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).
FENZ has advertised firefighter positions in the Manawatu for candidates willing to work in any career position, watch or station.
FENZ has repeatedly claimed through the disestablishment of Area Managers and the establishment of District and Group Manager positions that only the suitably qualified and experienced will be appointed.
We're running a competition for all members to have a go at creating a design for new NZPFU winter sweatshirts.
Further to our National Notice to Members dated 22 February 2021 regarding the 10th Anniversary of the Christchurch Earthquake, we have now received the commemorative coins and are in the process of despatching them to all members.
Today, NZPFU’s lawyers filed an application challenging FENZ’s interpretation of “relevant daily pay” for the purposes of public holiday payments.
Our online merchandise store is full of new stock so you can now have a NZPFU beanie to keep you warm this winter!
The NZPFU strongly advises members that it is not in your interests to engage with FENZ’s Behaviour and Conduct Office (BCO) as key issues including procedural fairness and structure for receiving and handling complaints is yet to be determined, and practical and fair complaints processes are yet to be realised.
Today is International Workers' Memorial Day and in the words of Industrial Workers of the World co-founder Mother Jones (Mary Harris) we should “pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living”.
Today a Special Conference was held to consider Rule Changes to provide for union elections to be held by secure electronic means or by the traditional ballot box vote.
The offer of Southland DHB Covid-19 surplus vaccinations has been taken up by Invercargill professional career firefighters over the past two days.
The NZPFU National Secretary met with the National Commander today to discuss the 5 new VSO positions.
Today FENZ has announced 5 new Volunteer Support Officer positions will be advertised to be stood up as part of Tranche 2.
Members will be aware of the latest failure in Fire & Emergency fleet at a house fire in Grey Lynn.
The dire state of Fire & Emergency relief fleet was once again highlighted early yesterday morning at a house fire in Grey Lynn.
Members will remember that some time ago the Local raised several concerns with Fire & Emergency around the planning and staffing of the Prada and America’s Cup.
The NZPFU is expecting confirmation shortly that firefighters who respond to MIQs and undertake medical response will be included in the high-risk front line workers vaccination roll-out.
Candidates must be nominated and seconded by financial members of the union using the approved nomination form. Candidates may also submit a biography and photograph with their nomination which will be provided to members prior to any voting.
This newsletter serves to inform members of some of the work your Local officials have been involved with since our last newsletter in October 2020.
FENZ gas detectors are failing and FENZ is scrambling to distribute replacement detectors as an interim measure pending a process to agree to new personal gas detectors scheduled for later this year.
The NZPFU has withdrawn from the Technical Competency Framework (TCF) working group as FENZ has no intention to have tangible and transparent assessed pre-requisites and qualifications for the appointment to the ranks of Fire Commander and Assistant Fire Commander.
It is my view that a crisis of trust is upon us.
The NZPFU has sought expert advice from an engineering consultant on FENZ’s commissioned testing and analysis of the structural integrity of the Napier Fire Station and a geotechnical review of the land it sits on.
This morning the Court of Appeal handed down its decision on the NZPFU’s application for leave to appeal the Employment Court decision.
In response to Regional Manager Devlin’s latest Notice, the Auckland Local of the NZPFU wishes to provide the following statement to members.
The NZPFU has reached a new milestone with the employment of an Industrial Officer. We warmly welcome Jonathan Ring to the NZPFU team.
Today, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to pause to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness and reflect about gender equality.
The NZPFU maintains its advice and actions to reduce the unnecessary contact and large number of crews from the previous bubble arrangement of Albany/West Harbour and Takapuna/Silverdale stations.
The NZPFU has been meeting with FENZ, and as part of the CTU delegation with relevant Government Ministers and the Director-General of Health, to discuss the issues for workers associated with the roll-out of a national vaccine programme. In both forums we have been pushing for the release of accurate and credible information on the type of vaccine, and the vaccination programme so that everyone including our members can make informed choices.
