The NZPFU and FENZ have been in bargaining for the past day and a half.

Yesterday the NZPFU put up an option resulting from the information we received the week before that FENZ would not agree to.

The NZPFU spent most of yesterday with the consultants re-working the costings and timeframes for wage increases and the collective agreement. The NZPFU’s new offer was presented through the consultant this morning. FENZ engaged to ensure they fully understood the model and implications.

FENZ refused to move at all from their position claiming we were still too far apart.

The NZPFU was clear with them that we believed they were refusing to move or bargain really because they wanted to set up the scenario to favour their application for facilitation. FENZ’s application has been adjourned to be heard on the 25th November where a decision on whether the NZPFU and FENZ can be ordered to Facilitation will follow.

FENZ is intent on seeking facilitation.

The Union is intent on wanting to negotiate a fair and reasonable outcome.

We do not believe this is the end of the road but FENZ is leaving us with few options when they will not actually negotiate which requires them to move from the position they outlined in Christchurch in the first week of November. We asked for more bargaining dates which FENZ was not prepared to commit to at this time.

The NZPFU National Committee has determined that Friday’s complete stoppage for one hour from 12 noon will proceed.

Locals and members are requested to voice their concerns through that strike and through every medium available to them.

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