Update - Collective Agreement Negotiations
Some progress was made at yesterday’s meeting in getting a formal final position from the Fire Service.
However, the previously advised absence of Janine Hearn seemed to mean that the remaining members of the Fire Service Bargaining Team were not confident as to what they could or couldn’t propose or respond to.
The Union’s objective is to get the Fire Service’s best possible offer for members’ consideration.
This is expected next week.
P.C.A. Payment
Prior to advising members of the 17 June date in the previous Newsletter, the Union checked this with the Fire Service.
The Union had previously been formally advised the payment would be made sometime in June.
There was some confusion over the payment date because of an understanding between the Fire Service and the Superannuation Scheme to give the Scheme sufficient time to organize for Scheme members to direct the PCA payment into the Scheme.
The Union spoke with the Superannuation Scheme and resolved any such problems and advised the Fire Service of this.
The Union was therefore disappointed and very concerned at the Fire Service’s advice to members of the 1July date.
Despite the commitment given to the Union regarding the payment date, the Union still has not been advised by the Fire Service of the resiling from the 17 June date.
The Union does not believe payroll arrangements cannot be made in the 3 weeks until 17 June to enable a very simple one-off payment.
The Fire Service’s behaviour does nothing to positively contribute to good relations and is hardly acting in good faith.
The Union will act to ensure this situation does not occur again.
