On behalf of the National President Joseph Stanley and National Vice President Martin Campbell we wish all NZPFU members and supporters a happy and safe festive season.
We have an amazing Union membership who are well supported through the committed Local representatives network, their Branch representatives and National Committee. As employees of FENZ they work long hours, often putting their quality and quantity of life on the line. Our members often say they have the best job in the world – just the worst employer.
Even when not on roster they continue to work hard as Union leaders protecting and promoting the interests of our membership which is also in the interest of the New Zealand public.
The last 12 months the NZPFU representatives have had a huge year for every representative. The Locals have continued to deal with matters appropriately at a Local level as well as keeping members informed of national developments and organising Local pickets and events for the strike action. This consists of a myriad of tasks often not seen or understood by the general membership.
The National Committee have spent more than 40 days away from family to attend bargaining which is often at great personal expense as are unable to work overtime while travelling or at bargaining and are often using their non-rostered days to represent the membership. Unlike the FENZ team the NZPFU reps are not paid to be there if the bargaining days do not coincide with their rostered days. In between there are regular meetings, sometimes 2-3 days a week in the evening by video conference. These National representatives then spend a lot of time working with Locals and have been available to provide information and support to individual members. This is all on top of the usual work of a union official dealing with personal cases, district-wide and region-wide issues and trying to resolve matters with management.
We thank all Union Officials and representatives' families for the sacrifices they have made as a result of that taxing and regular union work. Even if the Union official is rostered off and manages to be home, phone calls often take them from the dinner table or the family event.
Thank you to each and every NZPFU member who has stood strong in solidarity as we fight for New Zealand’s fire service. We know it is not easy to take any form of industrial action and to walk off the job to strike for an hour is the most difficult of all. Together we win will not only persevere we will succeed. You have stood shoulder to shoulder and together we are strong.
A big shout-out to those that work behind the scenes who are integral to everything we do.
Massive thanks to administration manager Bonnie who has worked like a trooper all year with significant increased workload with organising bargaining travel, organising the annual conference, managing the administration of the Protect Income Protection scheme and the Fitness Passport while diligently ensuring the financial accounts are in order. On top of all that has been the distribution of union merchandise and flags and ensuring the union is running well. We also thank Anne who has been assisting with administration and in particular the Auckland Local.
Jaron the webmaster and Honorary Life Member is the key to the campaign and his contribution cannot be overstated. His capabilities are the envy of many other campaigns, and he is willingly available at a moment's notice.
Our legal team has been busy this year, and we have had many successes including personal cases where FENZ’s inability to conduct fair investigations or to make decisions reasonable to the circumstances has been highlighted and widely criticised. Peter Cranney always has the interests of our members, individually and collectively, at heart and he is a massive support to the Union.
The three Branch Returning Officers have had a hectic year with Local elections across the country run successfully. The activity at election time with many Local Official positions contested is a testament to an active and relevant Union structure.
Special recognition to the Whanganui Local for hosting the Annual Conference in November this year. Despite the testing times, including FENZ dropping an unjustified restructure, the conference ran smoothly and was really enjoyed by all. The organisation of the venue, social events and transport was top-notch resulting in a seamless and stress-free event for the delegates. We appreciate the Local organising a partner’s event to take in the sights and beauty of Whanganui and to learn a little more about the area.
I personally want to thank National President Joseph Stanley and Vice President Martin Campbell for their commitment to the Union and the support and camaraderie they share with me. In addition to the usual workload of the National Committee, they make themselves available day and night to address matters as they arise, and we work collectively as a National Council to thrash out ideas and directions. Their shared leadership of the Union has been integral to the direction and strategy of the Union. Their talent and dedication has steered us through choppy waters and ensured the NZPFU is a united collective committed to the protection, preservation and promotion of union interests including health, safety and wellbeing and fair and reasonable terms and conditions of employment. They are a formidable team that have us full steam on wave to success.
It is a privilege and honour to work for the NZPFU membership – a dedicated workforce who are committed to serving and protecting the community, and at times doing so regardless of the great personal cost. I appreciate each and every one of our members and our Union team. I realise it is often hard for our non-firefighting members who are not as visible to the public eye, but your commitment to your work with FENZ and your solidarity is just as an important part of our Union and future.
We want to thank all our supporters who have been standing side by side with our members on picket lines or voicing their views through our campaign and on social media. We appreciate the volunteers who are refusing to be intimidated by FENZ leaders who are intent on manufacturing a divide. Together we will ensure the New Zealand public is protected despite FENZ rather than because of FENZ. We hope the weather is calm, the bushfires subside and volunteers also get the much needed down-time to relax with family and friends.
For those who have the opportunity to be off duty or on holiday we hope you get great weather and have time for friends, family and fun activities.
For those that are rostered to work we really appreciate your dedication and the support of your families to keep working to protect and serve the community. Be safe, and we hope you get a much deserved break soon.
From my family to yours - Together strong!
Season’s Greetings
Meri Kirihimete
Kilisimasi fiefia
In unity
Wattie Watson
National Secretary
