Superannuation

The Union is aware of the understandable concerns and questions being discussed by members relating to Superannuation generally, and your Union Trustees are working hard to have these addressed.

Everyone must be aware of the turmoil in the international financial markets, and your Superannuation Scheme, as are all investment funds, is caught up in this – that is unavoidable.

It is unfortunate in the extreme, that the Trustees’ efforts to provide membership choice coincided exactly with this international financial crisis.

What would have otherwise been a simple exercise in putting into effect members’ choices on investment options became very difficult indeed. Timeframes and expected returns were thrown into disarray due to the volatility in the markets, resulting in some changes to expectations of the change process.

The Union understands the Trustees are preparing further information for members to address the various issues members are raising.

Occupational Health & Safety Survey

The Union has been consulted regarding a Survey on Health & Safety within the Fire Service, to be conducted by a Masters Student at Canterbury University. As a consequence, some changes have been made.

The Union is happy for members to choose to participate if they wish, and the Union will be provided with a copy of the Survey’s results.

This Survey on Health & Safety has now been distributed and the Union repeats its advice as in NTM 18 – 18th September.