New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) members take part in strike action. Photo / Alyse Wright
New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) members take part in strike action. Photo / Alyse Wright
The PSA and the NZ Professional Firefighters Union are taking legal action to halt what they deem a “reckless” restructure that could see 140 jobs axed.
The proposed restructure would cut more than 10% of non-firefighting staff, disestablish all five regional staff teams and close some regional offices.
Themove would shave 10% off Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s annual budget.
The PSA and the NZ Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) said they have filed an urgent application with the Employment Relations Authority over the matter.
Members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) take part in strike action. Photo / Alyse Wright
“FENZ has clear obligations in the collective agreements to consult both the PSA and NZPFU about proposed changes that impact its members - not just their consequences.
“FENZ only provided an embargoed copy of its proposal to the PSA the day before announcing it to staff,” Fitzsimons said.
She said the PSA made several attempts between being advised about the restructure on October 29 and November 12 to be consulted.
“It’s simply not good enough,” she said.
Fire and Emergency chief executive Kerry Gregory previously said the proposed changes would touch about 700 roles nationally, with a net loss of about 400 positions.
Frontline firefighter positions were not impacted but “some supporting functions may change”.
“The proposal is about ensuring we are best positioned to deliver a modern and responsive emergency service,” Gregory said.
Final decisions were set to be made before the end of the year, following consultation.
NZPFU National Secretary Wattie Watson said the workers who face losing their jobs are critical to ensuring firefighters have access to the training and support they need to respond to emergencies properly.
“We are deeply concerned about the impacts on our members that are evident in the proposal, but also the unseen implications which we believe may be an attack on the necessary increase in career firefighters and decimating training,” Watson said.
Members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) take part in strike action. Photo / Alyse Wright
The PSA and NZPFU are asking the Employment Relations Authority to determine Fire and Emergency NZ has breached the collective agreement.
Fitzsimons said Fire and Emergency NZ workers were given a 265-page consultation document and told to provide feedback within two weeks.
“That’s not genuine consultation, it’s a box-ticking exercise,” she said,
Fitzsimons said they are seeking an urgent hearing because Fire and Emergency NZ intended to confirm its decisions on December 17, just before Christmas.
She said this will leave many workers and their families facing a bleak holiday period with their jobs on the line.
“The recent Tongariro wildfire was a stark reminder of the need to have a well-resourced fire and emergency response.
“The Government refused to increase insurance levies last year so the buck stops with them.
“It must step in, stop the cuts and properly fund critical emergency services,” Fitzsimons said.
What roles could be impacted?
The roles impacted by this restructuring would include wildfire specialists, desktop and network engineers, project managers, business analysts, learning operations co-ordinators and team leaders.
It would also impact procurement/sourcing specialists, risk reduction advisers, community readiness and recovery advisers and business service co-ordinators.
Sign up to The Daily H, a free newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
