The NZPFU Council have been touring the country attending AGMs briefing members on the attacks on the professionalism of firefighting.

National Vice President Joe Stanley attended the Invercargill and Dunedin Local AGMs last week, and was joined by National President Ian Wright and National Secretary Wattie Watson for the Auckland Local meeting on Tuesday, and Christchurch (at ANZAC and Wigram stations) on Wednesday.

Southern Branch President Graeme (Norm) Gilroy and Branch Secretary Jim Ryburn joined National Secretary Wattie Watson for the Nelson AGM today.

It was a great opportunity to hear direct from the membership the issues their Local are facing.

Common themes were concerns about inadequate Medical Response training, support and monetary recognition, the lack of practical support to maintain mental health, insufficient resourcing including aging and failing appliances.

The National Committee representatives were able to update on discussions regarding medical response and provide the context to the recent pay increases, settlement of the IFE dispute, and the process for ratification of the rectification of Part 4 salaries.

Members were very responsive to the background to the Tranche 2 and 2B dispute and FENZ’s restructuring plans that if implemented will undermine the critical rank and command structures putting firefighters and the community at great risk.

Once FENZ releases it’s proposal for consultation the NZPFU will be calling on each and every member to provide a response to be included with the NZPFU submission. More information will be available through your Local once the FENZ proposal is released.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary