Gisborne’s professional firefighters part of more strike action on Friday

Gisborne professional firefighters protesting at the corner of Reads Quay and Gladstone Rd last month as part of nationwide strike action over working conditions. Photo / Murray Robertson

Members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) will stop work again for one hour on Friday.

The strike will be a further protest at delays in the settlement of their long-running dispute with Fire and Emergency NZ.

This latest action will again run from 12pm to 1pm.

Gisborne firefighters will walk down to the Heipipi Endeavour Park corner to run their picket.

They have previously voiced their frustration at the time being taken to settle the negotiations.

A local union spokesman said change was needed on things like staffing levels and occupational cancers.

Fire and Emergency will continue to answer 111 calls and respond to fires in affected areas during the hour, using volunteers.

The national body said that it would take longer than usual to respond to some emergencies in cities and larger towns.