Removal of Aerial Appliances from First Alarm Response

Posted 5 Sep '06 under Auckland Local

The Auckland Local does not support the removal of aerial appliance response from predetermined attendance.

Officers familiar with aerial operations on the fire ground will confirm that initial attendance provides the greatest efficiency and thereby offers the greatest protection to the public and our members.

Accordingly, members are urged to exercise their right to “make up” and request aerials on receipt of all calls with a perceived or real risk, actions that merely reflect the need already identified by the PDA.

This advice applies to all and any calls where Officers feel there is a need for specialist appliances.

The Union has a copy of the Aerial Appliance Management Plan 12 September 2006 in which aerial turnouts are slashed to “reduce maintenance costs” and preserve an aging aerial fleet, excluding the Type 4’s which are out of service more than in already. A detailed note about this plan and the Union’s position will be out shortly.

NZPFU GIVES FENZ NOTICE OF RIGHT TO DEPLOY PARNELL 255

Yesterday

Since the last NZPFU notice Auckland Local representatives have met with District Manager Vaughan Mackereth to discuss his direction not to deploy the aerial appliance Parnell 255 unless confirmed fire.

Mr Mackereth refused to withdraw his instruction, threatened industrial action for those that did not comply with his instruction and refused to other alternatives to address aspects of the health and safety implications of his instruction.

Today the NZPFU notified FENZ that Officers had the right on health and safety grounds to deploy the heavy aerial in accordance of their training and experience, regardless of confirmed fire.

AUCKLAND HEAVY AERIAL – PARNELL 255

10 Jun

Members will be aware of District Manager Mackereth's instruction to all staff to restrict Parnell’s aerial appliance to respond to confirmed fires only, copied below.

This instruction was issued without genuine consultation with the Auckland Local and highlights the disarray and crisis that Fire and Emergencies fleet is in. Despite the organisation saying that their fleet is well maintained and regularly serviced, once again reality proves the complete opposite, with this decision impacting the safety and well-being of firefighters and the public.

TRIENNIAL LOCAL ELECTIONS

5 Jun

Due to nominations being received for Kawerau Local Secretary, President and Vice President and common nominees for positions, a series of elections will be conducted in accordance with the Rules.

The election for Local Secretary will be conducted first, then President and Vice President if still required. Separate notices will be issued for each election.