NZ workplace relations updates for March 2024

Read on for a summary of ER events.

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1 Mar

One NZ Workers & the Fight to Work From Home

One NZ call centre staff are on strike while they try to negotiate a new collective agreement.

One NZ has offered 1.5 – 2.5% rate increases, which the union members have refused to accept.

• What the union are wanting:10% pay claim, following below inflation wage rises in previous years
• Extension to coverage of the collective contract to include more workers
• Long standing service leave – extra leave week after 5, 10, and 15 years working for the company
• Evening and weekend rates (workers are on a 7-day rotating roster, working anywhere from 7am to 9pm)
• Current and successful Working from home arrangements to be continued.

Fred A – The 2 big issues – The right to be allowed to continue to work from home & a decent wage increase. Currently the offer from the employer is well below the inflation rate at 2.5%. Anything much below 4% moves into strike territory.

5 Mar

Pay equity win for therapists in schools and at Ministry of Education

School therapists are the next group to receive a pay increase (up to 34%) due to the accepted pay equity claim.

The claim was raised in November 2020 in recognition of the historical undervaluation of the work done. The new rate has given confidence in being able to attract new staff and retain skilled therapists.

This new rate is effective from 25 May 2023.

11 Mar

Health Workers fed up with delay in owed holiday pay

Frustrations in the delay of the Holidays Act remediation payments and the continued wait, has moved members of the New Zealand Nurses organization (NZNO) to picket at the Christchurch Hospital.

Over 302,000 Te whatu ora employees across New Zealand are owed reimbursement for incorrect payment on leave entitlements.

Fred A – This requires a quick fix from government agents! If they can find money to make payments to Landlords they can and should sort this out as a priority.

12 Mar

Police considering protests, ‘work to rule’ over ‘insulting’ pay offer

Police are upset at the recent offer from the government and Police association during the negotiations being held, and are considering taking industrial action in the form of “work to rule’.

It is illegal for Police officers to strike due to the nature of the work, however officers if they go ahead with the “work to rule” plans will refuse overtime work, and will ensure they take all mandated breaks which will cause havoc in under and low staffed areas.

September 2023 saw the offer of a $4000 increase, backdated to April 2023, followed by a 4% pay increase effective April 2024 rejected by the Police.

The offer given on Friday during the recent round of negotiations was $5000 increase back dated to November 2023, followed by 4% pay increase effective July 2025. Also included in the offer was a reduction to the accumulation of leave from 45 days to 35, and removing compensation for officers called in early. This offer was also rejected.

Fred A – A new offer has been tabled however word is that it is not going to get it over the line. Final offer arbitration looks a real possibility. The government seems to be prioritizing tax cuts for the wealthy and landlords but won’t pay officers a decent wage increase.

18 Mar

Uber Drivers To Rally As Appeal On Contractor Misclassification Begins

Uber drivers will rally outside the court of appeal in wellington on Tuesday 19^th of march, to appeal against the 2022 employment court verdict, that four drivers were permanent employees and not contractors.

Fred A – This is a big issue for the hundreds of Uber drivers – but also for the Government who are looking to change the law limiting contractor’s rights.

22 Mar

Rotorua parks, cemeteries contractors to strike over pay stalemate

Seventy-five workers employed by InfraCore, a council-controlled organization in Rotorua, will go on an eight-day strike starting this Friday. The strike aims to resolve unsuccessful pay negotiations that have persisted for eight months.

Staff members feel undervalued as many with 10 years experience are being paid $23.65 an hour where a trainee rate at other local councils are being paid living wage ($26).

Fred A – Ongoing strike threats. Huge discontent with the pay for contractors and permanents. Is this a taste of what we can expect across cash strapped councils?

22 Mar

Public service job cuts: What ministries are proposing

Fred A – Politically loaded issue and generating high levels of frustration amongst public service employees. Affects all Ministries, with some looking for headcount reductions of up to 35%. The public service is highly unionized, so expect huge push back from the two biggest unions in NZ – the PSA & ETU. The main theme seems to be, the new government needs to be able to fund promised tax cuts to its voters. A leaner Public Service is viewed as potential for generating these funds. There are many Collective Agreement negotiations coming up this year in the Public Sector, Local Councils and government funded specialist institution. We could be faced with some real fireworks in negotiations across NZ

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