2007 November

The Union and the Department have met regarding the myriad of risk assessments that have flooded stations in recent years. The Union demanded from the Department a decision – it could have one risk assessment procedure and one only. The result – Dynamic Risk Assessments.

The Dynamic Risk Assessment booklet, and the worksheets contained therein, is the only risk assessment procedure to be used. The worksheets are guides for Safety Officers and can be used at their discretion. They are not for record keeping purposes and if the Safety Officer chooses to use one on the fireground they are to be destroyed or retained by the Safety Officer for their personal record only. They are not to be maintained in Department records. All other risk assessments in operation, or subsequently introduced, are not to be used and should be disposed of immediately.

Simon Flynn

State Secretary

The Union and the Department have met regarding the myriad of risk assessments that have flooded stations in recent years. The Union demanded from the Department a decision – it could have one risk assessment procedure and one only. The result – Dynamic Risk Assessments.

The Dynamic Risk Assessment booklet, and the worksheets contained therein, is the only risk assessment procedure to be used. The worksheets are guides for Safety Officers and can be used at their discretion. They are not for record keeping purposes and if the Safety Officer chooses to use one on the fireground they are to be destroyed or retained by the Safety Officer for their personal record only. They are not to be maintained in Department records. All other risk assessments in operation, or subsequently introduced, are not to be used and should be disposed of immediately.

Simon Flynn

State Secretary

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Thanks to all the members who attended the North Sydney rally against Workchoices on November 22. Thanks to the officials, Union staff and delegates that contributed to its success. Our thanks is on behalf of all working families already affected by the legislation and on behalf of all that will be affected by the next level if the present government is returned.

Second only to the D&D March of 1999, a colorful and impressive march of 350 firefighters in full firefighting uniform was led from North Sydney Oval to Joe Hockey’s office in the centre of the North Sydney CBD.

Speeches were well received at both ends of the march by those that attended and many onlookers. FBEU President Chris Windsor, Police Association Secretary Peter Remfrey and Green’s Senator Kerrie Nettle started proceedings while FBEU Secretary Simon Flynn, Unions NSW Assistant Secretary Mark Lennon and ACTU President Sharon Burrow spoke outside Joe Hockey’s Office.

The FBEU pulled above its weight and gave a clear indication of its ability to campaign. Members are urged to vote against Workchoices at tomorrow’s election.

Simon Flynn

State Secretary

Thanks to all the members who attended the North Sydney rally against Workchoices on November 22. Thanks to the officials, Union staff and delegates that contributed to its success. Our thanks is on behalf of all working families already affected by the legislation and on behalf of all that will be affected by the next level if the present government is returned.

Second only to the D&D March of 1999, a colorful and impressive march of 350 firefighters in full firefighting uniform was led from North Sydney Oval to Joe Hockey’s office in the centre of the North Sydney CBD.

Speeches were well received at both ends of the march by those that attended and many onlookers. FBEU President Chris Windsor, Police Association Secretary Peter Remfrey and Green’s Senator Kerrie Nettle started proceedings while FBEU Secretary Simon Flynn, Unions NSW Assistant Secretary Mark Lennon and ACTU President Sharon Burrow spoke outside Joe Hockey’s Office.

The FBEU pulled above its weight and gave a clear indication of its ability to campaign. Members are urged to vote against Workchoices at tomorrow’s election.

Simon Flynn

State Secretary

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UPDATE 22/11/07

The two vacancies have finally been filled. In February Comrades Mick Zvekic and Mark Lutherburrow stood down from their positions as CSB Executive South & West. These positions have now been filled by the State Committee of Management by Serv Maas (West) & Justin Bentley (South). The full CSB Executive is now as follows:

North – Nat LaMacchia, 257 Coffs Harbour S/R (02 6651 6891)

South – Justin Bentley, 472 Turvey Park C Platoon (02 6921 3022)

West – Serv Maas, 280 Dubbo D Platoon (02 6884 7447)

Sub Branch Secretary – Chris Perrin Tweed Heads A Platoon (07 5536 2222)

The CSB Executive are meeting in Sydney next Thursday the 29/11 to discuss where we are at and what we need to do to progress the long standing issues that affect CSB members.

UPDATING DELEGATES DETAILS

I also would like all station delegates to email me (cperrin@fbeu.net) to ensure that I have up to date email addresses and mobile phone numbers. Even if you have provided them previously send me a quick email to ensure my records are as accurate as possible. If your station doesn’t have a delegate in position think about electing someone to fill this role.

FEDERAL ELECTION

This Saturday is Election Day and the FBEU respects your right to decide who gets your valuable vote. The FBEU won’t tell you who to vote for but does ask you to put the Liberals last.

Fraternally,

Chris Perrin

Secretary

UPDATE 22/11/07

The two vacancies have finally been filled. In February Comrades Mick Zvekic and Mark Lutherburrow stood down from their positions as CSB Executive South & West. These positions have now been filled by the State Committee of Management by Serv Maas (West) & Justin Bentley (South). The full CSB Executive is now as follows:

North – Nat LaMacchia, 257 Coffs Harbour S/R (02 6651 6891)

South – Justin Bentley, 472 Turvey Park C Platoon (02 6921 3022)

West – Serv Maas, 280 Dubbo D Platoon (02 6884 7447)

Sub Branch Secretary – Chris Perrin Tweed Heads A Platoon (07 5536 2222)

The CSB Executive are meeting in Sydney next Thursday the 29/11 to discuss where we are at and what we need to do to progress the long standing issues that affect CSB members.

UPDATING DELEGATES DETAILS

I also would like all station delegates to email me (cperrin@fbeu.net) to ensure that I have up to date email addresses and mobile phone numbers. Even if you have provided them previously send me a quick email to ensure my records are as accurate as possible. If your station doesn’t have a delegate in position think about electing someone to fill this role.

FEDERAL ELECTION

This Saturday is Election Day and the FBEU respects your right to decide who gets your valuable vote. The FBEU won’t tell you who to vote for but does ask you to put the Liberals last.

Fraternally,

Chris Perrin

Secretary

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On going complaints from members in regard to the standard and quality of meals on the fire ground have led to a large number of complaints to the Union. Accordingly members are reminded of the existing Award entitlements.

All members are entitled to meal allowance(s) if the Department does not provide a meal that meets the quality and quantity of an airline economy class meal as per cl 10 of the Permanent & cl 8 of the Retained Awards. The Department has a clear obligation to feed its employees a healthy and nutritious meal, both in the interests of its members health and in the interests of industrial harmony.

Simon Flynn

State Secretary

On going complaints from members in regard to the standard and quality of meals on the fire ground have led to a large number of complaints to the Union. Accordingly members are reminded of the existing Award entitlements.

Risk assessment update

350 firefighters stand up for a fair go

FBEU Country Sub Branch

Meals

Union notice – various issues

Nov. 22nd campaign against Workchoices

Pre Incident Plans

Use of exercise equipment