COVID-19 Update: Only use 3M Aura masks
The NZPFU advises all members not to use the QSI masks and instead to only use the 3M masks issued.
The NZPFU advises all members not to use the QSI masks and instead to only use the 3M masks issued.
As advised in Auckland Local Notice to Members 21-53 dated 2 August 2021, Fire and Emergency has recently asked for nominations for the 2021 Te Hiku Celebrating Success Awards.
Covid-19 restrictions can result in unexpected or new issues arising. Members can always seek union support and representation if there are personal circumstances that require assistance.
Last month FENZ released its proposed Technical Competency Framework with a deadline of 5pm on 19 September 2021 for feedback.
The Tauranga Local AGM will be held on Thursday 16th September @ 8.30am venue TBC.
Once again, due to years of neglect and mismanagement, Auckland’s high reach aerial fleet is down to just one.
Three days of bargaining were postponed due to the national lockdown. Bargaining will recommence this week through virtual meetings. It is not ideal but the best option to avoid lengthy delays.
It’s been a minute, firstly, I feel extremely privileged to have been re-elected as President for the NZPFU. It is an honour to be elected into my second term as president and I am looking forward to working with Joe Stanley on a number of pressing issues as well as building on the important foundation work we have already done over the last three years.
The NZPFU has confirmed with the National Commander that VSOs are not to be expected to pick up additional workloads when Tranche 2 stands up next month. Unreasonable workloads are a health and safety issue.
In April this year an investigation into complaints made by firefighters against management behaviour at one station ticked over its three year anniversary. By 30 April this year FENZ had spent $174,428.39 excluding GST on the investigation – more than $162,000 was paid to the investigator and $11,662 spent on staff travel and accommodation.
Recently the NZPFU became aware of a FENZ Subject Matter Expert role description which blatantly discriminated against union representatives.
Earlier this year the NZPFU walked away from the supposed “design” of a Technical Competency Framework (TCF) as it was fundamentally flawed as discussions were based around avoiding current rank and command requirements so that FENZ could appoint non-qualified or insufficiently experienced personnel to the ranks of Commander and Assistant Commander.
With NZ plunging back into Level 4 across the country from tonight, we will recommence our Covid-19 communications system commencing with a 1300hrs conference call tomorrow (Wednesday) 18 August.
The NZPFU’s challenge of FENZ’s interpretation of “relevant daily pay” for the purposes of calculating public holiday payments heads into mediation on Tuesday.
So much for being in one waka… doing the right thing… serving and supporting… being better together!
The NZPFU and FENZ have a three-day bargaining meeting scheduled for next week and it is at that meeting FENZ will respond to the NZPFU claims.
Further to our earlier Notice to Members ALC-21-52 regarding the NZPFU 2022 Diary, we have received advice from a number of our members requesting a copy of the diary.
Members have reported a survey circulating by a Massey University student seeking firefighters to participate. The survey and research is about the cumulative trauma and self-regulation of PTSI symptoms, depression and suicide by NZ firefighters.
The Taupo Local advise members their AGM will be held on station at 5pm on the 23rd of August.
FENZ intends to flick the switch on 27 September 2021 standing up the new Tranche 2 and 2B structure. But FENZ is yet to engage with the NZPFU on the practical implications of the changes.
Just as another wintry blast hits the country the NZPFU hoodies have arrived and are available to buy!
Congratulations to the NZPFU members who have been appointed to Group Manager positions! A list was released by the National Commander today.
The Union finds it incredibly frustrating that Fire and Emergency throws money at bucket hats, baseball caps and soft shell jackets whilst New Zealand’s largest most populous city faces a crisis with its heavy aerial fleet.
Members will be aware of the latest update from Fire and Emergency Management about the state of the aerial fleet in Auckland.
The ballot for the positions of National President and National Vice President closed at 1700 hours today. In the presence of the Northern Branch Returning Officer and Central Branch Returning Officer as requested scrutineers I received the results from the electronic voting system.
Every year Central Branch Secretary Rob Hutchison organises the printing and distribution of the NZPFU pocket diary. We are in the process of organising the 2022 diary.
The NZPFU National President and National Vice President elections close at 1700 this Thursday 29 July 2021.
The Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Act 2021 comes into effect tomorrow (24 July 2021) increasing the statutory minimum of 5 day’s sick leave to 10 days per year. Affected employees will get the additional 5 days when they reach their next leave entitlement date. Employees who already get 10 days or more sick leave are not affected by this legislative change.
This week, Auckland City 206 was removed from service due to a driveshaft issue. Parnell 255 has been away for repair for an extended period. This leaves Auckland with only one 24-year-old “heavy” aerial appliance.
FENZ has advertised Group Manager positions in Hawkes Bay and Taranaki claiming anyone who has previously applied “for a Group Manager position in any region” is ineligible to apply for these positions.
We have not just one – but two designs!
NZPFU Christchurch Local in conjunction with Christchurch Firefighters Social Club invite NZPFU members to be presented with a 10 year Christchurch earthquake anniversary coin. Social Club Members warmly welcomed to this event.
Members are reminded that the election for the positions of Union President and Union Vice President are currently underway and are being conducted electronically.
The NZPFU is deeply concerned that FENZ has appointed candidates to the Group Manager position that are not the best-suited applicant.
The NZPFU is encouraging members to come forward with suggestions of appropriate Board nominees of Directors for the NZ Firefighters’ Credit Union Board.
The failure of Tauranga 712’s engine on Tuesday has, once again, highlighted the mismanagement of our local FENZ operational fleet. This is to the detriment to the safety of both the Tauranga FENZ Career Professional, Volunteer staff and the public and industry to which we are tasked with protecting.
NZPFU National Vice president Joseph Stanley and National Secretary Wattie Watson were privileged to attend the launch of the Hiwa-i-te-Rangi Maori Outcomes Programme as part of Matariki celebrations this morning in Wellington.
Members may be aware that a live fire training facility is currently under construction at the Royal New Zealand Air Force Base Whenuapai. The facility is currently due for completion at the end of July.
Members are reminded that the NZPFU National Elections for President and Vice President will be held electronically with the ballot opening at 0900 on 1 July 2021 and will close at 1700 29 July 2021.
National Committee and FENZ meet for the first of many planned negotiation days.
We are still seeing occasions of pumps disengaging when the primer is operated. This is not acceptable.
The Covid-19 vaccination Hub system is failing firefighters as those that respond to MIQ facilities, airports and border facilities are not even being offered dates, let alone priority for Covid-19 vaccinations.
The NZPFU National Elections for President and Vice President will be held electronically with the ballot opening at 0900 on 1 July 2021 and will close at 1700 29 July 2021.
Today Jeffrey Shrimpton withdrew his nomination for the position of President.
NZPFU Honorary Life Member and former Kawerau Local Official John Sandison has been recognised for his services to the fire service and community in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours. John has been awarded the Queen’s Service Medal.
As you will have been told, our status as co-responders, categorises us as high risk medical workers who fall into the Category 2A. The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccination is available to you now.
Nominations for the NZPFU Union President and Union Vice President closed at 4pm today.
It has come to the Auckland Local’s attention that some Officers may not be transmitting K41 and K13 codes when it is appropriate and necessary to do so.
The NZPFU is still not satisfied that the offers of re-deployment of CRR Advisor and Senior Advisor Risk Reduction or Community Risk and Recovery Roles comply with the collective agreement, FENZ’s own policies or legislative requirements. We have notified of a dispute and reminded FENZ that we are now in bargaining and these matters are subject to bargaining.
Strength in unity and safety in numbers is not just a slogan – it is the reality. It is through the collective voice of unions that working conditions have evolved over generations, and national protections and standards (such as those in the Holidays Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, Employment Relations Act etc) enacted.
Friday afternoon FENZ sent out various offers of redeployment to FRMO and DPFRO members.
The NZPFU has been approached by some of our members who are also members of the New Zealand Firefighters Credit Union (FCU) who are concerned an amalgamation proposal with another credit union is being voted on without any information on other options.
The NZPFU has been getting complaints from members (trainees and trainers) that they are being required to travel to courses outside of their usual hours and are not being paid the correct rate for that travel time.
The NZPFU has given notice to initiate bargaining (attached).