Inside this issue:
- Site inspection forms – banned
- Nelson Bay Transfer Register?
- Nurses say thanks
- Sub-Branch elections
Site induction forms – banned
It appears that Station Commanders are now expected to complete ‘Site Induction Forms’ whenever a contractor is to commence work at their station. This involves a site risk assessment and station familiarisation tour, even in cases as minor as a contractor dropping by to fix a leaky tap. This is another example of over the top ‘risk mitigation’ by the Department.
Frankly, if the work to be carried out by a contractor is extensive enough to warrant a full site induction, then that process should be carried out by the Properties Services Unit – not the station crew. Members are therefore instructed that Site Induction Forms are not to be completed and that contractors who will not commence work are to be referred to the Properties.
Nelson Bay Transfer Register?
Following SITREP 9/2010 it emerged that members who reside in and around Nelson Bay itself have never been able to satisfy the residential requirements for the Maitland register ( 462 Mayfield West is closer than 373 East Maitland), and would therefore not qualify for residential priority in an expanded Maitland list. The Union is in discussions with the Department over the possible creation of a separate Port Stephens Transfer Register to cover Nelson Bay transfers only, and hopes to have the arrangements for all new registers confirmed shortly.
Nurses say thanks
This Wednesday saw lunchtime rallies at hospitals throughout Western Sydney called by the Nurses Association. Ongoing underfunding, from Auburn to Portland, has seen a drop in nurse and midwife numbers. Patient care is suffering, and as a result unionised nurses have begun to take action. The link between our two industries is a close one, and the NSWNA asked the FBEU if we could get local firefighters to attend these rallies in support. So thank you to the A Platoon crews who took some time out of their day to do just that. A strong public sector will not only improve the quality of services we enjoy as citizens of NSW, but will also be a there to support us as firefighters when we’re in conflict with the government. Solidarity makes sense.
Sub-Branch Elections
The Union’s Returning Officer, Graeme Ottley, today circulated a notice calling for nominations for all Sub-Branch Committeepersons for the remainder of the 3-year term 2008 – 2011. Nominations for all Sub-Branch Committeeperson positions close at 12 noon on Friday 9 April (nomination forms can be faxed to you on request by calling the Union office).
Jim Casey
State Secretary
Friday, 19 March 2010
All members would be aware of the current media coverage of alleged incidents of criminal bastardisation and assault that occurred at some NSWFB workplaces. While it appears that these actions were isolated incidents that occurred over twenty years ago, the FBEU nonetheless takes these matters extremely seriously. Read more…
Inside this issue:
- Waratah dispute update
- PSTP2 done but not dusted
- Better deal for remote area members
- Footy knee jerks?
- Final word on 2010 membership cards
Waratah dispute update
The statewide ban on outduties that commenced on 1 January remains firmly in place. In proceedings before the IRC on 14 January the Department protested that our outduty ban was costing management $11,000 per day, so after 22 consecutive days we presume the bill has hit $220,000. Stay tuned.
PSTP2 done but not dusted
Today’s In Orders 2010/2 includes new and additional PSTP pre-requisites for sitting the annual SOPP pre-entry test. The Union argued that the introduction of these new competencies (an additional 6 units) represented increased work and qualifications without any corresponding increase in pay. While the Industrial Relations Commission accepted the Department’s argument that the new units should be introduced, it also acknowledged the Union’s concerns over additional work and qualifications and recommended that the Union raise the matter as part of our 2011 award negotiations.
Over the coming weeks the Union will be working with the Department to finalise the recognition of prior learning (RPL) arrangements for Senior Firefighters and Station Officers who progressed under the previous AFC module system, thereby allowing nationally recognised qualifications for all members.
Better deal for remote area members
Today’s In Orders also confirm the improved conditions recently secured by the Union for permanent members stationed in remote areas, with members at Broken Hill and Moree now entitled to reimbursements for every annual leave period and not only once per annum.
Footy knee jerks?
The Department has introduced new touch football rules in an attempt to reduce its workers compensation exposure, with the traditional rugby-style try now outlawed in favour of US-style “touch downs”. Whilst this may seem like an over-reaction, it’s not as severe as management’s original proposal for Station Officers to record formal pre-game risk assessments of every park and sporting venue throughout NSW. When the Union pointed out that this was not only demeaning to members but also ridiculous given that these same venues are used safely by thousands of children every weekend, the Department relented.
Final word on 2010 membership cards
A final reminder on 2010 Union membership cards with incorrect member numbers (usually one missing digit). Our card supplier has accepted responsibility for the error and will carry the cost of all replaced cards, so if you would like a replacement card please email your request to office@fbeu.net.
Jim Casey
State Secretary
Read more…
Inside this issue:
