UNION SAVES THREATENED STATIONS IN SOUTH YORKS

Powerful public campaign

Mexborough and Brampton fire stations in South Yorkshire are to stay open after a successful public campaign against the closures led by the FBU.

Elected members of the South Yorkshire Fire Authority met on Thursday morning to discuss whether the two stations should close under the local Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP).

But councillors have opted to defer any closure decision until more detailed proposals about the possible replacement station in the Wath area have been provided by the Fire Service.

16,000 signatures collected

The Union collected 16,000 signatures in opposition to the cuts and closures, helped by the establishment of newly-formed Friends of Mexborough Fire Station

Jerry Pagan, FBU Brigade Secretary for South Yorkshire, described the fire authority’s decision as a “major victory” for FBU members in the area and the local communities they serve. “Support from the public and the local media has been fantastic,” he added.

SITTING ON THE FENCE? Read but don’t comment Disagree but don’t voice it Have a view but don’t tell anyone And definitely, definitely don’t vote VOTE _- IT’S YOUR UNION Members who haven’t yet returned their ballot form for the General Secretary election are urged to do so today. The ballot closes on Friday May 6 at 2.00pm – you must return your ballot paper in the envelope provided by then if your vote is to be counted.

Retained stations defended

Thanks to the FBU-led public campaign, councillors moved to head off attacks on two retained stations: they voted against plans to close Mosborough fire station and deferred a decision to remove one of two pumps at the retained station of Penistone.

A public meeting will be held on May 10 at Mexborough Library where a strategy for continuing the campaign will be discussed.

London FBU recommends new overtime deal to members

London FBU is recommending a new overtime deal to members, after London employers put forward a new form of words.

The draft agreement is being recommended by the London Regional Committee as the basis for a formal agreement. The committee will consider the results of membership consultation at a meeting on 4 May.

The issue of compulsory overtime – “hanging on” after the end of a shift – has been referred to a working party for review. In the meantime, those with domestic responsibilities will be able to request not to remain on duty after shift and no reasonable request will be refused.

The link between sickness levels and overtime remains but with more limited reference to past sickness levels prior to the start of the agreement (if approved). The claim for double time overtime rates was refused.

Union considers electronic incident reporting

The Union’s newly opened National Training Centre in Bridgend, Wales, hosted its first official meeting on Wednesday 27th April, a day after it was officially opened.

The meeting considered the FBU’s response to an ODPM consultation on proposals to introduce a national electronic incident reporting system. The proposed system is intended to replace the current (and often paper-based) FDR1 data capture system.

The first training/workshop event for the FBU National Training Centre is programmed for the 19th and 20th May. Regional IRMP Coordinators and members of the FBU’s IRMP Board (which provides strategic advice to the EC on IRMP issues) will meet for a two day IRMP planning and strategy workshop.

For information on our national IRMP strategy visit www.fbu.org.uk and go to the Workplace section.

Control Care Campaign holds national strategy meeting

Officials from around the country, including the FBU President Ruth Winters and National Officer John McGhee, met in Eastbourne on Thursday 28 April to discuss and plan the next stage in the Control CARE campaign.

One of the aims of the meeting was to share successes that had been achieved in numerous Regions and Brigades up and down the country with Regional management Boards and Fire Authorities. It was stressed that this campaign involves ALL FBU members – and their families - even in those Brigades that have no or few FBU members in their control rooms, such as London.

There is no doubt that the regionalisation of emergency fire control rooms will have a detrimental effect on all members and their families who are currently protected by local fire control rooms.

Action plan to be circulated next week

As a result of the seminar an action plan will be circulated to all officials and members within the next week to raise the campaign to the next level which will be crucial in the aftermath of the General Election. It is up to all members and officials to take part in this vital battle to save up to 900 jobs within the UK and to ensure that our local control rooms continue to provide the pivotal role they have carried out for many years.

For information on our Campaign Against the Regionalisation of Emergency Fire Controls (CARe), visit www.controlcare.org.uk

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Last Modified: 7/04/08 10:50,