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Silverdale’s career firefighters are “reasonably pleased” with the offer put on the table by Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) and the NZ Professional Firefighters Union last week, aimed at bringing the long-running dispute between those parties to an end.
It included several strikes, with Silverdale firefighters protesting in Ōrewa.
On the table for union members to consider is a deal that includes cumulative wage increases of up to 24 percent, backdated to last year – this is a big increase on the previous offer, and was enabled by Government support, FENZ says.
It also includes blood screening for early detection of occupational diseases such as cancer and better psychological support.
The deal was to be ratified last week and Silverdale Senior station officer Shane Doughty said he was confident that it would go through.
“It gives us certainty and shows that we are appreciated,” he said. “It is quite a substantial offer and it’s been a long time coming.”
He says another key issue – resources and equipment – is also covered, with equal representation on relevant working parties
