President's Blog: Heads up 10
This past few weeks has many of us thinking about SFF Patrick (Sarj) Sarjeant from Hamilton. My thoughts are with the crews and families from across Hamilton Fire brigade.
Christchurch Local Committee Election Result
Dunedin Local Committee Election Result
NZPFU supports Officers adhering to pre-determined response appliance allocations
FENZ was warned by NZPFU representatives three years ago after a serious aerial appliance failure that an aerial appliance maintenance replacement programme was overdue and procurement processes had to commence. Three years later there is a crisis in Auckland where the region that was serviced with 5 heavy aerial (ladder) appliances now only has two. Every metropolitan city in New Zealand is affected by a faulty aerial appliance.
NZPFU assisting PSA in pay equity claim
The PSA has approached FENZ and the NZPFU as a “comparator” for a pay equity claim.
Hose Towers
Members are advised that due to maintenance issues identified by a structural engineer, the hose towers at West Harbour and Glen Eden Stations are closed effective immediately.
Civilianisation of operational management roles
Recent appointments are a clear indication that FENZ is on the path of civilianisation of operational management roles.
J-Rated Tyres
J Rated tyres continue to be found on operational appliances in Auckland. J rated tyres have a 100kph speed limit. Due to our axle loading the suppliers have assured us we can safely use them at 110kph for short periods, however the Auckland Local Committee view dated 18th Dec 2018 is that “Until such time as a National Standard is agreed upon, the Auckland Local Committee’s stance is that J-Rates tyres should not be fitted to operational vehicles (any already on should be identified)”.
Update on holiday pay remediation payments
FENZ has confirmed completion of the work to calculate the holiday remediation payments for remaining 76 firefighters for their annual holidays taken between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2017. The holiday remediation payments will be included in their Wednesday 17 July pay.
Aerial Responses
Members are reminded that recent changes to Area 4 Pre-determined Attendances have removed aerial appliances from ALL first alarm STRU’s. This means that
an aerial must be specifically called for on top of any first alarm attendance.
Auckland Local Committee Election by Electronic Voting
Some conferences ago it was agreed that the next Wellington Local election would be conducted electronically as a trial. The Wellington Local was elected without need of an election and therefore we have not been able to trial electronic voting.
Structure Fire Responses
Officers are strongly encouraged to request additional resources to respond to reports of a structure fire. This will ensure that adequate resources are quickly available on the fire-ground for a safe and efficient fire attack.