Key Takeaways
- The Professional Firefighters’ Union has cancelled a one-hour strike that was scheduled to take place on Boxing Day
- The strike has been rescheduled for 2 and 9 January, with a duration of one hour on each day
- Volunteer firefighters will respond to 111 calls during the strike hour
- Collective bargaining between Fire and Emergency and the Professional Firefighters’ Union has broken down, leading to facilitation by the Employment Relations Authority
- A grass fire was extinguished by firefighters near Swannanoa, north of Christchurch, after burning for three hours
Introduction to the Strike
The Professional Firefighters’ Union had initially planned to go on a one-hour strike on Boxing Day, which would have begun at midday. However, in a last-minute decision, the union chose to withdraw the strike, citing the importance of the day for those who were not rostered to work. This decision allowed volunteer firefighters, who would have felt obligated to respond during the strike, to relax and enjoy the holiday with their families. The cancellation of the strike was a welcome relief for many, as it ensured that people’s safety was not compromised.
Collective Bargaining Breakdown
The decision to cancel the strike comes after collective bargaining between Fire and Emergency and the Professional Firefighters’ Union broke down. The Employment Relations Authority has since intervened, sending the parties into facilitation in an effort to resolve the dispute. Despite the breakdown in negotiations, the union has announced that it will proceed with a one-hour strike on 2 and 9 January. This move is likely to put pressure on Fire and Emergency to revisit the negotiations and work towards a resolution. The fact that the strike has been rescheduled for two separate days suggests that the union is determined to make its voice heard and to push for a better deal for its members.
Response to the Cancelled Strike
Fire and Emergency has expressed its pleasure that the strike did not go ahead, stating that the safety of the public was not compromised as a result. The organization’s response suggests that it is committed to maintaining a high level of service, even in the face of industrial action. Meanwhile, the Professional Firefighters’ Union has demonstrated its willingness to take a stand and fight for the rights of its members. The decision to cancel the strike on Boxing Day may have been a strategic move, designed to garner public support and to highlight the importance of the union’s demands.
Grass Fire in Swannanoa
In a separate incident, firefighters have successfully extinguished a grass fire that broke out on the bank of the Waimakariri River near Swannanoa, north of Christchurch. The fire, which was reported just after 11pm on Thursday, burned for three hours and required the efforts of three tankers to bring under control. The fact that the fire was fanned by high winds made it a challenging blaze to fight, but the firefighters’ quick response and expertise ultimately led to its extinguishment. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of the work that firefighters do, and the need for adequate resources and support to ensure that they can respond effectively to emergencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cancellation of the one-hour strike on Boxing Day has provided a temporary reprieve for the public, but the underlying issues between Fire and Emergency and the Professional Firefighters’ Union remain unresolved. The decision to reschedule the strike for 2 and 9 January suggests that the union is determined to push for a better deal, and it remains to be seen how the negotiations will play out. Meanwhile, the successful extinguishment of the grass fire near Swannanoa serves as a testament to the skill and dedication of firefighters, and highlights the importance of their work in keeping communities safe. As the situation continues to unfold, it is likely that there will be further developments and updates, and it will be important to monitor the situation closely to see how it resolves.
