FENZ openly discriminates against Union Representatives

Posted 11 Aug '21 under Breaking News

So much for being in one waka… doing the right thing… serving and supporting… being better together!

The FENZ Executive Leadership Team has repeatedly failed to apply the FENZ values to themselves, but they have achieved a new low – documented discrimination against union representatives.

A recently released role description for Subject Matter Experts (SME) Working Safely in Water (attached) lists union representatives as having a conflict of interest. If the person had the relevant skills and technical knowledge to be a SME but were also a union representative, that employee would have to “formally document” their union involvement, put a “management plan in place”, and if the perceived conflict of interest was “severe” enough it would “disqualify” them from performing as a SME.

FENZ is not wanting SMEs who will use their skills, knowledge and experience to achieve the best outcomes for firefighters and the community. This is FENZ attempting to eliminate the involvement of union representatives who put health and safety first. We believe this documented discrimination indicates FENZ only wants sycophants they can control and who will espouse the company line.

Ironically FENZ has chosen to publicly debut its anti-union stance for a “working safely” project.

We have written to the National Commander Kerry Gregory and DCE People Brendan Nally pointing out the prohibition against discrimination on union representation and union activities in the Employment Relations Act 2000. We have asked them to confirm they have withdrawn the document and removed the reference to union representatives having a conflict of interest with urgency. We have put them on notice that failure to do so will result in the union taking all necessary action.

We won’t tolerate union bashing. We will always speak up for the safety, health and wellbeing of our members and the community they serve.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary

NZPFU GIVES FENZ NOTICE OF RIGHT TO DEPLOY PARNELL 255

16 Jun

Since the last NZPFU notice Auckland Local representatives have met with District Manager Vaughan Mackereth to discuss his direction not to deploy the aerial appliance Parnell 255 unless confirmed fire.

Mr Mackereth refused to withdraw his instruction, threatened industrial action for those that did not comply with his instruction and refused to other alternatives to address aspects of the health and safety implications of his instruction.

Today the NZPFU notified FENZ that Officers had the right on health and safety grounds to deploy the heavy aerial in accordance of their training and experience, regardless of confirmed fire.

AUCKLAND HEAVY AERIAL – PARNELL 255

10 Jun

Members will be aware of District Manager Mackereth's instruction to all staff to restrict Parnell’s aerial appliance to respond to confirmed fires only, copied below.

This instruction was issued without genuine consultation with the Auckland Local and highlights the disarray and crisis that Fire and Emergencies fleet is in. Despite the organisation saying that their fleet is well maintained and regularly serviced, once again reality proves the complete opposite, with this decision impacting the safety and well-being of firefighters and the public.

TRIENNIAL LOCAL ELECTIONS

5 Jun

Due to nominations being received for Kawerau Local Secretary, President and Vice President and common nominees for positions, a series of elections will be conducted in accordance with the Rules.

The election for Local Secretary will be conducted first, then President and Vice President if still required. Separate notices will be issued for each election.