Sign In / Register
Further protests by local career firefighters were called off this month as the parties work with central Government towards a possible settlement.
The November strikes would have been the third round of protests to be held since August, when the dispute between the firefighters’ union and Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) failed to reach resolution.
Career firefighters are seeking improvements to wages and conditions, including better resourcing of stations.
Last week the NZ Professional Firefighters’ Union advised members that Government had put forward a proposal and negotiations had recommenced.
However, the union also stated its view that the Government proposal, while it could assist with settlement, “will not, on its own, settle systemic issues including staffing, safe systems of work, health and wellness and low wages”.
The parties met on Wednesday, November 9.
In light of this, two protests, on November 4 and 7, were called off but as Hibiscus Matters went to print, strike notices were still in place for November 11 and 14.
Silverdale’s senior station officer, Steve Robinson, says firefighters do not want to strike, and are hopeful that this latest round of talks could be constructive.
