The NZPFU and FENZ will meet in mediation on the 7^th November 2022 in an attempt to resolve the breaches of good faith bargaining and consultation.

Last month the NZPFU filed claims in the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) of breaches of good faith bargaining and consultation after FENZ released a “People Branch Reset” document affecting trainers and other members in the health, safety and wellbeing roles.

The “reset” cuts across various NZPFU claims in the bargaining for the collective agreement.  At no time when those claims were discussed did FENZ inform the NZPFU it was proposing the changes outlined in the reset.  FENZ has not consulted with the NZPFU (despite claiming key stakeholders were involved) or notified the NZPFU of the development and design of this proposal which has significant ramifications for trainers and the delivery of training.  The NZPFU also had claims for health, safety and wellbeing roles and welfare officers affected by this proposal.  

FENZ also failed to disclose its intentions when the agreement was reached for facilitated mediation.  FENZ has repeatedly behaved contrary to its obligations to act in good faith, to consult in accordance with the NZPFU collective agreement.  

Dates will be set for hearing in the ERA if the matter is not resolved at mediation.

To read the earlier national notice go to https://www.nzpfu.org.nz/news/nzpfu-files-application-claiming-fenz-has-breached-good-faith-bargaining/ 

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary