The NZPFU and FENZ met for bargaining over three days this week.

The discussions were meaningful.

It was refreshing to be able to have intelligent and thoughtful discussions which was in stark contrast to the first 12 months of bargaining where some FENZ representatives were disinterested, disrespectful and out of their depth.

The NZPFU has re-worked some claims in an innovative way in a bid to find a framework which could lead to a settlement. FENZ thought the proposal was worthy of exploring. FENZ now has to provide relevant information to the NZPFU and agreed consultants so that all implications can be properly considered. The NZPFU pushed to have that information provided this week and the parties have set down a meeting for Monday (10th November) to discuss that information. The parties have also agreed to two more days bargaining on the 17th and 18thNovember 2005.

FENZ has also moved closer to accepting some of the NZPFU’s claims that they had previously rejected outright.

The NZPFU National Committee has decided to withdraw the one-hour full stoppage scheduled from midday this Friday (7 November). While there is no guarantee we are on the path to settlement, the discussions have progressed a number of claims.

FENZ needs to understand that the cancellation of this Friday’s strike will only be a short respite from the industrial action if they do not provide the necessary information with urgency and prioritise finding a way to reach a settlement.

Today the NZPFU issued a new strike notice for a full one-hour stoppage on 21 November. We have previously issued a notice of a full one-hour stoppage from 12 noon for Friday 14th November 2005.

Next week’s strike (14th November) hinges on FENZ ensuring the information to the NZPFU and Consultants promptly so that can discussions can progress next week.

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