The parties made further progress at bargaining today but there is still funding to be arranged.
The parties are hopeful that we be able to finalise terms of settlement next week subject to the necessary funding being confirmed.
Wattie Watson
Secretary, New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union
Kerry Gregory
Chief Executive, Fire and Emergency New Zealand
Members will no doubt be aware of Wednesday's major fire in a scrapyard in Papakura. Whilst the cause of this fire is still under investigation what is known is that the impacts of it were widespread right across Auckland.
We have been told that staff wanting to do Return to Work Duties will have to do them at District HQ and they do not intend to reimburse your travel costs, “you are getting an enhanced pay and you can fund your own travel”. We have since got an agreement that the travel distance reimbursement will be paid for travel to District HQ.
Following a devastating house fire in Milldale north of Auckland yesterday the Local has written to the Acting National Commander formally asking for Fire and Emergency to undertake an operational review.