You need to know that FENZ is refusing to reimburse travel time, to the Auckland Region Training Centre, at the increased rate all other travel has been paid since March 2021.

Since 31 March 2021, travel payments in Auckland have been paid at the increased rate of 20kph to reflect local traffic conditions. The intent of the increased payment was to recognize the additional time it takes to travel around Auckland. I have a recent email from the writer confirming the increased payment is “clearly intended for travel in Auckland that FENZ would normally expect to pay for not just OT at stations in my opinion”.

The Auckland local became aware that some payments for travel time to the Region Training Centre have been declined at this rate.

The Auckland Local raised this issue in January last year. The Local has been supported by a number of Senior Managers and advisers who agree the 20kph rate should be used and we appreciate their support. The Auckland Local has gone to considerable lengths over an extended period of time to resolve this issue in a constructive way however we have not been able to speak directly with a decision maker.

The anonymous decision making collective of FENZ has chosen not to stand by the intent of their original notice or their stated values. Like any document that made sense to the parties at the time, it has now been strictly interpreted by FENZ as it is written. The choice for FENZ was, to interpret the document in favour of its workers or not. Once again they have shown that the workers come second. I am bitterly disappointed.

Our attempt to work constructively at a local level appears to have been wasted. I have serious concerns that existing or future agreements with FENZ have any value. This is who we work for.

The union has a number of actions it can take. We are taking some time to decide on the most affective course of action and will keep members updated.

Terry Bird
Auckland Local President