The NZPFU and PSA have filed legal action against Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s failure to consult on the botched restructuring proposal, released last week.

When FENZ pre-warned that a restructuring document was to be released (without any information about the nature, scope or content of that restructure), the NZPFU wrote to Kerry Gregory reminding him of the obligation to consult in accordance with the NZPFU FENZ collective agreement, which does not limit consultation to the consequences of a proposed change, or to numbers, but also includes consultation on whether change should occur and the reasoning behind that change.

The PSA has a very similar consultation clause in their collective agreement.  

Instead, FENZ chose to ignore those obligations and released a document to all and sundry with less than a fortnight to respond.

Because FENZ has failed to meet these requirements, we are asking the Employment Relations Authority to do the following:

1. Declare that FENZ has breached the collective agreement.
2. Order FENZ to withdraw its change proposal and consult the PSA and the NZPFU.
3. Make a compliance order that FENZ does not terminate the employment of affected employees.

While only a couple of NZPFU members’ positions are disestablished, it is a very hard time for them.  The proposal has significant consequences for many of our members either through changes to their roles, or through the implications of changes.

The decisions about this restructure were made at a very high level without input or discussion with those that do the work or understand acutely the impacts one role has on another.  Had FENZ honoured its obligations to consult and were able to demonstrate the need for the change, the resulting proposal may have been properly designed to get the organisation on track and focused on the requirements in accordance with the FENZ Act 2017.

Arrogantly, FENZ senior leaders decided they knew better and disrespected and devalued the knowledge and experience NZPFU and PSA members have.

The NZPFU has also raised the implications of this restructure in bargaining as it directly and indirectly affects many of the issues being discussed.

We understand this is a very stressful time for many of our members.  If you need assistance or advocacy in any way, please first reach out to your Local officials.  The Locals are in close contact with the National Office for any follow-through support or advice.

Please do not suffer in silence.  Talk to the union and discuss what support you need to get through this period.

We will keep members informed of any developments.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary