FENZ has advertised firefighter positions in the Manawatu for candidates willing to work in any career position, watch or station.  

The NZPFFU advises members it is not in your interests to apply for these positions until further notice.  We have notified of a dispute (see attached) seeking an urgent meeting with FENZ.

• These positions are in breach of the collective agreement which requires firefighters to be assigned to a watch and a station.
• The firefighter could be significantly disadvantaged by these positions as many entitlements are dependent on identifying your usual station and designated watch.
• The substantive position would not be clear.
• FENZ has not consulted with the NZPFU about these positions, including on the impact on establishment numbers.

Please see attached notice of dispute which sets out many of contractual clauses that would be affected.   

While the advertisement states working at a career station, we are also greatly concerned that the manner in which these positions have been advertised indicates there may be an intention to have these firefighters cover/respond from Levin Fire Station.

On 22 April 2021 the NZPFU wrote to Region Manager Bruce Stubbs stating we had not heard from FENZ on the issue of a professional career crew at Levin Fire Station and that we were hearing rumours of intentions to advertise positions for Levin.  Last Friday (7^th May) Bruce Stubbs replied with the following:

“As you know, Fire and Emergency is aware there are pressures faced by the Levin Volunteer Fire Brigade for daytime response. No decision has yet been made to address the current challenges.
Fire and Emergency will ensure that it is meeting its obligations under the CEA and Employment Relations Act in respect of any decisions made.”

If there is any intention for these firefighters to be used to bolster Levin brigade response, and Mr Stubbs knew that, then he has deliberately mislead and deceived the union – a serious breach of good faith.

We will update members when we have met with FENZ.  Until then, we advise it is not in your interests to apply for the positions.

In unity,
Wattie Watson
National Secretary