Union bargaining updates 2024: Explore the latest in New Zealand’s employment relations — union strikes, layoffs, and fair pay fights across sectors. Stay informed on the critical workforce shifts impacting jobs, worker rights, and economic resilience.
Read on for a summary of ER events.
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2 Oct
The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) is pushing Health New Zealand to follow through on a 20% shift allowance for Emergency Department doctors that was agreed on nearly a year ago. Frustrated by delays, ASMS took the issue to the Employment Relations Authority, and they’re now in mediation. This action is part of ASMS’s recent push for better pay and conditions, including a deal in December 2023 after extended bargaining and even strike action. Health New Zealand has also delayed pay increases for other health worker groups, adding to union frustrations.
Fred A – The health sector remains in turmoil. Not only do we have a shortage of doctors and nurses in NZ, the pay and working conditions of this group is progressively getting worse. This should be a concern for all in NZ.
8 Oct
Tertiary Education Union (TEU) members at Te Pūkenga have agreed to a new collective agreement, securing a 4% pay increase effective from January 2024 and another 4% in January 2025 – backdated. The agreement, which runs until March 2026, introduces a unified salary scale and standardized terms for leave, overtime, and salary allowances, benefitting all allied staff.
Fred A – Not a bad settlement given the declining CPI.
9 Oct
Health New Zealand (HNZ) is proposing to reduce the number of chief medical officers (CMOs) from 18 to 14 by merging smaller regions with larger ones. HNZ promises that no frontline medical roles will be cut as part of this restructuring, however due to the already strained workforce shortages any further changes will strain the senior and junior doctors.
16 Oct
1500 TEU members at the University of Auckland have gone on strike for the second time in three weeks as a call for their employer to pay living wage and have a transparent pay scale for professional staff.
Fred A – University of Auckland recently dropped out of the top 150 universities in the world. The decline will continue if academics and professional staff are not paid well.
17 October
KiwiRail has offered its staff voluntary redundancy. KiwiRail has proposed the job cuts as a way to lower the costs. On 10 October, KiwiRail announced it was proposing to axe more than 50 roles across Interislander’s operational staff and head office.
23 Oct
https://www.psa.org.nz/our-voice/more-than-10000-workers-fight-back-against-government-cuts/
Over 10,000 workers, gathered across New Zealand in a show of solidarity against government cuts to public services, healthcare, and education, and to protest actions impacting Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
And to voice opposition against proposed changes by the government that could impact workers’ rights, such as repealing Fair Pay Agreements and adjustments to the “three strikes” law. