New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union calls for raft of improvements

On an emotional day for firefighters, the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) has come out in support of the many recommendations contained in the National Commanders Inquiry into Canterbury's Earthquake 22 February 2011.

NZPFU President Steve Warner says the report has recognised the incredible efforts of both local and national New Zealand Fire Service and New Zealand Urban Search and Rescue members during Canterbury's darkest hour.

"Today is a poignant day for firefighters across the world as we remember our brothers and sisters who died trying to save lives ten years ago in the World Trade Centre. Despite our employer, the New Zealand Fire Service, not allowing on duty firefighters to attend today's memorial in Christchurch, because of a breakdown in pay negotiations, hundreds refused to back down and attended anyway.

Steve Warner says, "Our members felt that remembering firefighters who die in the line of duty is of huge importance and we are disappointed that our employer used today's remembrance as an opportunity to try and score points against the union.

"On this significant day we also announced our support of many of the recommendations made in the National Commanders Inquiry into Canterbury's Earthquake 22 February 2011.

"We've taken a good amount of time to thoroughly read through the report and consult with our members. We're satisfied that the recommendations are solid moves forward which will bring about positive improvements in safety and efficiency, not only for our members but also for the New Zealand public."

Mr Warner says the Union is calling for the full implementation of all of the more than 40 improvement recommendations rising from the inquiry. "We're concerned that some of the matters raised in the report will be overlooked and put in the too hard basket, but at the end of the day, these recommendations are things that perhaps should have been put in place a long time ago and will stand us in good stead if and when we're faced with another major natural disaster."

Mr Warner says professional firefighters are satisfied the report has recognised management shortcomings in planning and communications before and during the Christchurch event. "Despite poor planning and lack of management, 95% of rescues were carried out by our members prior to members of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) arrival, indicating the skills and knowledge of our members is of the highest calibre."

Mr Warner says the report also suggests that USAR efforts would be better under the command of the NZ Fire Service. The NZPFU is concerned this shouldn't just be a change of uniform, but must include increased training and communication with members.

"USAR teams are trained to be completely self-sufficient," says Mr Warner. "They operate under the terms of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group which is under a United Nations mandate. That's why teams from across the globe were able to hit the ground running when we needed them most - they were all singing off the same song sheet. While we support the recommendation for further investigation into a closer working relationship with USAR, we recognise that not all USAR members are firefighters and therefore would be wary of full integration with the NZFS. However we are committed to working together to achieve the best outcome for the New Zealand public"

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