Electronic voting for the election of the Central Branch Secretary was launched yesterday (0800 Sunday 14 June) and will close at 1800 Monday 29 June 2020.
Electronic voting for the election of the Central Branch Secretary will be launched 0800 Sunday 14 June and will close at 1800 Monday 29 June 2020.
We have been receiving several inquiries from concerned members regarding the letters FENZ provided yesterday disestablishing FRMO roles and a notice of redundancy.
FRMOs will have received letters stating that their positions will be disestablished under Tranche 2B, that the letter constitutes a letter of redundancy and that new positions will be established and advertised next week.
New Zealand passed a significant milestone at midnight last night with the move to Level 1 essentially removing all restrictions other than border control.
The NZPFU and PSA have now engaged with FENZ and aware that members affected by the changes will be briefed this week prior to an announcement on Thursday.
By closing date for nominations for the positions of Central Branch President, Vice President and Secretary, the following nominations were received.
We understand FENZ intends to release its final decisions for Tranche 2and 2B next week.
In October 2019 the NZPFU notified FENZ that its intention to give preference to personnel who are not qualified or experience career firefighters for proposed District and Group Manager positions was in breach of the requirements to appoint the best-suited person to any vacancy, and a breach of FENZ’s primary duty of care to provide safe systems of work.
Members are advised that starting Wednesday 3rd June, Mel Johnson the Te Hiku Welfare Officer, will begin making station visits to meet the crews.
The annual Colmar Brunton Public Sector Reputation Index research has FENZ top of the list for the fifth consecutive year.
Members will know that effective Noon, Friday the 29th May, Government has changed the Level 2 COVID-19 restrictions with an increase in gatherings to 100 persons.
Well we made it back to level 2 without any Professional Career Firefighter infection which means stations remained open and operational.
Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment is the last line of defence and is necessary for the health and safety of firefighters.
With the transition to Level 2 and the elimination of station bubbles, the risk of exposure to members has been increased.
FENZ has confirmed that the 2020 PCA payment will be paid to all eligible NZPFU members in the 17 June pay.
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions youth network Stand Up is undertaking credible research into the economic impact of Covid-19 for New Zealand’s young workers.
As discussed with Locals on our regular Local and National Official telephone conferences, we need to remain vigilant to ensure PPE meeting the required standard for medical response under Covid-19 conditions.
As staff will know the Prime Minister has announced a move from tomorrow to COVID-19 Alert Level 2, and as a result, we will begin a controlled transition to “Business as Usual”.
The NZPFU has members in a range of roles across FENZ including some employed in non-operational fixed term positions, and there are secondments into various departments.
With the lowering of the covid-19 risk to Alert Level Two, and in consultation with Local Management, we are now in a position to relax some of the stringent conditions associated with our staff “bubbles”.
The current safe systems of work instigated for Covid-19 response remains critical to the safety of firefighters as New Zealand moves down in Level 2 Restrictions.
The following is a joint notice from the Local Executive and Area Management about expectations for Level 2.
Today every member should have received an email from either wellington@nzpfu.org.nz or Auckland@nzpfu.org.nz to confirm the correct email address for the Northern, Central and Southern Branch President, Vice-President and Secretary elections.
Today, May 4 is International Firefighters' Day and a time for us all to express our appreciation for the sacrifices firefighters make by putting their health and safety at risk to protect the community.
Some trainers have received a Performance and Development Guide and a Performance and Development Conversation template.
Nominations are called for the positions of President, Vice-President and Secretary for the Northern Branch.
On 1 May we celebrate as part of an international workers’ movement the better working conditions we have gained as well as reflect on the struggles of the past and present.
Nominations are called for the positions of President, Vice-President and Secretary for each of the Northern, Central and Southern Branches.
Today we remember all workers who have died through workplace accidents and illnesses, and we vow to keep pushing for safer workplaces and better compensation for those left behind.
English and Maori translation of the most well-known excerpt of Laurence Binyon’s “For the Fallen” poem.
Do not disclose any underlying medical condition without first seeking advice from NZPFU.
Today the NZPFU held a Special Conference by telephone conference due to the unprecedented restrictions of the Government imposed Covid-19 lockdown.
The cancelling of traditional ANZAC Day services are another sacrifice the services and community have to make this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic national lock-down.
As per the attached Ballot Declaration Form, I hereby declare:
This evening FENZ National Commander has issued a statement stating that the gowns distributed for medical response conform with standards for medical response under pandemic conditions.
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the tragic death of respected Invercargill Senior Firefighter Ben McLean.
As a Local Committee, we have been asked by the National Executive, to remind staff that we should, whenever possible, maintain a Business As Usual approach.
Following investigation by the NZPFU, it has been discovered that the medical gowns provided by FENZ for members to wear at medical calls, do not comply with any National or International Standard.
Following investigation by the NZPFU, it has been discovered that the medical gowns provided by FENZ for members to wear at Medical calls, do not comply with any National or International standard.
Staffing levels across the country are sufficient to maintain current response protocols. The planning for Response Allocation Models for the spectra of possible scenarios with this pandemic are well underway but currently there is no need and no agreement to implement any changes that impact on contractual rights, minimum staffing, or changes to leave groups etc.
Happy Easter to all NZPFU members and their families! We especially wish a relaxing day for those on shift staffing the call centres and Firefighters responding to medical calls, fires and other emergencies. We thank you and your loved ones for your sacrifices.
Do not disclose any underlying medical condition without first seeking advice from NZPFU.
Members and their families have been asking for more information about the Covid-19 risk for firefighters responding. Below is a general guide developed by our medical response subject matter expert Justin Murtha. This is just a guide. FENZ employees and volunteers are reminded that there is COVID-19 information available on the portal.
Members will now know we are working in locked down station bubbles as per the Operational Instruction recently agreed by the Local and FENZ Management.
It’s been quite a while since my last post, we have been extremely busy but here goes!
FENZ has prioritised flu vaccinations for operational personnel.
The Auckland Local would like to acknowledge the many challenges the current situation presents for our people and the likelihood that a number of you may be experiencing additional distress during this time.
The necessary precautions for the protection of our members while maintaining response are in place with planning well underway for the many variations or changes that may result with the every-changing landscape of COVID-19.
Members will find attached the correct process for donning and doffing PPE during COVID-19 incidents.
As Members should now be aware, we are now working in a very different environment, and one the most challenging that the Auckland Fire Brigade has had in it’s long history.