Time for action

[Crankster 34]

I hear that a few brigades, lead by a couple of Region One Group Officers made a visit with appliances to the Emergency Services ministers office today.

Sounds like the meeting was a warning, with a bit of a list of things that we need i.e. better stations, more money for paid staff for training, an actual increase in brigade budgets instead of the decrease we have seen over the last few years, more tankers in the hills etc.

I believe the people involved got their point across, also pointing out that there is a major international sporting event about to be held in Adelaide and that next Sunday there could be a large rally of CFS resources at this event. There is talk about one strike team from each nearby Group.

Todays event was not designed to attract any media attention, but with sirens and lights going at a big event in the middle of the city I think there is sure to be some considerable attention given to our situation.

Well done to those involved, I think this is only the beginning of what could be a promising campaign in the lead up to a state election.

[Zippy]

Again Well done CFS, at last some substantial moves being taken.

[big bronto]

What is the protest going to be about?

[Alan J]

Funding.
- for training and the staffing to deliver it.
- for the stations beyond the metro fringe & large centres that don't even have a toilet, let alone somewhere to wash hands afterwards.
- for staff to do the paperwork that public servicedom currently demands volunteer officers waste their time doing
- for staff to put together a really broad-scale public fire safety education programme
- for pagers so that every active fire-fighter can have one
- for staff to do the work that new legislation has handed to Regions
- for staff to do the work that regions were not staffed for before the extra native veg assessment stuff

Maybe they should even think about paying staff sensible wages so that the best & brightest can afford to stay long-term. The disparity between CFS & every other Govt department or agency is a very poor joke.

That's the stuff I can think of in 30 seconds. I'm sure others can add to it.
cheers

[Alan J]

<musing out loud> the strike team idea would be the way to do it.
Zero notice of intent would make it harder to block.
One thing we do very well in CFS is bring together large numbers of people at very short notice
(even if we can't afford to train them properly for all that is expected of them).  

Sunday afternoon 24th Jan. somewhere in the city (where the newsies will be).
Much less inconvenient to members than Friday afternoon...
My diary says I'm free.

People, only 9 weeks to an election.
Time to write letters.
Time to ring your local pollie.
Time to ACT.
(unless you're just a whiner, in which case you what you deserve from the govt... Nothing at all.)

Happy New Year

[big bronto]

So are the staff involved in pushing through their unions for more staff and better pay and conditions or is just the Volunteer association?

[Zippy]

dont believe the paid staff are part of the union???

[Baxter]

So are the staff involved in pushing through their unions for more staff and better pay and conditions or is just the Volunteer association?

The unfortunate aspect is that the staff become members of the PSU and within that PS EB, CFS staff are treated with a small provision for CFS paid level officers where as the those under other awards (ASO or PO) do get paid a bit better. I only know this as I am member of the PS and consiering that the CFS has a small amount of staff that for an agency that has one award they do get over looked in the EB process.

[Alan J]

So are the staff involved in pushing through their unions for more staff and better pay and conditions or is just the Volunteer association?

<shrug>
I know not & care less.
Neither do I speak for the association
From this volunteer's perspective, more staff (properly funded for their roles)
and better pay for them are good things.

cheers

[Zippy]

Make sure only non-dual cabs & preferably pre-1990's appliances go on parade if they do ;)

[Pipster]

And there's plenty of them around!!

Pip

[Rainer]

I think those handsome devils went down there without telling anyone not the CFS or the VFBA and the intent was to let the pollies know that their actions are being watched closely by volunteers at grass roots level.."where the rubber meets the road"

Just make sure that if we have to go down there and show some backbone dont let your fellow volunteers down by saying "oh no the govt will get angry at us" and not showing up... Lofty Group is committed to making a difference!!

I actually didnt want to say this but it captures the mood quite well   ..."United we stand...."

cheers
R

[joff]

Strength in unity....

A friendly reminder to them, no volunteers, no CFS.