Due to the significantly increased transmissibility of the current virus in Auckland community Covid-19 cases, and FENZ failing to provide any reason for continuing to expose West Harbour, Albany, Silverdale and Takapuna career and volunteer firefighters to unnecessary levels of contacts, the NZPFU has had to act in the interests of its members health and safety.
The NZPFU is supporting research into the preparedness of firefighters at incidents involving chemical or biological toxins.
The NZPFU Covid-19 group including the National Committee of Management, Local representatives, Covid-19 SMEs and SSOs/Comms reps met by telephone conference to update on any issues arising with Auckland region in Level 3 and the rest of the country in Level 2 from 6am today.
Today is the 10th Anniversary of the 22 February 2011 Christchurch earthquake and we pause and remember the tragedy and destruction it left in its wake. It is also the time to recognise the fortitude of the Christchurch community that has seen the city emerge from the dust and destruction of hundreds of earthquakes suffered at the time and since.
This week the NZPFU notified FENZ that its current “technical competency framework” project was perilously close to repeating the fatal mistakes of the past, as it was not focused on required skills and assessed qualifications but around developing behavioural or team skills.
With the change in Auckland to COVID-19 Alert Level 3, Officers are reminded of the ability to use their command radios to talk directly with St John Ambulance staff when responded to Purple Events.
Members will remember our Notice last week advising of our grave concerns around FENZ’s planning around the America’s Cup sporting regatta.
Last night FENZ National Commander issued the attached national notice referencing the attached Level 3 protocols for Auckland and Level 2 protocols for the rest of New Zealand.
The NZPFU National Committee of Management met by telephone conference under urgency on Sunday evening to discuss any issues resulting from Auckland being under Level 3 and the rest of the country from Level 2 at midnight tonight.
The Local has written to the Regional Manager outlining our grave concerns that Fire Emergency is relinquishing its main functions under the Fire and Emergency Act in favour of secondary responsibilities and has not adequately prepared or planned for the 2021 Prada Cup and the 36th Americas Cup Sporting Event.
Last night FENZ National Commander Kerry Gregory sent the attached change in Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Ministry of Health advice for Managed Isolation and Quarantine facilities.
On the 6th January 2021 the UFBA Board Chair publicly announced the reinstatement of the UFBA CE after abandoning the investigation into allegations including sexual assault. On the 14th January 2021 the NZPFU wrote to the FENZ Board asking whether the Board considered it appropriate to continue to fund the UFBA, and whether FENZ had any concerns about the continued operation and funding of the UFBA in these circumstances.
The NZPFU proudly encourages members to support and participate in the upcoming Rainbow Pride parades in Auckland and Wellington. This is an opportunity to get involved and publicly promote rainbow-inclusive workplaces.
Check your pay slips today as NZPFU members will receive their 2020 remuneration review pay increases from today and the backdated payment to 1 July 2020.
NZPFU National Secretary Wattie Watson, and the first woman board member of the UFBA, Judith Stanley, call for a Ministerial inquiry into the $4 million the UFBA receives every year.
The NZPFU has lifted its ban on participation in aerial appliance working groups and discussions as we now have appropriate representation on the FENZ aerial appliance project.
The NZPFU has written to the FENZ Board Chair and the Chief Executive questioning whether it is appropriate for FENZ to continue to fund the UFBA (United Fire Brigades’ Association), and whether there is appropriate monitoring of the use of the funding to provide support and advocacy services for all volunteer firefighters.
On Monday we notified our members not to participate in any discussions or project work regarding aerial appliances until we can confirm we have the appropriate NZPFU SMEs (subject matter experts) on the appropriate aerial appliance committees and working groups.
The NZPFU application for Leave to Appeal the Employment Court decision will be determined by two Court of Appeal Judges in March 2021.
The NZPFU advises its members not to participate in any discussions or project work regarding aerial appliances until we can confirm we have the appropriate NZPFU SMEs on the appropriate aerial appliance committees and working groups.