Porirua firefighters are taking part in a nationwide strike today, joining approximately 2,000 members of the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) who walked off the job at 12 noon to protest unsafe working conditions and stalled negotiations with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).
Locally, striking firefighters and supporters are gathering at the intersection of Titahi Bay Road and Lyttelton Avenue, near the old police station.
The union has also issued notices for further strike action on 12 and 19 December, but says these could be avoided if FENZ returns to the bargaining table. The Employment Relations Authority has directed both parties into facilitated bargaining, but the NZPFU says FENZ’s refusal to engage since 18 November has already delayed progress.
The strike comes amid growing concerns over a proposed FENZ restructure that would cut 160 jobs, affecting more than 70 NZPFU members. Although firefighter numbers are not directly reduced, the union says the changes would severely impact training and future recruitment.
Other major concerns include:
- No new fire appliances delivered to career stations in eight years
- A static number of career firefighters despite a population boom
- Slower emergency response times due to staffing shortages and vehicle breakdowns
- Delays in cancer screening programmes and possible asbestos exposure in breathing gear
- Pay disparities, with many firefighters earning under $85,000 while executive salaries reach up to $480,000
“This is a fight to save New Zealand’s fire service,” the union said. “We’re calling on communities like Porirua to stand with their firefighters.”
Residents can find more details on the strike and how to show support at direemergency.nz/events.