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.
Occasionally, the Local will be advised of crews being responded to non-purple calls or inappropriate requests for assistance.
The Local has been advised that with the introduction of new hydraulic rescue equipment, a proposal has been made by FENZ, through Area Management, to remove the trolleys carrying the rescue gear from Auckland career staffed Rescue Tenders.
Members will be aware of a fire occurring in Papakura today that escalated to a third alarm level.
By the closing date for nominations for the position of Tauranga Local Vice President, the following nomination has been received.
Members are advised that once again Auckland is faced with a reduced heavy aerial response and capabilities due to mechanical breakages of the current fleet, as per an operational instruction sent to some Officers in Area 4.
The NZPFU National Committee wishes all our members and their families a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.
The Local issued a Notice to Members ALC-20-41 on 11 November regarding applying for a dispensation to have dual Career and Volunteer Firefighter Membership of the Union.
The Auckland Local wishes all Members a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. A reminder that the Auckland Office will be closed from Wednesday 23 December until Tuesday 5 January 2021.
Firefighters in Auckland Areas 3, 4 and 5 have been asked to collect names and addresses of all present at every fire and to report the details back to FireCom to be forwarded to rural personnel.
Today the media have wrongfully claimed that Auckland firefighters were used as part of a police operation to apprehend an alleged offender on Sunday night.
This week FENZ has required black watch trainers to interrupt their duties to staff a truck and respond. There have also been recent instances where FENZ has cross-crewed professional career firefighters and volunteer firefighters on a tanker or volunteer appliance (where there has not been any prior arrangement or agreement to do so).
FENZ has notified the NZPFU that they will be uploading and testing the new pay rates from mid-January for the new pay rates to be paid on 10 February (backdated to 1 July 2020).
Members are advised that following a major fire last week at Ponsonby Intermediate School, the presence of asbestos has been confirmed.
Today the NZPFU legal team is filing the application in the Court of Appeal for leave to appeal the Employment Court judgement.
This week the NZPFU National, Branch and Local representatives gathered in Wellington for the annual national conference. Over the past few conferences the NZPFU has invited observers from other sectors of our membership as this is the opportunity to listen and learn from each other. This year we were joined by members from the three communications centre, training (regional and NTC) and Black watch/FRMOs and all groups had an opportunity to report on key issues affecting their sector.
The Local notes, with sadness, the devastating fire that has occurred in one of Auckland’s historic buildings, the St Stephens Church located in Central Ponsonby.
No doubt it has been challenging times of late and I will admit to struggling to find something positive to share, hence the lengthy delay since my last blog. There are many challenges ahead of us and making our voice heard and influencing in this environment is daunting, but I have been encouraged by the quality and quantity of members who are continually stepping up across the organisation to ensure that the views of career fire fighters are not lost.
The NZPFU appliance representatives and subject matter experts met recently to workshop the NZPFU policy and submission in response to the FENZ aerial appliance strategy.
Due to the recent resignation of the Tauranga Local Vice President, nominations are hereby called for this position in accordance with the Rules of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union.
In accordance with Rule B 11.7, of the Rules of the New Zealand Professional Fire Fighters Union INC, I am declaring the results for the position of Palmerston North Local President as listed below.
The NZPFU and FENZ have agreed to the following pay increases as a result of the 2020 Remuneration Review.
FENZ Deputy CE Organisational Strategy & Capability Development Russell Wood has provided an update on the repair of the MAN Type 3 trucks waiting repairs for the cracks issues but was unable to provide any timeline or clear solution.
One of the ideas that came up during the Auckland Working Group was to change the shift start/finish times to 0700/1700 to reflect the actual times Auckland Firefighters’ work.
The NZPFU National Committee met by teleconference this afternoon to discuss the Employment Court decision which was issued last week. The NZPFU’s legal team had considered the decision and provided their opinion to the National Committee.
Membership survey reveals FRMOs feel highly undervalued and not supported and don't think the new structure will improve community safety.
The NZPFU Type 3 Project representatives have provided the following update.
Recently we asked members to pause any involvement in either of these trials until we were able to determine the safety of the proposed PPE and Uniform.
The attached Employment Court Decision rules against the NZPFU but this may not be the end of the matter.
There is an email out tonight from Kerry Gregory stating FENZ has won the Employment Court Case.
NZPFU subject matter experts are meeting today and tomorrow to develop the NZPFU’s response to FENZ’s aerial appliance strategy proposal and discussion document.
As members will know, First Union members of St Johns are scheduled to strike on Wednesday 25 November.
The NZPFU has notified FENZ that the South Island Spare Type 5 Aerial Appliance registration number FWM97 is unsafe and not fit for purpose.
In accordance with Rule B 11.9, of the Rules of the New Zealand Professional Fire Fighters Union INC, I am declaring the results for the position of Hawkes Bay Local President as listed below.