NZ workplace relations updates for May 2024
Read on for a summary of ER events.
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The negative story – more redundancies and job cuts right across New Zealand with the epicenter being Wellington. In summary:
FA – The ongoing cut and slash approach by the coalition government has resulted in a backlash from the public with a couple of recent political polls showing a huge rating drop for all three parties. Employers and employees are not immune to this. Low or no increases in a climate a high cost of living environment has the unions on high alert. CEA negotiations across Aotearoa/New Zealand are tense and strike action is happening frequently.
ASB bank workers are walking off the job today. Staff are unhappy with the offer of an average 3.5% pay increase for all workers – they feel that this offer is a wage cut, due to the high inflation and cost of living.
FA – what’s new, Australian owned banks making record profits in NZ. Offering employees below CPI rate increases seems grossly out of step
3 May
The pay equity taskforce that works for equal pay for women is being disestablished.
Three years ago the Labour government put in place the taskforce to help government agencies navigate the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining.
FA – Are women not worth equal pay?
5 May
Care and support workers in New Zealand are rallying for better pay and conditions. This movement has gained momentum as workers, employers, and clients collectively push for an urgent pay increase ahead of the expiration of current legislation that governs their wages and qualifications. Approximately 65,000 workers are affected, and they face significant financial hardship due to stagnant wages amidst high inflation.
Despite a proposed 3% wage increase, many workers find this insufficient to meet their needs. The unions and employers have agreed on a pay equity deal, but delays from Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand) in finalizing the settlement have caused frustration.
6 May
Jaychem and Essano union members a on strike on Tuesday and will be withdrawing Labour on Monday and Tuesday – totaling eight days of industrial action.
The industrial action comes from workers at both Essano and Jaychem being forced to take a pay cut during the negotiations, and already when compared to others working in similar businesses, are being underpaid.
FA – this is a sad story! Can’t believe these 2 Auckland based companies. Keeping employees on the minimum wage for 20 yrs seems harsh and greedy.
10 May
The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) hnave ruled TVNZ in breach of their collective agreement when they have discontinued programmes. It was announced in March that 68 staff members who work for Midday, Tonight, Fair Go, Sunday, Re: and in video content production were affected by redundancy.
FA – embarrassing for TVNZ management and HR
15 May
More disruption Is expected in the health sector as Junior doctors go on strike for two days. Doctors are striking because 600 doctors were set to get a pay cut of up to 12% whiles the majority were getting an increase of 20%.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/517022/junior-doctors-strike-over-pay-and-conditions
FA – hey we have a shortage of doctors. Probably see them all cross the Tasman.
21 May
After eight months of negotiations Staff at the university of Waikato are going on strike. Staff are wanting a 5% increase, The current offer is 2.85%.
FA – in the current economic climate any organization offering less than the CPI /inflation is likely to become a target for strike action
24 May
Seven months of Stalled negotiations have lead more than 290 lab workers, scientists, technicains and administrators at the NZ Blood service to take strike action.
Staff are paid around 13-35% lower than their counterparts at Te Whatu Ora, the industrial action will include, refusal to do work outside of paid hours, refusal to do overtime and extra shifts, and a partial strike by refusing to do duties associated with processing AHF plasma.
FA – It seems another shamble in the making. Broken promises?
28 May
The New Zealand Ambulance Association (NZAA) has announced a two-week industrial action following six months of unsuccessful pay negotiations with St John. The NZAA has listed five actions to pressure St John into offering a better pay deal. If demands are not met, members will:
St John, a charitable organization, receives over 82% of its funding from the government.
FA – with 80% government funding for the service. How does the service find money for inflation linked increases without an increase in this funding? The strike at St John’s is clearly aimed at the government.
Disclaimer: Fred A’s comments are solely his personal opinion and should not be viewed as factual or as an authoritative commentary in regard to any published article, individual and organisation.
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Image Credit/ Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
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