The Union and the fire service met in mediation today in Wellington. There was no agreement reached.

The Union were represented by Steve Warner, Peter Hallett, Derek Best, Peter Nicolle and Boyd Raines.

The employer was represented by Janine Hearn, Larry Cocker and Brett Warwick.

The fire service was not prepared to increase their offer and the union likewise were not prepared to reduce theirs.

The union had invited Helen Kelly, President of the CTU, along to the mediation. The fire service was not prepared to have her present at the negotiation table but did agree to meet with her.

Helen and Union President Steve Warner met with the fire service representatives where Helen told the fire service representatives that the CTU was strongly behind the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union in their claim. She said that the whole union movement in New Zealand would be watching these negotiations closely. It had been apparent to her from the messages of support that she had received that most workers in New Zealand were behind us in our actions to get a fairer wage for our members. She also offered to assist in any way she could through the negotiations.

The industrial action that the union has given notice of will commence on the 5th August 2011 at 08:00 hours.