Union Health & Safety Champions
The Dunedin Local advises of three further S.S.Os who have received disciplinary action for acting as Health & Safety Champions regarding the Diesel Fumes issue:
S.S.O. Phil Marsh; S.S.O. Lindsay Ray; S.S.O. John Bethune.
As well, the correct name of the Palmerston North S.S.O. is Graeme Mills (not Hills).
Fire Service management has responded to the initial filing of the P.Gs rejecting the remedies sought (as detailed in NTM No.21 – 27 August 2010), thus confirming their complete lack of any commitment to the health and safety of their employees.
Superannuation
The Union is aware through its appointed Trustees of the recent Review of the Super Scheme that the Commission has undertaken. The Union appointed Trustee, along with other Trustees, were involved in the resulting consultation with the Commission.
The Union agrees with the Review’s conclusions that the Scheme needs to be relevant to the needs of members and to the Commission. To that end, the Union is happy to see members use the opportunity provided to provide feedback and to forward comment and feedback to the Commission.
The Union is advised that, as usual, Trustees are planning meetings with members to update on the Scheme generally and the Review and its contents will also be able to be discussed at the meetings.
The dates and venues for meetings are detailed below:
| October 4th | Whangarei | 1100 hours |
| October 8th | New Plymouth | 1030 hours |
| Wanganui | 1400 hours | |
| October 11th | Auckland 3 venues | |
| City | 1000 hours | |
| Takapuna | 1300 hours | |
| Manukau | 1530 hours | |
| October 13th | Hamilton | 1100 hours |
| Tauranga | 1530 hours | |
| October 14th | Taupo | 1100 hours |
| Rotorua | 1530 hours | |
| October 18th | Wellington 2 Venues | |
| City | 1000 hours | |
| Lower Hutt | 1330 hours | |
| Masterton | ||
| Christchurch
|
0900 hours | |
| Timaru | 1430 hours | |
| October 19th | Palmerston North | 1000 hours |
| October 20th | Dunedin | 1530 hours |
| October 21st
|
Invercargill | 1300 hours |
| October 26th | Gisborne | 1000 hours |
| October 28th | Nelson | 1030 hours |
Christchurch Earthquake
All members will be aware of the events of 4 September and the consequent hardship and stress caused to colleagues in Christchurch.
It is very apparent that the response by members was fantastic – as was the response and assistance given by members from outside of Christchurch.
The commitment shown by members in Christchurch and from other Brigades where members came to Christchurch to maintain M.S.M. or to be involved with USAR was exemplary, but of course what was only to be expected.
However, once again Firefighters have demonstrated their commitment to the communities they serve.
