Horns sounded non-stop in support of professional firefighters in Masterton, with unionised members walking off the job for a second week in a row.
The region’s professional firefighters and family members stood in the rain on Chapel St between 11am and noon yesterday, striking for better work conditions.
Masterton brigade’s union secretary Tim Scott confirmed strike action will continue into September, with walk-offs planned for the next two Fridays.
He said Fire and Emergency [FENZ] had refused mediation and action could escalate further if the organisation did “come to the table”.
Firefighters are striking for better pay, resources, and safer working conditions. FENZ national commander Russell Wood said mediation with the union had reached an impasse.
“Despite over a year of negotiations including mediation, we are still a significant distance apart.”
He said FENZ believed the Employment Relations Authority would see the fastest and most effective resolution.
There were no incidents in Masterton during the strike, however, the brigade was alerted to an alarm activation shortly after the action ended. There were 10 calls to Fire and Emergency across New Zealand during the strike action.
