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3 August

CTU / Wages of Working People Not Matching Inflation
Despite overall wages being increase by 3.4% according to the Labour Cost Index, this increase is still below the current inflation rate. CTU economist says “The incomes of working people don’t appear to be driving our current inflation rates”

5 August

Fire and Emergency NZ / Firefighters set for hour-long strike to protest understaffing and low wages
The New Zealand Firefighters have issued notice for two one-hour strikes over low wages and for safer work systems.

9 August

Essity / Kawerau toilet paper factory workers locked out over pay dispute
After a 3% pay increase was rejected the Pulp and paper workers have been locked out.

FredA – a drawn out very messy and personal dispute. The lockout followed only after a lengthy strike by union members. When this happens in small rural communities it will be spoken about for many years to come. It seems both the union and the employer are out of step.

10 August

Companies should prepare for potential ‘resurgence’ of unions
Unions are set to become more significant than they have been. Due to high and rising ineqaulites and gaps in work, and employees reassassing their values during the COVID-19 pandemic.

FredA – in line with overseas trend. Union membership is on the rise both in Europe and the USA

19th August

Fire and Emergency NZ / Paid firefighters strike for first time in NZ’s history
Firefighter have walked off the job in a nationwide strike after 13months of negotiations. Firefighters say they feel undervalued and unheard on issues of safety, staffing and lack of resources.

23 August

Visy board / First Strike In 25 Years For Packaging Workers Fighting For Decent Pay
Over 100 works from two Auckland packaging companies owned by Visy Board are set to take strike action. Members are wanting at least a 10% wage increase on a one year deal, with overtime payments starting before the 50hour mark.

FredA – long hours, overtime payment and a 10% wage increase are being claimed by ETU members.

27 August

Auckland SkyCity workers stop work, call for better pay
SkyCity Workers have walked off the job calling for living wages, saying that the current pay offer of between 4-6% is well below inflation rates and is not enough.

FredA – the Unite/SkyCity CA negotiating ritual is on again. Although the wage increase offer is in line with the union demanding the Living Wage as a starter.

28 August

New Zealand Universities / Staff pay negotiations begin at seven universities
Collective agreements at all of New Zealand’s Universities have expired. The university staff are calling for an 8% pay increase, a little over the CPI Rate.

29 August

Primary health care nurses rally for better pay
Primary care nurses have taken to the streets to rally for higher wages. Nurses who work in primary care (GP clinics and plunket) are paid less than nurses who fall under the new Te Whata Ora Health NZ (formally the district health board). A Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand spokesperson said negotiations were underway to establish a new Primary Health Care multi-employer collective agreement (MECA).

31 August

Ministry of health / More than 1300 midwives take Ministry of Health to court over work conditions
Midwives say the ministry has breached two settlement agreements aimed at improving pay and working conditions.