FENZ’s application to send the parties to facilitation was heard in the Employment Relations Authority yesterday. 

The ERA filed an urgent application on the 10^th October.  The matter set down for hearing on the 20^th November was adjourned for bargaining to continue on the 18^th and 19^th November 2025.  The update on that bargaining can be read here.

The hearing commenced with the NZPFU contesting evidence of Region Manager Ron Devlin which included bargaining information that was discussed without prejudice in bargaining, and was distorted information.  The NZPFU raised that as the information was provided by the parties on a without prejudice basis for the discussions in bargaining it could not be used in an open forum, but if it was to be used we wanted to call the Grant Thornton consultant to give evidence in order to ensure the ERA had the correct information.  FENZ ultimately agreed to withdraw the offending information and as a result the consultant was not called to give evidence.

The lawyers for each Party made oral submissions and the Parties are now in the process of providing written legal submissions over the next couple of days.  It is not known when a decision will be received but given the timetabling for submissions it is unlikely to be before Friday. We will keep members updated.

Meanwhile, the Union has continued to issue strike notices as we do not believe facilitation is needed and instead will only result in delays.  What we need is for FENZ to negotiate rather than continue to hide behind alleged Government restrictions as a barrier to settlement.

Strike notices have been issued for a complete one-hour stoppage from 12 noon this Friday the 28^th and next Friday the 5^th December.

All supporters are welcome to join the pickets – check out your local strike event at https://direemergency.nz/events/

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary