Can the Minister or her officials confirm if pay will be deducted from Fire and Emergency staff that engage in strike action who are not firefighters or considered 'front line'?

Answer

I am advised that Fire and Emergency New Zealand intends to exercise its right not to pay any employees who withhold their labour in full, with effect from the week commencing 23 March 2026, as previously communicated to the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU), its members, and the wider organisation. This approach applies to all employees who participate in strike action involving a full withdrawal of labour, including those who are not firefighters or in frontline roles. The NZPFU represents a range of roles across Fire and Emergency, including Communications Centre staff, Trainers, Volunteer Support Officers, and Risk Reduction and Community Readiness personnel