[TITLE]Why join the RFU?

Plate 1
[TITLE] Welcome
To a fine pedigree


Plate 2
[TITLE] Why join a union?
Quote


Plate 3
[TITLE] Why join a union?
Selling an insurance policy!
Independent truthful knowledge
Meetings (WTR, H&S, JTU's, Discrimination, Future Plans).
We represent you if you have issues (subtley)
We keep you informed

Plate 4
[TITLE] History
The Retained Firefighters Union (RFU) was formed in 1976 due to the pending strike action which eventually took place in 1977 and lasted for 9 weeks. Retained firefighters throughout the UK could not and would not strike leaving their communities without an emergency service. Our members will not ignore the calls of help from the public whom we serve and who pay our salaries. 

Plate 5
[TITLE] Experience
Past experience has shown that if the interests of Retained personnel are not looked after by those that understand their needs, then the second-class status of the Retained will continue. This is extremly important now as the new roles are being developed.
IRMP, ODPM
WDS/RDS

Plate 6
[TITLE] IOur Methods
Consultation
The media
The strength of feelings of friends, neighbours and the community
Keeping you informed
Being respected
But most importantly non-striking

The first perception of being a non-strike union is that people say “…if you are a non-strike union you are toothless, you’ve nothing to use as a weapon against the brigade.” This is not true; history shows that the national strike action undertaken has only gained unpopularity and loss of respect from the general public. This has lead to Government Ministers now being more determined not to let this type of heavy-handed industrial action succeed. 

Plate 7
[TITLE] Our methods
We also believe that the partnership approach is likely to lead to longer-lasting agreements and stability. The power of argument is more powerful in the longer run than the argument of power.

As a last resort legal proceedings
have in the past proven to be more instrumental in getting the job done than threatening strike action. This has gained the RFU a great deal of respect from Chief Fire Officers, Ministers and elected members around the country, oh, and it doesn’t risk anyone’s life or property in the process. We also believe that the partnership approach is likely to lead to longer-lasting agreements and stability. The power of argument is more powerful in the longer run than the argument of power.


Plate 8
The RFU are an independent trade union under the Trade Union & Labour Relations Act 1974 (see copy of certificate here). We have no political affiliation and therefore all monies from union subscription are ploughed back into maintaining a first class service which protects our members 24hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year thus providing excellent value for money.

Plate 9
[TITLE] Recognition – National & Local
The National Employers announced in February 2005 that the RFU was to be granted National Recognition Rights (for consultation) during the interim period until the structure of the National Joint Council (NJC) (the body that presides over pay and conditions within the fire service)) had been reviewed to included other unions, including the RFU, which is due to happen later this year.

Plate 10
[TITLE] So what do you get for your money?
Website
Newsletter
Independent help
Backing of the RFU
And the great offer