NEWS

TRIENNIAL NATIONAL ELECTIONS

Nominations are called for:

The position of Union President

The position of Union Vice President

URGENT ACTION REQUESTED

The NZPFU is urging members who participated in the 2023 Whanaungatanga Wellness Survey to make sure they participate in the follow-up survey which closes at 11.59pm tonight.

Due to the recent resignation of the Rotorua Local President, nominations are hereby called for this position in accordance with the Rules of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union.

FENZ NEW COMPLAINT SYSTEM

FENZ is in the process of changing its complaint process to replace the BCO (Behaviour and Conduct Office). This is separate to the code of conduct that the NZPFU is challenging and will keep members updated.

FENZ has confirmed that the PCA allowance will be paid on 26 June 2024.

Last Friday (15th March 2024) NZPFU Tauranga and Kawerau Local Secretaries and Presidents and I met with National Commander Russell Woods, District Manager Jeff Maunder and Workplace Relations Senior Advisor Mike Todd in Tauranga.

Movember-funded Whanaungatanga Wellbeing Survey

The second of the Movember-funded wellbeing survey is well underway and due to be closed on 2 April 2024.

The NZPFU urges all members who participated in the March 2023 survey to participate in the March 2024 survey.

The Auckland Local has been working on behalf of members since mid-January to resolve the issue of legitimate travel time payments declined while attending training courses throughout Tāmaki Makaurau and at the Auckland Regional Training Centre.

Movember-funded Whanaungatanga Wellbeing Survey

The second of the Movember-funded wellbeing survey opens today.

The NZPFU urges all members who participated in the March 2023 survey to participate in the March 2024 survey.   

The Auckland Local Committee would like to remind Officers and Firefighters of the challenging work environment for our Comcen staff.

We refer Members to the 12th February 2024 notice where we notified members it was not in their interests to respond to the new Code of Conduct.

SERIOUS HOSE FAILURE NOTIFICATION

Members are advised that during a 5th alarm response in Auckland a serious near miss occurred while deploying lengths of 90mm Fireflex stainless banded hose from the hose layer. Lengths of the hose failed with the coupling coming off under pressure leaving the hose flailing about.

On Thursday afternoon FENZ verbally informed the NZPFU that a new code of conduct would be distributed organisation wide today for feedback. The NZPFU immediately objected on the basis that the  code of conduct sets out the standards on which disciplinary action including dismissal can be determined. The security of employment and income is one of the most basic and serious terms of employment for employees.  

As members will be aware, there have been significant delays and challenges in getting the appropriate systems in place or updated to accurately reflect the changes resulted from the collective bargaining settled in December 2022.

President's Blog: Heads up 26

It’s been a while since my last blog, and deliberately so as everyone is suffering some form of fatigue, whether it be working, struggling with payroll issues and post negotiation fatigue, I know it took a lot out of us all. I know I’m feeling it as the year came to an end and the new year starts.

Wishing you all a safe and relaxing festive season

At this time of year our thoughts are with our members who selflessly leave their families and friends to celebrate the season while they work to protect and serve the community. It is a reality of the job that our members are rostered on public holidays and weekends. We acknowledge and appreciate the families and friends who accept that reality and adapt celebrations and traditions to fit in with rosters.

Following a trial taken in Auckland Central District, and in the interest of providing Firefighters with consistent and quality post fire management, both Counties Manukau and Waitemata Districts have undertaken to rollout Post Fire Management Capability in their Districts. This resource has been funded locally at the request of the Auckland Local.