The NZPFU National Committee met with FENZ CE Kerry Gregory, Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler and DCE People Janine Hearn on Monday, with the only outcome an agreement to explore a High Performance High Engagement model that the Maritime Union says has been effective in getting the Ports of Auckland relationship focused on engagement that centres around the health and safety of workers.

The NZPFU National Committee spoke candidly about the issues, behaviour and conduct of FENZ that has resulted in the lack of trust not just between union officials and FENZ management but throughout our membership.  We laid out the increased risks to the health and safety of our members resulting from the poor management decisions that have driven the fire service into the ground.  Staffing issues across the board, including the cancelling of career recruit courses, the dire state of the fleet, and the lack of reliable equipment and resources fit for purpose, are putting our members at increased and avoidable risk.  We genuinely fear it is only a matter of time before a member is seriously injured or worse due to the failure of management of safe systems of work.  For non-firefighting members, the organisational stress is also taking its toll, reflected in the bottoming out of morale. 

The only common ground between the parties really was an agreement that there is no trust between the parties.  The only outcome was an agreement to get advice on the model that was used in the Ports of Auckland context which was driven by the increased risk to health and safety and the serious injuries occurring. 

FENZ appear to remain adamant that they are not prepared to make a new and enhanced offer to settle the bargaining.  We see no point in meeting in facilitated bargaining unless that offer was forthcoming.  In March, Kerry Gregory confirmed that they were working on a new offer but now refuses to produce it.

The NZPFU is focused on using every lever to put pressure on FENZ, and those that have influence over FENZ, to force common sense and investment in the purpose of the organisation – not self-inflicted budget cuts.

We will continue to strike to keep the public informed and to build pressure.  The current Parliamentary Select Committee inquiry into the management of FENZ’s fleet is already having an effect as the performance of the Board and management are under scrutiny, and given their performance at last week’s select committee hearing, we expect more to come.  The fleet inquiry is significant as it is the Coalition agreeing to investigate a key operational factor in a Crown entity that one of its own Ministers is responsible for.  The Government’s confidence in the FENZ Board and Management is being tested.  But that must only be the start!

The NZPFU will continue to push for a full and independent inquiry into FENZ and the management of its funding and resources, as the mismanagement, including huge waste with no accountability, needs to be fully exposed.  

The NZPFU has given notice of the following one-hour strikes.  We are changing it up - there is a one-hour strike from 12 noon on Saturday 6 June.

To see all strike dates and events for your location,  and to sign the petition for a full and independent inquiry,  go to www.direemergency.nz

Upcoming strikes:

Today 20 May 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Friday 22 May 12 noon to 1pm
Wednesday 27 May 4.30pm - 5.30pm
Friday 29 May 12 noon to 1pm
Friday 5 June 12 noon to 1pm
Saturday 6 June 12 noon to 1pm

In unity,
National Secretary Wattie Watson