This site is managed by the Retained Fire Fighters Union [click here]
Arguments Against Removing The Opt Out
The argument NOT to remove of the opt out is set below.
Primarily it should be an individuals right to choose. If you do not want to work more than 48 hours, you should not be forced to - but what if you choose too>
Retained Fire Fighters offer their services because they want to provide protection to their community and really enjoy the challenges this employment brings. They enjoy the work and choose to do it - who else could fulfil their role?
Plenty of examples have been brought forward to illustrate how this draconian rule would not benefit individuals. A wife whose husband looses her job, may have to take on additional employment for some time to supplement the family income. If she is restricted from doing so, they would loose their home and the children may go into care - how does this benefit?
A young couple may choose to work long hours for a few years to save up for their first home and be able to reap the benefits this brings later.
In complete contradiction of the regulations where the balance of life and work is so important, the EU have allowed an exception of "Senior Executives" from the Working Time Regulations. It seems the captains of our industries for some reason do not have to subscribe to the limits. Is there work/life balance less important?
Some people have commented how the EU is trying to bring in ruling across so many countries with such diverse social structures and cultures. We are not one Country and never will be - our individual social structures and cultures should be respected - not 'homogenised'.
In a recent development hours which Retained Fire Fighters are available to respond but living their normal lives - be it working, at leisure or sleeping - may count towards yout total working hours of the week - this will make matters even worse!
In a recent press release the FBU stated "The vast majority of retained firefighters do not work in excess of 48 hours over the reference period and there will be no impact on them. One in five are self-employed and are exempt from the directive and regulations altogether. "
There are three issues which we would like to challenge this viewpoint.
It is clear that working up to 48 hours is more than possible by anyone and as far as we are aware no census has been made of Retained Fire Fighters about the hours they currently work, so this claim cannot be substantiated.
Proof is already being gathered of primary employers who are restricting their employees from working under secondary contracts. In essence they are saying, if the hours you can work a week are restricted, we need to be assured we have first choice for additional hours.
Finally, saying that self-employed are exempt from the directive and legislation actually blows the primary argument out of the water! Claiming that family life is damaged by long hours so should not be allowed but this will not affect RDS fire fighters as they don't exceed these hours but then claiming that self employed are exempt so (in effect) can work long hours so the RDS service will not be affected contradicts itself.
