Christchurch firefighters are preparing to join a nationwide one-hour strike on October 17.

It comes as tensions escalate between the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).

The strike, set to occur from 12pm to 1pm, comes after months of stalled negotiations, with local members expressing frustration over unresolved issues.

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In Christchurch, the strike will focus on the city’s role in the broader dispute over wages, staffing, and equipment.

Michael Stewart, Christchurch Local Secretary of the NZPFU, told Chris Lynch Media firefighters will strike at various locations around Christchurch.

“The Christchurch City Station will be walking off our station at 12 pm, and walking to the corners of Colombo and Hereford Street, near the KFC and where the Tram comes through from High Street. It will be Blue watch on duty.

“Call centre staff will walk out from the Emergency Services Precinct and meet City Station in town, he said.

“We will make our way back to City Station around 12.45pm to allow us time to get back on duty at 1 PM. The off-duty staff will walk the Communication Centre staff for their return to duty at the same time.”

The catalyst for the strike traces back to June 13, when FENZ presented an offer that was overwhelmingly rejected by 99% of NZPFU members across the country, including those in Christchurch.

Since then, FENZ has not tabled any revised proposals, leaving firefighters feeling undervalued and ignored. Local union representatives in Christchurch have echoed national sentiments, pointing to a lack of progress on critical matters that directly impact daily operations in the region.

NZPFU members in Christchurch are particularly fed up with understaffing at emergency dispatch centers, outdated and faulty fire appliances, and inadequate support for occupational health issues like cancer and mental trauma.