FENZ Workplace Relations Manager Michael Stevenson who leads the FENZ bargaining team contacted the mediation services but did not have the courtesy to include the NZPFU in his request for mediation.  Hardly the efforts of someone who wants to achieve a positive outcome.  We believe he misled the mediation service by claiming both parties had agreed to mediation.

The NZPFU has not agreed to go to mediation.

The NZPFU made it clear at the last bargaining that the parties had agreed to four more dates for bargaining and we should continue to try and make progress by bargaining on those dates.  The NZPFU does not agree that bargaining has come to an end.

The NZPFU has had discussions with other managers on matters relevant to the bargaining, including matters where our claims align with changes managers want, and we think FENZ should bring the right people to the table to get the deal done.   There are a number of problems that both the NZPFU and management want to resolve but FENZ’s bargaining team is blocking those changes.  It is clear that the FENZ bargaining team is out of step with what some managers want to achieve and resolve in the workplace.

It is time FENZ brought those to the table that want to address the issues and work towards positive change through a settlement of the collective agreement.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary