Important update for volunteers regarding the escalated NZPFU industrial strike action

We recognise that members will have questions about what these longer strike periods mean for volunteers and their brigades.

Following the recent release of the National Commander’s Intent (see below), the UFBA is receiving requests for information about contingency arrangements and expectations of volunteers during these strikes. 

We are also aware that invitations have been circulated for online information meetings, beginning at 10am on Friday 13 November. We encourage members to attend the session to understand the arrangements and raise questions.

The UFBA will continue to seek assurance that contingency arrangements do not transfer unreasonable operational, physical or psychological burdens to FENZ volunteers. 

We will continue to raise with FENZ and monitor:

• How volunteer interests are represented in industrial disruption planning.
• How operational capability and community confidence will be protected.
• The extent of reliance on volunteer firefighters during industrial action.
• Volunteers’ capacity to sustain additional operational demands, alongside work, whānau and other commitments.
• Volunteer safety, competence and appropriate tasking.
• The effects of industrial conflict on relationships between paid and volunteer personnel.
• The safeguards in place to protect volunteers from inappropriate industrial pressure.

For volunteers, the practical message is to keep your availability status up to date in AMS and turn out if you are available and willing to do so. Be realistic about your capacity, including fatigue and commitments outside the brigade, and discuss any concerns about availability, tasking or safety with your brigade leaders. The National Commanders Intent message is clear that people will only respond within their training, equipment and PPC capabilities.

We acknowledge the commitment volunteers continue to show to their communities. Your safety and wellbeing must remain central to planning for these extended strike periods.

Please raise concerns with the UFBA (connect@ufba.org.nz) so we can continue to represent volunteer interests and seek answers from FENZ. We will keep members updated as further information becomes available.