BLUEMOMENT

I very rarely sympathise with union led strikes, but I do support the argument for the Coastguards.

The MCA CEO is saying their job is not comparable to other emergency services, so parity with them is out of the question.

OK, a CG on duty may spend many hours doing nothing, but when he/she does, they can find themselves co-ordinating rescues from a distance such that they have no visibility of what is happening on the ground. This surely takes a strong ability to rely totally on audio communications and to manage the situation calmly, efficiently and effectively.

The average paramedic or fireman don't have to do this, but obviously require other skills and aptitudes to fulfill their role.

Am I in the minority on this one?

Nope.... I completely agree.... the package they currently receive is absolutely shocking..... I completely understand why they've had enough....

When they say 'their job is not comparable to other emergency services, so parity with them is out of the question', what do they think the other emergency services do when it's quiet ?. From experience I know that all three emergency services spend the majority of their time twiddling their thumbs and waiting for something to happen. So yes, they do deserve parity, but as we know, the powers that be aren't going to give in without a fight so they get my support totally. The question is, does it make any difference ?

Just had a quick look on the Coastguard web site.

There would appear to be no vacancies

So it seems there is no shortage of people prepared to work for the current wage - so little motive to give a substantial rise.

More likely there isn't the budget to recruit enough staff so the ones already working for them are stuck in a catch 22 situation

BigNick wrote:
OK, a CG on duty may spend many hours doing nothing, but when he/she does, they can find themselves co-ordinating rescues from a distance such that they have no visibility of what is happening on the ground. This surely takes a strong ability to rely totally on audio communications and to manage the situation calmly, efficiently and effectively.

The average paramedic or fireman don't have to do this, but obviously require other skills and aptitudes to fulfill their role.

When I worked offshore, I was part of the Fire & Rescue Team, or FART's as we were regularly called.

This involved attending to any incident - full kit, BA set if necessary Etc., Etc.

When I came ashore to "Fly a desk", I was then part of the onshore response team. We were sitting in an office to give backup to the guys out on the platform as required or requested.

Don't tell me that this is any less stressful than being at the front line, 'cos I can tell you FOR A FACT that it aint.


The ability to handle a situation using only radio/telephone communications is just as much a skill, although totally different, as putting out the fire or scraping up the pieces.

They have my total support.

Jim

They are also striking in protests at 'reorganisations' which are likely to bring about the closure of other stations. http://www.pcs.org.uk/Templates/Interna ... eID=917230

The Maritime and Coastguards Agency (MCA) have admitted to their staff that they are over £4,000 worse off than comparable 999 staff. This is their first strike in 154 years.