Emergency Services Strained as Fire and Emergency Receives 15 Calls Amid Strike

Key Takeaways

• The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) went on a one-hour strike due to broken-down pay talks with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ)
• FENZ received 15 calls for help during the strike, including one callout for a small grassfire near Whangārei
• The union has given notice of two more strikes over the next fortnight, which FENZ claims puts people’s safety at risk
• FENZ has applied for independent facilitation to resolve the long-running dispute with the NZPFU
• The dispute began in July 2024, with the union’s most recent proposal being more than three times FENZ’s offer

Introduction to the Dispute
The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) recently took a significant step in their ongoing dispute with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) by walking off the job for an hour at midday on Friday. This move came after pay talks between the two parties broke down, with the union citing a significant gap between their proposed pay increase and FENZ’s offer. The strike was a clear indication of the frustration and desperation felt by the firefighters, who have been negotiating with FENZ since July 2024. Despite the efforts of both parties, a resolution has yet to be reached, leading to the current stalemate.

Impact of the Strike
During the one-hour strike, FENZ received 15 calls for help, including one callout for a small grassfire near Whangārei. Although the strike was relatively short, it still had a significant impact on the community, with FENZ warning that responses to emergency calls would be delayed. In a statement, FENZ deputy national commander Megan Stiffler advised businesses to take extra precautions to prevent fires and ensure that their tenants were aware of evacuation procedures. She also urged people to evacuate early and stay out in the event of a fire, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety above all else. The strike highlighted the critical role that firefighters play in keeping communities safe and the need for a swift resolution to the dispute.

Negotiations and Proposals
The dispute between the NZPFU and FENZ began in July 2024, with the union seeking a significant pay increase. However, FENZ has stated that the union’s most recent proposal is more than three times its offer and far beyond what it is willing to agree to. The large gap between the two parties’ proposals has made it challenging to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. FENZ has applied for independent facilitation to help bring the parties together and resolve the dispute, citing the protracted nature of the negotiations and the impact on public safety. The union, on the other hand, has given notice of two more strikes over the next fortnight, which FENZ claims puts people’s safety at risk.

Consequences of Prolonged Dispute
The prolonged dispute between the NZPFU and FENZ has significant consequences for the community. The repeated strike action and delayed responses to emergency calls can have a profound impact on public safety. FENZ has warned that the union is "rolling the dice" on people’s safety by calling another round of strike action, highlighting the need for a swift resolution to the dispute. The dispute also has implications for the firefighters themselves, who are seeking fair compensation for their critical work. The NZPFU has emphasized the importance of reaching a fair agreement, citing the need to attract and retain skilled firefighters to keep communities safe.

Conclusion and Next Steps
The dispute between the NZPFU and FENZ is a complex and challenging issue that requires a swift and fair resolution. The recent strike and notice of further industrial action highlight the urgency of the situation and the need for both parties to work together to find a mutually acceptable agreement. The application for independent facilitation by FENZ is a positive step towards resolving the dispute, and it is essential that both parties engage in constructive dialogue to find a solution. Ultimately, the community relies on the bravery and dedication of firefighters to keep them safe, and it is crucial that their concerns are heard and addressed in a fair and timely manner.