Apr

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

7 Mar

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

23 Feb

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.