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.
We refer members to the Notice to Members published on 28 January 2024 regarding Blood Screening Programme for NZPFU Members - Firefighters, Trainers and Fire Investigators.
It has been a long time coming but the NZPFU can finally announce a scholarship for research or a project that is relevant to the progression of women firefighters within the profession.
Last week the NZPFU provided the advice received from our lawyer regarding the options FENZ has put to 592 members who have been contributing to complying Kiwisaver schemes as well as other non-complying compulsory schemes such as Fire Super.
The Bargaining Process Agreement (BPA) is supposed to set out agreements on how the parties will conduct the bargaining but FENZ refused to agree to include a clause that would prevent the harm FENZ caused in the last round through their anti-NZPFU membership tactics of sending offers, their analysis of NZPFU claims and false information to all and sundry.
Hato Hone St John Ambulance Officers who are members of First Union and the Ambulance Association (NZAA) have given notice of an intention to withdraw their labour on the 20th and 24th August. The notice is for a four-hour strike from the 4am start of shift on the 20th August to be repeated on the 24th August.
FENZ acted swiftly upon the NZPFU notification yesterday that microphones had been enabled on the mobility tablets causing serious concern of possible unlawful surveillance and breaches of privacy.
The NZPFU has been informed by members that the microphones on mobility tablets have been activated. The NZPFU has not been provided with any prior warning of the activation of this function or any lawful purpose for doing so.
Members were notified on the 28th June that FENZ had self-reported to IRD its failure to pay the 3% compulsory contribution to employees who have complying Kiwisaver and other non-complying superannuation schemes such as FireSuper. The NZPFU were informed that 592 members were affected.
UTMOST RESPECT TO OUTGOING PRESIDENT IAN WRIGHT
As of today, 1 August 2024, new National President Joseph Stanley and Vice President Martin Campbell take up their new positions.
By the closing date for nominations for the position of Whangarei Local Vice President, the following nomination has been received.
My time as President is coming to an end 31 July and it’s timely to reflect our successes of the past and our opportunities into the future.
Firstly, it has been an absolute honour to have been elected twice by you into the position of President and before that, Vice President. It
has been a pleasure to represent you all and advocate and strive for better working conditions, better engagement, and representation across
the organisation.
The NZPFU has provided all necessary information to FENZ for the reimbursement of the NZPFU Protect Income Protection Insurance premiums paid directly to the NZPFU insurance account between 1 July 2023 and 3 June 2024 (when FENZ commenced direct payment to Protect). Members in the NZPFU Protect Income Protection scheme do not need to do anything further. We are waiting for FENZ to confirm when the reimbursement will be made to the bank account you receive your wages.
The NZPFU and FENZ were supposed to be bargaining today and yesterday but spent the time negotiating terms of a Bargaining Process
Agreement. The parties had met in mediation on Friday to try and settle the BPA and kept working on outstanding issues this week.
Last night at approximately 6pm the parties had worked through almost all issues. The Union recorded and read out to the parties the three
issues of work that was to be done by FENZ overnight for completion today which was agreed by everyone in the room. FENZ did not state they
had other issues to revisit.
Important updates for members on Code of Conduct, Kiwisaver deductions and overtime on public holidays remuneration, Bargaining and Annual General Meetings.
The NZPFU has instructed specialist legal support for advice on the Kiwisaver employer compulsory contributions issue.
Due to the resignation of the Whangarei Local Vice President, nominations are hereby called for this position in accordance with the Rules of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union.
The NZPFU will shortly be providing FENZ with the list of NZPFU members who signed up to the NZPFU Protect Income Protection Insurance for the reimbursement of premiums.
On Tuesday FENZ Workplace Relations Manager Michael Stevenson informed the NZPFU that FENZ had self-reported to IRD its failure to pay the 3% compulsory contribution to employees who have Kiwisaver and other non-complying superannuation scheme such as FireSuper. FENZ had been paying the employer contribution into FireSuper but not the compulsory contribution to the Kiwi Saver Account. We were informed 592 NZPFU members were affected and for all affected staff about $8-$10 million was owing over four years.
Members are advised that pursuant to Union Rule B.15.11, notice is given for the Auckland Local Annual General Meeting to be held on Friday 23 August 2024.
Due to the recent resignation of the Taupo Local Secretary, nominations are hereby called for this position in accordance with the Rules of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union.
By the closing date for nominations for the position of Northcom Representative – Auckland Local Committee, the following nomination has been received.
The NZPFU membership extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of NZPFU Past President Gordon Duncan who passed away this morning.
Gordon's funeral will be held 11am Thursday 6th June at Kapiti Coast Funeral Home, 9 Hinemoa Street, Paraparaumu.
At the close of the nomination period for the election of the National President and the National Vice President, I have received one nomination for each position.
The Wellington Local are pleased to announce members can now book Blood Screening and Health Checks by agreement with 2 providers. The local has been working very hard to find providers to undertake these comprehensive and potentially life-saving checks for our members.
We again refer members to the NZPFU National Notice issued on the 30th October 2023 which is repeated below.
We have since had questions about FENZ lawyer’s seeking support for FENZ cases being litigated.
Members cannot be compelled to be a witness for FENZ or to support a FENZ in any litigation, except in the unlikely event you
are summonsed. If members receive a summons or are informed they will be summonsed, members are advised to contact the NZPFU and we
will ensure you have the appropriate legal advice.
Without any discussion or consultation with the Union and the individuals concerned, FENZ has unilaterally decided to advertise VSO roles that FENZ characterises incumbent’s as secondees. There has been no discussion with the NZPFU as to the reason or purpose for the change, or the appointment process.
In reference to the Notice to Members published on 28 January 2024 regarding Blood Screening Programme for NZPFU Members - Firefighters, Trainers and Fire Investigators.
In reference to the Notice to Members published on 28 January 2024 regarding Blood Screening Programme for NZPFU Members - Firefighters, Trainers and Fire Investigators.
From 3 June 2024 FENZ will pay the NZPFU Protect Income Protection Insurance premiums direct for NZPFU members whose substantive positions are covered by the collective employment agreement. Protect rep (Gary Robb) is coming over to ensure FENZ is ready for the changeover. We are taking this opportunity to hold 3 information sessions; these can be joined in person or via Teams.