[Zippy]

I think those handsome devils went down there without telling anyone not the CFS or the VFBA and the intent was to let the pollies know that their actions are being watched closely by volunteers at grass roots level.."where the rubber meets the road"

Just make sure that if we have to go down there and show some backbone dont let your fellow volunteers down by saying "oh no the govt will get angry at us" and not showing up... Lofty Group is committed to making a difference!!

I actually didnt want to say this but it captures the mood quite well   ..."United we stand...."

cheers
R

Hehe good stuff, but im gladd we're not in China...censorship would be in effect :P

[Bagyassfirey]

Next Catastrophic rated day everyone just sit home ignore the pager. Mite get the attention of the current government.... :-P

[BundyBear]

<musing out loud> the strike team idea would be the way to do it.
Zero notice of intent would make it harder to block.
One thing we do very well in CFS is bring together large numbers of people at very short notice
(even if we can't afford to train them properly for all that is expected of them). 

Sunday afternoon 24th Jan. somewhere in the city (where the newsies will be).
Much less inconvenient to members than Friday afternoon...
My diary says I'm free.

People, only 9 weeks to an election.
Time to write letters.
Time to ring your local pollie.
Time to ACT.
(unless you're just a whiner, in which case you what you deserve from the govt... Nothing at all.)

Happy New Year

Any action taken to highlight the current situation unfortunately needs to be done on a weekday due to the number of persons in town on the day, so it gets large attention. March down the street and then out the from of the ministers
office or parliment house.

That way you'll get better media coverage and public awarness.

Everyone needs to get on board for a united effort like the Construction industry boy's did when little Jack Boot Johnny changed industrial laws and started treating them like criminals because they stand up for their rights and safety conditions on building sites!

[Alan J]

Except on Sunday 24th Jan when the finale of the Big Bike Race will be on in the CBD...
:evil:

[BundyBear]

Hmmmm I think we would get arrested Alan and the general public especially the lycra wearing bike pedalling cafe latte types would be in tears!

:-D

[SA Firey]

Hmmmm I think we would get arrested Alan and the general public especially the lycra wearing bike pedalling cafe latte types would be in tears!

:-D

We wouldn't want to rain on RANNS parade now would we :-P

[mattb]

An interesting side effect to this current campaign.

Our guys were at our local Bunnings running the BBQ over the weekend and rattling the tin, apparently a number of people came up to them and said stuff like "it's disgraceful that you are so under funded" and threw money into the tin.

Not sure if they would have donated money anyway, but it seems that at least some of the public are taking notice of the media attention and realise that we are not rolling around in money like the Government would have you believe.

Might be a good time to get out there and shake the tin at the local shopping centre.


BTW - those Bunnings BBQ's are very tidy little earner if you can get a spot on one.

[Alan J]

Hmmmm I think we would get arrested Alan and the general public especially the lycra wearing bike pedalling cafe latte types would be in tears!

:-D

On what charge ?
A bunch of brigades just happened to go for a training drive which found
themselves in the city at around the same time. Everyone wearing seatbelts,
obeying road rules, etc, etc.
They might stop to compare vehicles with colleagues & do a quick truck check
(including a siren test)?
They might do a couple of laps of Vicky Sq - you just never know when you
might have to do a COQ to station 20.

And everyone knows that our baggy daggy yellows are a much more better chick-
magnet than lycra, especially we more generously proportioned older members.
:-D

[CFS_Firey]

So is this "outing" a confirmed event even though there is no confirmed time and place yet?  Should we be rallying up support at training tonight?

[Zippy]

Id laugh if a page went out at 0900 Sunday Morning for a strike team, assembling outside waymouth street.

[Bagyassfirey]

*CFSRES INC 000 State strike teams ALPHA, BRAVO, CHARLIE, DELTA, RESPOND PUBLIC DISTURBANCE WAYMOUTH STREET

[Zippy]

sigh no...something more discrete ;)