In this latest roundup of local and national news we continue to focus on the MEP vote to remove the Working Time Regulations individual ‘Opt-Out’. It would appear that there are still a number of RDS personnel who are unaware of this EU decision and its serious implications on the future of the Retained Service.

The reality of limiting the working week to 48 hrs could see some employees forced to reduce the number of hours available to respond to call and in turn reduce earnings, this at a time when everyone is feeling the pinch due to the current economic climate. Others who already work long hours within their primary employment will have no option but to choose between their full-time job and their Fire Service career.

Again it appears that the RFU is the only organisation fighting the corner of those working the RDS with other unions actually being in favour of removing the Opt-Out, if you’re not in the RFU please ask yourself who is looking after your best interests? If you are not a member why not join us?

Having lobbied all MEPs prior to the EU vote on 17 December 2008 the RFU has since contacted every MSP, MP and Welsh Assembly Member asking for their support in opposing any change to the individual Opt-Out. This has led to an Early Day Motion being tabled in Parliament (click here for full details) and a debate at Westminster (click here for more information). Support is growing as more and more politicians are being educated on how the RDS works and the effect the removal of the opt-out will have.

If nothing else, the massive cross party support being given to the RFU and RDS at present has at least achieved what has been lacking for many years. The general public and politicians are now more aware of the value of the RDS than they were.

Retained firefighters must be allowed the freedom to work the hours they choose using the right of the individual to Opt-Out. The decision to include any period of on-call time as working time is absurd and in the context of emergency workers, any legislation that would seek to inhibit the provision of an emergency response to life threatening incidents is not what sound legislation should set out to achieve.

However, we must continue this momentum and therefore suggest that if you agree with our view that you as an individual should have the freedom of choice to work above the 48hr limit if circumstances permit, you should contact your local MP (further details are available on the RFU website).

John Barton
National General Secretary