CLAYTON'S CONSULTATION ON "FALL-ALONE" NIGHTWATCH!

The final Canterbury Regional Consultation on the proposed introduction of the 'Fall-Alone" Night Watch took place today and, as predicted, it was short, sweet and to the point. Suffice it to say that no progress was made and your employer is "locked, loaded and ready to go"!

However, to be fair to the management representatives who participated in what can only be described as "Clayton's Consultation (because there wasn't any), they were under very clear instructions that the proposal is to go ahead. Accordingly, they were between a rock and a hard place in terms of manoeuvrability. It must also be said that your representatives were in a somewhat similar position, insofar as the membership has made it clear that they want CANZ to leave no stone unturned in our efforts to oppose the introduction of the scheme.

Suffice it to say that I felt somewhat akin to General Custer, except for the comforting thought that, if we behave like a Union, there are more of us than there are of them! Whilst we're on that subject, it has been suggested that non-CANZ members in the Region (lone rangers or those affiliated to other organisations) are also opposed to the proposed changes to Night Watch staffing. If this is correct, then they need to get on their hind legs and say so - by whatever means possible!

As I've said before, CANZ will continue to challenge initiatives that threaten to undermine Health and Safety standards. The suggested changes encompassed in the "Stand Alone Night Watch" proposals fit into that category and it therefore goes without saying we will continue to oppose it. However, as these changes, if implemented, will adversely affect all Corrections Officers, then it is incumbent on all Corrections Officers to take up the challenge!

Hi ho, hi ho, it's Off to Court We Go!
CANZ's next move is to make application for urgent mediation via the ERA's Mediation Service and it is hoped that we may be able to organise this for next Monday or Tuesday. To their credit, PPS representatives participating in today's meeting acknowledged that we are duty-bound to follow this course and are happy to cooperate!

In the event that significant progress is made during mediation, we will, of course, inform the membership of the good news immediately. However, in the event that little or no significant progress is made, we will, of course, refer the matter on to the Authority. PPS have indicated that they intend to take a similar approach. We will also be investigating the potential benefits of making application for a Declaration against the Department, pursuant to the provisions of Section 3 of the Health and Safety in Employment Act.
Watch this space!

Regards,

Brian Davies
National Organiser