NZ Workplace Relations Updates: August 2024 Strikes and Pay Disputes
Read on for a summary of ER events.
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2 Aug
St John ambulance staff considering ‘last resort’ strike over pay deal
Two unions representing paramedics are in an eight-month negotiation with St John over fair pay. The unions claim St John has not offered any pay increases, with some paramedics earning below the living wage. The unions are now voting on further strike actions, including potential labor withdrawal.
The dispute isn’t just about pay but also concerns the funding structure and charity status of St John, New Zealand’s largest ambulance service, which relies on government funding, donations, and patient fees. The unions argue that ambulance services should be publicly owned and fully funded.
FA – The funding tug of war continues at St John. As an essential service to the public in NZ the ambulance service needs a better funding model. The unions, St John management and central government have been doing this merry strike dance for more than a decade.
6 Aug
Woolworths staff vote for strike action over low wage offers, staff safety concerns
10,000 Woolworths members have voted for strike action over low wage offers and understaffing issues. Their action will include “non-compliance with media and social media policies, the wearing of a strike sticker on work uniforms, and for members of 10 specific stores handing out “receipt”-style flyers to customers.”
Members are seeking living wages, safer staffing, increased penal rates and better starting rates.
The current offer includes a 6.6% increase averaged over two years.
FA – Who is going to blink first?? In the past First Union has used similar tactics which have secured their members substantial increases at Woolworths. The poor economy is contributing to the current stand-off.
7 August
McDonald’s begins paying out 60,000 staff after payroll botch-up
McDonald’s began the process of paying out holiday pay to tens of thousands of workers, nearly five years after agreeing to do so due to a payroll error. The issue dates back to a 2019 deal, where McDonald’s agreed to reimburse employees for 10 years of miscalculated holiday pay.
Unite Union claim only about half of the estimated 80,000 affected workers will receive payments, and some employees are getting reduced amounts due to McDonald’s offsetting overpayments.
FA – the current government has committed to simplifying the holidays act. This hopefully includes calculating holiday pay.
8 August
Up to 100 jobs at Oamaru meats in jeopardy
The MWU ( Meat workers union) are fighting to save up to 100 jobs at the Oamaru Meats processing plant.
14 August
Reserve Bank Forecasts a year of recession and higher unemployment
CTU Economist Craig Renney expressed concern over the Reserve Bank’s recent forecast, which predicts a year of recession and rising unemployment. The Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate by 0.25% to 5.25%, citing indicators that the economy is contracting faster than expected.
The forecast now predicts unemployment will rise to 5.4% by June 2025, which is higher than previous estimates, potentially resulting in nearly 10,000 additional job losses. Average wages are expected to increase only marginally in real terms, by just 0.2% over the next year, which Renney finds particularly troubling.
FA – High unemployment and low wage increases is going to be with us for the next 12 months, impacting both Business and Consumer confidence negatively.
15 August
Bay of Islands Hospital unable to take new admissions amid doctor shortage
Due to a shortage of doctors, the Bay of Islands Hospital are unable to take any new patients and will be transferring patients to other hospitals. Health New Zealand was warned this would happen after locum rates (stand in) were reduced.
Doctors fear staff shortages at rural hospitals will increase pressure on larger hospitals.
FA – Same, same for the Health Service! Is central government in NZ replicating what happened in the UK with their NHS falling apart due to massive underfunding?
16 August
Hospital MRI and nuclear medicine technologists strike for four days
200 hospital based MRI and Nuclear Medicine technologists have gone on strike for four days from Friday 16th August. The strike action is due to the large 30% difference in public and private pay rates. Hospitals have been outsourcing these services as they do not have the capacity to perform these services in-house. Outsourcing last year cost $20million.
19 August
Ambulance staff set to strike
St John will operate at 70% ambulance capacity during peak periods of an upcoming strike by ambulance workers, set to take place on Tuesday and Saturday. The New Zealand Ambulance Association and First Union are striking over unsatisfactory offers in ongoing negotiations. St John warns that the strike will severely impact their ability to respond to non-life-threatening incidents during peak hours, urging people to call their GP or Healthline for non-emergencies. Despite some progress, negotiations with unions remain unresolved.
