Fire and Rescue News
updated 3rd Oct 2011
Cuts:
We are still not clear what impact funding cuts will have on Unison members, but it is likely that consultations will begin later this year. We will of course arrange members’ meetings as necessary, once the process gets under way. We are sorry to have to report that our joint campaign with the FBU to save the jobs of the Station Cooks has been unsuccessful. Both unions lobbied hard and joint letters were sent to all CFA Members, but to no avail.
All the evidence is that a firm decision had been taken well before the period of consultation began. One cut we are rather less concerned about is the Regional Control Centre. It was obvious from an early stage that the idea hadn’t been properly researched and that the technology was inadequate for the job.
There was very little real support for the RCC at any level and there will be few tears at its cancellation – however, Fire and Rescue Services throughout the country could certainly have put the £500,000,000 wasted to rather better use!
Provided Car Scheme:
As you will know, the Provided Car Scheme has now been abandoned and it appears that we are going to continue with the original scheme. Unison has a number of concerns about how this has been operating and will be raising these with management: in our view, everyone who is required to provide a car for work use should be an Essential Car User.
Watch this space for further developments.
Trading Company
NFRS Trading Ltd. is now operational and Unison has reached agreement with the Directors over consultation, etc. A Unison Steward has been elected – Jeff Munroe – and will take up his full duties after training.
Joint Working Proposals
We have been advised that NFRS are currently considering a range of joint working proposals with the Brigades in Derbyshire and Leicestershire. These cover stores, IT, training and Occupational Health. No decisions have yet been made and there are no definite timescales at present. Unison has expressed concern at the possible impact of this on members and we have been assured that we will be consulted as soon as the situation is clearer. We will keep a close eye on developments and make sure that members’ interests are protected in any new arrangements.