UFBA comment on NZPFU Settlement Offer

Kia ora koutou

It’s great to see progress being made on the NZPFU dispute with FENZ … it is even better to see that the government has listened to our message and is ensuring the funds used to settle this claim do not come from existing budgets.

As you know, our concern was that would impact the resources available for our members – particularly our volunteers.

That was a core message in the meetings UFBA execs held with Minister Jan Tinetti two-months ago and in the parliamentary briefing that was sent to all of New Zealand’s 120 MPs this week (view on our website here: https://www.ufba.org.nz/news/ufba-parliament-briefing)

You may have noticed that as well as the pay increases, the settlement looks to include a number of changes to paid firefighters terms and conditions. The details are still being worked through but they include things like health, safety and wellbeing benefits.

You’ll be pleased to know we have already been in communication with FENZ’s leadership today to make sure that, where applicable, those additional benefits are made available to the volunteers too.

We recognise that volunteers make up 85% of New Zealand’s frontline firefighters and we’re determined to ensure you are well supported.

We’ll keep you in the loop as things progress. In the meantime, rest assured we are advocating for you.

Nga mihi
UFBA