20 August
Dargaville Hospital nurses working without doctors to protest with strike
Another hospital impacted by the doctor’s shortage. Nurses at Dargaville hospital strike in frustration, as many nurses and telehealth services have been working over night shifts and some day shifts with no doctors on-site.
Dargaville hospital has relied on locums to fill shifts due to sick leave or holidays, however since the cut in pay rates for locum doctors many are not willing to travel, find accommodation and work for meager pay.
FA – rural health services across NZ are telling the same story! With central government focusing on short-term cost reductions, do they have a plan for the future?
20 August
Hundreds Of Manufacturing Jobs Under Threat At WPI As Mill Operators Propose Closure
Around 230 workers at Winstone Pulp International’s Karioi Pulpmill and Tangiwai Sawmill face potential job losses as the company begins consultations on the permanent closure of both mills, citing high electricity costs. Union representatives are urging government intervention to save these vital manufacturing jobs and infrastructure. The mills, which paused operations earlier this month, are critical to the local Ruapehu community, where the closures could have a significant economic impact. The union will advocate for the workers during the upcoming consultation period.
FA – more jobs get the chop! More hardship in rural areas.
20 August
Workers at major social housing and social service provider to strike for fair pay
After 8 months of negotiations 97 Visionwest social workers, administrators, and health care coordinators will be on strike on the 21st of August.
The offer received ranges from 0% for some to 2.6% for others, while union members are calling for a 5% pay increase for everyone.
FA – another pay related strike!
21 August
Aged care workers begin reapplying for jobs at Arvida facility
Workers at Arvida’s Village at the Park in Wellington will now undergo a selection process for their jobs following proposed cuts. Arvida plans to reduce over 300 care hours per week, despite feedback leading to minor adjustments.
FA – more jobs to go!
21 Aug
Ambulance officers take strike action in hope to highlight wider funding ‘dilemma’
2500 Hato Hone St Johns Ambulance workers went on strike for the first time ever on Tuesday, with rallies being held in Auckland, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Invercargill. Ambulance officers have been negotiating over pay with St Johns since the Ambulance Operations MUCA expired in December 2023.
St Johns have been in discussions with Te Whatu Ora and ACC about moving to a position where 100 percent of its operating costs are funded by the government.
23 August
St John ambulance workers set to walk off job again
Ambulance services will be taking its second rolling strike action, standing down for four hours for each shift.
St John is asking the public for save ambulance calls for emergencies only during the strike action.
26 August
Court dismisses Uber’s appeal arguing drivers are employees, not contractors
Uber has lost a significant appeal in New Zealand, where the Court of Appeal upheld a decision that classifies Uber drivers as employees rather than contractors.
The original ruling made in 2022 gave Uber drivers employee benefits such as leave entitlements, minimum wages and holiday pay. Uber then appeal that decision in June 2023 with the court ruling in favour of the drivers today.
FA – A huge victory for the unions! However, central government is now intent of changing the law.
THIS MONTH’S GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT
14 August
Auto workers union seeks NLRB investigation of Trump and Musk comments about firing striking workers
The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has filed unfair labour practice charges against Donald Trump and Elon Musk, following a social media exchange where Musk allegedly admitted to firing striking workers, and Trump praised him for the action. The UAW claims their comments could intimidate workers interested in unionizing and interfering with worker’s rights.
FA – two peas in the same pod! Trump and Musk seem to agree that workers should have limited rights.
26 August
IndustriALL Global Union, IF Metall and H&M Group Update Global Framework Agreement
H&M Group has renewed its Global Framework Agreement with IndustriALL and IF Metall, expanding its commitment to over one million garment workers’ rights across its supply chain.
The agreement emphasizes the importance of well-functioning industrial relations, including collective bargaining, to achieve better working conditions and wages. The updated agreement boosts worker protections, includes all core ILO conventions, and reinforces union organizing and safety rights.
With stronger measures against gender-based violence and a new governance structure, this partnership aims to drive meaningful change, turning policy into action for a more sustainable and fair fashion industry. H&M is set on making its supply chain a model for empowering workers globally.
FA – a million garment workers get protection.
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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