It is increasingly understood that the repeated exposure to trauma impacts on mental health and wellbeing, but the extent organisational structures and working environments contribute to that stress is not widely understood.
We have NZPFU members with views across the spectrum on the issue of the Covid-19 vaccination programme. Some have made their decision, some are still looking for answers. We have organised a Q and A session for those with questions to be answered.
We have still not received any confirmation from Government of the scope and impact of any pending mandatory vaccination orders. The NZPFU National Committee met this afternoon to discuss the issues that would arise if an applicable mandatory vaccination order was implemented, and the various scenarios our members would face.
This afternoon Minister Chris Hipkins announced a Cabinet decision to require teachers and most healthcare workers to be Covid-19 vaccinated. The Minister specifically referred to a range of roles in the health sector including paramedics but firefighters were not mentioned.
In 2020 the NZPFU and FENZ agreed to a Covid-19 voluntary vaccination roll-out plan that also protected the right of personnel to keep their vaccination-status confidential.
Due to the Auckland borders remaining in place we have decided to further postpone the NZPFU to commemorate 40 years of professional career women firefighters.
Our members serve their communities to protect and preserve life, property and the environment. NZPFU representatives are based on all career fire stations. There are also 19 Union Locals in the major metropolitan and principal centres where career firefighters are employed.
