FENZ Union Members Not Happy With Hold Up in Negotiations
Invercargill FENZ union members are disappointed at the hold up with mediator’s recommendations, and have started passive strike action as a result.
Station manager Aaron Ramsey said although they don’t have the detail of the recommendations, (which are embargoed until October 21), union members have been told that is largely a positive outcome that sets a solid foundation for resolving the dispute.
“We remain committed to settling the dispute as soon as possible though FENZ don’t appear to have the same urgency. “
The union sought to have a meeting about it today but FENZ said they couldn’t meet with them until the 27th.
“This reflects their attitude throughout the negotiations where their actions don’t match their words. This is why we had to bring the Industrial Action back,” he said.
As of Saturday morning 8am, FENZ staff have stepped back on their administration tasks such as reporting, are actively wearing their strike action T-shirts, and have relaunched the www.firecrisis.nz web page.
“We just need to keep the pressure on. They have had all of this time and yet they can’t make time to work on it. It’s just arrogant,” Aaron said.
The action FENZ members are taking will have no impact on communities, and people will not see any difference in their response activities.
“The progress we have made so far is due in no small part to the support we have had from the members of our communities and we thank them for this.”
Full strike action is not on the cards at this stage, and would require a full two weeks notice, Aaron said.