The well runs dry
Red On, Green On
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I'm old enough to remember the firemen striking in 1977 - and the Pompey-based sailors who I worked with at the time (I was waiting to join the FAA, and temping in Pompey) who had to take second jobs because they were so badly paid.
Firemen seem to have got what they want, and more, and with little impact on their second jobs.
Just wish I could say the same for Jack.
Firemen seem to have got what they want, and more, and with little impact on their second jobs.
Just wish I could say the same for Jack.
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I thought the last time this came up, it was pointed out that the Green Goddesses had been sold off and we could no longer stand in for the FB, even if we weren't overstretched.
Hellbound
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Yep, but there is so much surplus firefighting kit that the Green Goddesses actually were not needed. That was one of the big fights during the last FRESCO - the firemen were happy for us to use the GGs, but hated the idea of us turning up in a red fire engine - perhaps because if people saw us look the same, then they might work out there is nothing particularly special or mystical about firemen....
You should have heard the rubbish they spouted about refusing to use any vehicle/kit that we touched because we would make it unsafe - claimed they would have to scrap every hose, connector, suit, BA - it was pathetic
You should have heard the rubbish they spouted about refusing to use any vehicle/kit that we touched because we would make it unsafe - claimed they would have to scrap every hose, connector, suit, BA - it was pathetic
Thread Starter
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You should have heard the rubbish they spouted about refusing to use any vehicle/kit that we touched because we would make it unsafe - claimed they would have to scrap every hose, connector, suit, BA - it was pathetic[/quote]
I think the term childish would be more appropriate. They are one of the few remaining union cartels left, who still feel they can frighten the goverment into satisfying their demands. They are slowly being modernised, but like a drowning man are thrashing about in vain. For me, their introduction into the 21st century can't come soon enough.
I think the term childish would be more appropriate. They are one of the few remaining union cartels left, who still feel they can frighten the goverment into satisfying their demands. They are slowly being modernised, but like a drowning man are thrashing about in vain. For me, their introduction into the 21st century can't come soon enough.
Red On, Green On
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When the rest of us work nights we expect to work. When firefighters work nights they won't do anything apart from check their kit and go to calls. They won't carry out training, for example, despite the fact that they are being paid for a duty.
BBC report about £400 reclining chairs to replace the bunks from the dormitories.
BBC report about £400 reclining chairs to replace the bunks from the dormitories.
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One of my best mates is a fireman. He's also an ex bootneck, so it surprises me when he now spouts utter crap regarding union rules and more pay / less time rubbish.
I think that the Fireservice is now pretty rotten and should be replaced with a new and more organised group. If these people can't handle the work then cut them loose and offer them a contract that they WILL sign.
I think that the Fireservice is now pretty rotten and should be replaced with a new and more organised group. If these people can't handle the work then cut them loose and offer them a contract that they WILL sign.
Hellbound
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Interesting the numbers of RAF Firemen that have PVR'd since experiencing FRESCO. Can't blame them really when they can walk into the Fire Service on twice as much money with half the work...(IMHO, obviously!!!)
Thought police antagonist
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As AA says, the firemen had a genuine grievance back in 1977 and obtained a result from the dispute that ensured they were subsequently well provided for overall. Fair enough--at the time. Life moves on however --other than in some of the last bastions of union cartels it seems. For those of you who missed it--which will be the majority for obvious geographical reasons, the interview with the union rep here on Granada News was, er, revealing. To summate--and this will come as no surprise---he not only looked like a guest part in Life on Mars---the rhetoric and justification for the strike was also pure 70's.
Thus I wonder why the firemen seemingly continue to elect a representative so entrenched in the past, rather than one who could advance their cause without recourse to "one out" etc. On the other hand, with regard to union practices, I would venture to suggest in the light of very recent experience, that those connected with the public sector are seemingly unaware of the fact it is now 2006
Thus I wonder why the firemen seemingly continue to elect a representative so entrenched in the past, rather than one who could advance their cause without recourse to "one out" etc. On the other hand, with regard to union practices, I would venture to suggest in the light of very recent experience, that those connected with the public sector are seemingly unaware of the fact it is now 2006
Inter Arma Enim Silentius Lex Legis
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Krystal wrote:
Because they work in a democracy and they can! They have voted for someone who will look after their interests come what may. A lot of the comments on here come from those of you who do not work in a democratic environment and have no one to look after you. All I can say is don't knock it until you try it!
Thus I wonder why the firemen seemingly continue to elect a representative so entrenched in the past, rather than one who could advance their cause without recourse to "one out" etc.
Red On, Green On
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Gorilla - I work in the ultimate democratic environment - I'm self-employed, so my customers vote on me every time they place an order!
The idea that a firefighter refuses to undertake training because they are on nights is about as outdated as you can get in terms of "working practices".
The Army is under-recruited across the infantry, and many other trades. When did you ever hear that the Fire Service was "having trouble getting the calibre of new recruits"? The Fire Service acknowledge that they get about 100 applications for each vacancy. Go figure
The idea that a firefighter refuses to undertake training because they are on nights is about as outdated as you can get in terms of "working practices".
The Army is under-recruited across the infantry, and many other trades. When did you ever hear that the Fire Service was "having trouble getting the calibre of new recruits"? The Fire Service acknowledge that they get about 100 applications for each vacancy. Go figure
Thought police antagonist
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Krystal wrote:
Because they work in a democracy and they can! They have voted for someone who will look after their interests come what may. A lot of the comments on here come from those of you who do not work in a democratic environment and have no one to look after you. All I can say is don't knock it until you try it!
Because they work in a democracy and they can! They have voted for someone who will look after their interests come what may. A lot of the comments on here come from those of you who do not work in a democratic environment and have no one to look after you. All I can say is don't knock it until you try it!
--the union reps were all so far entrenched up a certain managerial orifice, they were neither use nor ornament. I appreciate what your saying however, but frankly in this case I don't think the firemen have a valid case. And just for info. I have spent the last 7days delivering to various University sites around the UK--it's a nice little contract--however, during that time I have lost count of the number I have visited where the porters--ostensibly there to help--cannot or would not assist. Not to mention the classic "sorry, we don't work over lunch" excuse---not even to lift a pen to sign ??---like I said, it's a public sector issue.
Inter Arma Enim Silentius Lex Legis
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krystal
I agree that it is mainly a public sector issue but as those on here who are serving will tell you, HMG/Local Authorities would have you work 24 hours a day 365 days a year and pay you in tokens if they could get away with it. As well as make you bring your own equipment to do the job. The Firemen have voted the union reps in and have to live with their choice just as the NUM have had to since 84/85. Why should Public Sector workers be flexible (I am NOT public sector by the way) when the Civil Service and most of HMG most certainly are not. After all we have jobsworths everywhere in our green and pleasant land, that's why you can't buy bananas in pounds anymore!
I agree that it is mainly a public sector issue but as those on here who are serving will tell you, HMG/Local Authorities would have you work 24 hours a day 365 days a year and pay you in tokens if they could get away with it. As well as make you bring your own equipment to do the job. The Firemen have voted the union reps in and have to live with their choice just as the NUM have had to since 84/85. Why should Public Sector workers be flexible (I am NOT public sector by the way) when the Civil Service and most of HMG most certainly are not. After all we have jobsworths everywhere in our green and pleasant land, that's why you can't buy bananas in pounds anymore!
