Coastguard volunteers on strike

Mugshot · 19 April 2007, 10:35

I dont think this has been posted before the "strike" is centred around compensation for coast guard volunteers who are injured whilst responding to calls.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6570395.stm

Nos4r2 · 19 April 2007, 10:38

I don't blame them. It's disgusting that the MCGA won't stump up for proper insurance for their volunteers.

Mugshot · 19 April 2007, 10:54

They are covered by an MCA injuries benefit scheme, but apparently that covers all civil servants, so I'm guessing that its woefully inadequate when it comes to the kind of work that these boys do. Are they not covered by separate insurance or is it different as they're volunteers?

alystra · 20 April 2007, 16:17

When I was a volunteer, in the Ops Room, we weren't considered to be people by HMCG/MCA, not 'employees' and therefore there was no duty of care etc. (Or so they thought

) Their attitude doesn't seem to have changed.

On the other hand, the CG 'Regulars' in the Ops Room, were most helpful, caring and appreciative and I'm sure they still are towards the coast teams. Pity about their bosses. I don't think that 'Spring Palace' is the nicest place to work in.

codprawn · 20 April 2007, 21:21

They are back now!!!

Bigmuz7 · 20 April 2007, 21:27

Yea after all , these guys put their lives on the line to save others, being volunteers after all, how come no one looks after them if they need help , I was shocked by this

wavelength · 20 April 2007, 23:26

well we were carrying on as usual pending last nights meeting results but the basic decision here was that nobody would say no if there was a casualty out there, no matter what. And lo and behold we were out again tonite!