The Timaru Local were fantastic hosts for the NZPFU Annual conference held this week. Not only did they put on great weather but didn’t miss a beat with the welcome packs, venue, catering, events and organised events including the mystery day trip for the delegate’s partners.
Congratulations to David Phillips who has been elected the Northern Branch Secretary.
NZPFU members have been invited to a free webinar organised by Fitness Passport.
Today MBIE has released a shameful discussion document proposing only to add firefighting in relation to bladder cancer and mesothelioma into the Schedule 2 Occupational Diseases of the Accident Compensation Act 2001. Mesothelioma and bladder cancer are already listed in the schedule.
The NZPFU National Committee has been seeking guarantees from FENZ that it does not have any intention to reduce the scope or change the method of emergency responses currently undertaken, and is not attempting to change the structure in which firefighters are recruited and deployed.
Off-duty NZPFU members, or those that use their designated breaks, are encouraged to join the action being held in 12 centres. Please wear NZPFU t-shirts or merchandise (not FENZ uniform) and proudly fly the NZPFU flags.
Members should be aware that District Manager Mackereth has unilaterally made the decision to remove the Hazmat Command Appliance from immediate response to confirmed structure fire incidents for incidents in Auckland City Central Fire District.
First Union Ambulance Officer members are seeking your support for their campaign for the Government to fully fund ambulance services.
In accordance with the NZPFU Rules Northern Branch members are informed that an election for the Northern Branch Secretary will be held electronically.
Following the close of nominations for the election of the Northern Branch position of Branch Secretary, I had received three nominations.
The Northern Drivers’ Charitable Trust is offering a scholarships to assist union members or their families to assist with training or re-training in any trade, skill or tertiary study.
Recently, Fire and Emergency New Zealand has asked some NZPFU members to engage in a survey on a potential redevelopment of the Uniform
Matrix.
This has been done without any consultation with the NZPFU, and I have responded by lodging a dispute under the CEA.
The NZPFU has filed an application in the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) challenging FENZ’s right to impose the Code of Conduct on NZPFU members and challenging the content of that Code.
As the National Council members toured the AGMs over the past few weeks the issue of the calculation of the kiwisaver deductions and relevant taxes was raised by those who have been contribution to a complying Kiwisaver scheme as well as a non-compliant Superannuation Scheme such as FireSuper.
FENZ is consistently refusing to consult the NZPFU in accordance with the NZPFU collective employment agreement. The NZPFU collective agreement requires FENZ to consult on whether change should occur, not just the content of the proposed change and they must provide the reasoning behind the change and be motivated by a desire to reach consensus.
Members may be aware that the Local has raised a dispute around the way FENZ’s wants to transition Papakura Station to a Senior Station Officer Station. This proposal would directly impact 10 personnel and indirectly impact over 120.
All off-duty NZPFU members are urged to support striking Ambulance Officers tomorrow at actions planned in the main centres.
Due to the Northern Branch Secretary position becoming vacant as Martin Campbell has now been elected as National Vice President, nominations are hereby called for this position in accordance with the Rules of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union.