NEWS

President's Blog: Heads up 23

I don’t need to tell you that we are in the midst of a very difficult time in our careers. Life is so expensive and our wages are so low and the expectation of overtime is creating more pressure on our work and home lives.

At the conclusion of the triennial elections there were four vacant positions on the Wellington Local Committee. In accordance with a request from the Wellington Local, nominations were sought for the four remaining vacancies. As there are seven nominations for the four positions an election will be held.

NZPFU WINS PUBLIC HOLIDAY PAYMENT DISPUTE

The Employment Relations Authority has determined that firefighters working overtime on a public holiday must be paid 1.5 times the overtime rate as the overtime rate is the relevant daily pay.

NZPFU and FENZ in mediation this week

The NZPFU will continue to push for guaranteed staffing, proper processes for procuring and maintaining appliances and equipment and fair wages when the parties again meet in mediation this week.

In accordance with the NZPFU Rule B.15.11 the Taupo Local gives notice of the Taupo Local Annual General Meeting.

NZPFU ESCALATES STRIKE ACTION

This afternoon the NZPFU issued the attached notices of escalated strike action.

Please be advised that the Rotorua Local will be holding its AGM on Monday 15th August @1630hrs in the Waiwherowhero room on Rotorua station.

Members are advised that pursuant to Union Rule B.15.11, notice is given for the Auckland Local Annual General Meeting to be held on Wednesday 31 August 2022.

With the Wellington Local Secretary and President positions being declared, there is now the Wellington Vice-President and remaining Local Committee positions vacant.

Please see attached the Returning Officer’s declarations for the Wellington Local Secretary and President positions.

Please see attached the Returning Officer’s declarations for the Christchurch Local President and Vice President elections, and the Timaru Local Secretary election.

In accordance with the NZPFU Rules, Palmerston North members are informed that as of the closing date the following nominations had been received for the positions of Palmerston North Local President, Vice-President, Secretary and Committee members.

In accordance with the NZPFU Rules, Masterton members are informed that as of the closing date the following nominations had been received for the positions of Masterton Local President, Vice-President, Secretary and Committee members.

FIRE CRISIS – HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Across New Zealand, FENZ is failing the community with failing trucks and equipment and dangerously low levels of career firefighters and 111 emergency call centre operators.

FENZ has confirmed that the PCA Allowance will be paid on 29 June 2022.

FENZ tries to gag volunteers from commenting on the NZPFU action

Instead of spending his energy getting around the mediation table to resolve the many critical issues, FENZ Deputy National Commander Brendan Nally has been sending out communications wide and far with thinly veiled threatening references to the code of conduct.

CEO Kerry Gregory via District Manager Maunder have requested all drivers of FENZ vehicles to supply their driver licence details to FENZ so that it can be “entered into the system”

FIRE CRISIS

NZPFU members commence strike action at 0001 hours on Monday 13 June as they fight for fair and reasonable wages and safe systems of work.

In accordance with the NZPFU Rules, Members are informed that an election for the Wellington Local Secretary and President positions shall be conducted by electronic voting.

In accordance with the NZPFU Rules, Rotorua members are informed that an election for the position of Rotorua Local Vice President will be held.

In accordance with the NZPFU Rules, Auckland members are informed that an election for the 10 positions of the Auckland Local Committee will be held.

PARNELL LADDER MOVES TO HAMILTON

Parnell firefighters watched their life saving aerial appliance leave Auckland for Hamilton today. The move comes after Hamilton's aerial went offline for servicing. Parnell firefighters have been left to crew a salvage truck. Just one heavy aerial remains to protect Auckland.

CRISIS IN THE 111 CENTRES

Tonight, Fire and Emergency NZ can roster only ONE Dispatcher for the entire South Island.

Brakes fail on another Christchurch fire truck

Redwood, Christchurch was left without their fire truck today after the truck's brakes failed. The 15 year old truck almost caught fire returning to station following a callout. The community was without a fire truck for 3 hours. A 24 year old vehicle has been commissioned to replace it.

Please see attached the Southern Branch Returning Officer’s declaration of nominees for the triennial Local Officials and Committee elections.

MISSING: 111 DISPATCHER

This workstation in Wellington should be staffed by a dispatcher. Instead it sits empty. FENZ never hired enough dispatchers.

Christchurch Firefighters put at risk

Christchurch firefighters were at risk responding in this truck for an unknown period of time as the brake air supply lines had been compromised by an undetected break of the drive shaft brackets. Christchurch City is now without this appliance.

Please see attached the Northern Branch Returning Officer’s declaration of nominees for the triennial Local Officials and Committee elections.

Please see attached the Central Branch Returning Officer’s declaration of nominees for the triennial Local Officials and Committee elections.

FIRE CRISIS: THIS TIME IT'S HOSE

REMOVE FLASH FLOOD 500 YELLOW 45 LENGTH HOSE FROM TRUCKS

The NZPFU has notified FENZ of yet another incident with Flash Flood 500 Yellow 45 length hose failing.

FENZ declines TV interview

Learn how our career Firefighters and 111 Dispatchers are treated compared to their colleagues working at Fire HQ. National Secretary Wattie Watson appears on 1News Breakfast.

If you're not ready, the risk is always extreme

Christchurch City, Anzac, Hamilton City, Te Rapa, St Heliers, Otahuhu and Glen Eden stations are all dangerously short of crew today because FENZ failed to employ sufficient career Firefighters.

THE REALITY TODAY

Parnell & Mt Roskill appliances, Auckland City's HAZMAT Command Unit, Hamilton City's second fire truck, Gisborne's second fire truck - all pulled from service due to lack of Firefighters. Otara, Te Rapa and Hamilton aerial - all dangerously short of Firefighters.

99% VOTE DOWN FENZ OFFER

NZPFU Members turned out in droves across the country over the past three weeks with 99.3 percent of those that voted rejecting the FENZ offer.