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As Hibiscus Matters went to print, local firefighters were holding their breath to see whether or not they would need to dig out their placards again in preparation for a third round of strike action.
Strikes by Silverdale’s paid crews were well supported by the public back in August, but any such action has been suspended since then as talks resumed between the firefighters’ union and Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ).
Facilitated mediation between the parties has been ongoing since early September, with both sides hoping for an end to the deadlock.
Last week, the NZ Professional Firefighters Union issued a strike notice, with potential walk-offs for an hour,11am-12noon on November 4, 7, 11 and 14.
The mediator, Graeme Colgan, provided his 46-page report on October 14 and it was released publicly a week later. Its key findings include that health and wellbeing issues need to be promptly and seriously addressed, that firefighters are underpaid and overworked, with more recruitment needed and a significant increase in base remuneration.
Having read the findings, the two sides met again for talks on Thursday, October 27.
Silverdale’s senior station officer, Steve Robinson says firefighters hoped that those talks would prevent any escalation back to strike action.
In a statement on October 21 FENZ chief executive Kerry Gregory said the aim is for a collective agreement that’s fair for professional firefighters, as well as being affordable and sustainable for FENZ.
“It’s helpful that the mediator has verified through an independent financial advisor the significant challenge for Fire and Emergency to fund the current claims,” Gregory said. “This is an obvious challenge for both parties, however we are exploring all our options in this regard. It’s clear we will both have to make compromises.”
He says he had hoped the union would hold off strike action while the parties worked through the recommendations in the report.
“I urge them to reconsider and put all their focus into finding a way forward.”
Gregory acknowledged that trust and confidence has broken down between the parties, but said he is determined to rebuild the relationship for the benefit of all.
“Moving forward together, is in everyone’s interest – not least the public. We will be working constructively with the union in order to reach an agreement as soon as possible,’ Gregory said.
Backstories February 21 and September 5, 2022
