Fire service staff across the country have had a promise their jobs are safe – and the PSA wants their voices heard loud and clear throughout the transition to the new Fire and Emergency New Zealand.
Internal Affairs minister Peter Dunne has promised there will be no job cuts and workers will keep their terms and conditions of employment as urban and rural fire services merge into one agency.
“The promise that no jobs will go is good news for PSA members – and all fire service staff,” PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay says.
But Mr Barclay says staff employed in the corporate and administration areas may have to wait some time before the full impact on their jobs is known.
The Fire and Emergency New Zealand board has yet to decide how its organisation will be structured and some jobs may change substantially.
The PSA is calling for the Minister and the Board to engage fully with staff and unions throughout the process.
“The minister has taken time to consult widely during the course of this review and he’s clearly taken into account the feedback from firefighters,” Mr Barclay says.
“Now we want him to keep those lines of communication open and listen to our members too.
“Mr Dunne’s acknowledged that the success of the merger will depend on how the new services are deployed.
“Fire and Emergency New Zealand workers make the service what it is – whether they’re out there dealing with 111 calls or providing crucial support.
“We’d like to see our members being consulted about the changes and helping the board find the best ways to work.
“They know this change is necessary, and they want to be a part of it.”
