Misleading claims over compensation payments to retained firefighters

The Fire Brigades Union says it is concerned over misleading claims about compensation payments to retained firefighters. Some of the reported details – that the payments are £700 to each retained firefighter – is certainly wrong. The payments, which have still not been finalised, are a result of a landmark legal case taken to the House of Lords by the Fire Brigades Union, which was won in 2006, not last year as reported. No other union was connected with the case – known as the ‘Mathews’ case, after the Kent firefighter and FBU member who was the leading test case. The payments are still being finalised nationally, with the starting point being £150 and only…

Weekend RDS School

Weekend RDS School                                                           13th – 15th May This is a final reminder for the FBU weekend RDS school.  This introductory course has been designed by FBU Education to help Branch Officials improve their skills, update their knowledge and gain confidence as Reps to organise effectively in their workplace, help members and represent them. This course has been designed for newly elected and less experienced RDS FBU Branch Reps who have not yet attended another course.  Long standing RDS reps may wish to consider attending as a brush…

PART TIME WORKERS SETTLEMENT – AGREEMENT REACHED

PART-TIME WORKERS SETTLEMENT – AGREEMENT REACHED   Agreement has now been reached on the changes to the NJC Conditions of Service (Grey Book) to implement the successful FBU legal case to ensure that all retained firefighters are recognised and rewarded as part-time workers.  The terms of the settlement also includes a financial award to all “eligible employees”.   A copy of the relevant NJC circulars can be found at www.fbu.org.uk   At this stage, Fire and Rescue Authorities are carrying out a data collection process in order to calculate the payment for each eligible person. Further details on the arrangements for receiving the financial award will follow shortly.   Best wishes.   Yours fraternally  …

Retained Firefighters: Pension Settlement Update

CIRCULAR: 2010HOC0317MW 07 May 2010 TO: ALL RETAINED BRANCHES Cc: Brigade Secretaries Dear Brother/Sister, RETAINED FIREFIGHTERS: PENSION SETTLEMENT UPDATE FBU officials and representatives of Thompsons Solicitors have been in negotiations with representatives of the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) trying to reach a negotiated settlement that could be recommended to members as a settlement to the issue of firefighters working the Retained Duty System gaining access to the Firefighters’ Pension Scheme. A report was given to the Executive Council at their meeting held on 21st and 22nd April 2010 and a full discussion took place on the negotiations to date. Regular reports have been given to the Executive Council and further meetings have…

Improper use of development rates of pay All member circular HOC0759SS

CIRCULAR: 2009HOC0759SS 14 December 2009 TO: Brigade Secretaries Dear Brother/Sister, CHALLENGE TO IMPROPER USE OF DEVELOPMENT PAY UPON PROMOTION UPDATE On 12th October 2009 a circular was distributed to Brigade Secretaries informing them of the situation whereby some FRAs may be misusing development pay upon promotion and attaching ideas for a model letter to raise it in your brigade should the problem be present. At the Executive Council meeting 8th, 9th & 10th December 2009 this issue was discussed in detail and it was felt that officials should be reminded of the importance of this challenge and encouraged to take this up at their earliest opportunity. Some officials have taken up the challenge with their…

Final Bulletin for National Rally and Lobby

Middle managers under attack

Defend our fire service & lobby of Parliament 21.10.09

Brothers & Sisters Please support our control members and joins us in Westminster to lobby your MP on Wednesday 21st October 2009.  Contact your Brigade officials to find out times & travel arrangements.

How To Lobby Your MP

Brothers/Sisters, Many of you will be travelling to Westminster on the 21st October for the ‘Part of the Team’ campaign and will be planning to lobby your MP.  Please read on for a practical how-to  guide. HOW TO LOBBY YOUR MP ‘Lobbying’ means contacting your MP as a constituent, informing the MP of your concerns on an issue and asking the MP to do something. While you can meet the MP in the constituency, in this case the intention is to visit Parliament as part of a lobby organised by the FBU. Given the present standing of MPs following the expenses scandal, and an impending General Election, MPs are likely to be keener to meet constituents.  You…

Election of RDS Executive council member

Dear Brother/Sister, ELECTION OF RETAINED STAFF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER I am pleased to inform you that at the closing date for receipt of nominations in the election for Retained Staff Executive Council Member, Brother Tam Mitchell has been re-elected to office unopposed. Best wishes. Yours fraternally, MATT WRACK General Secretary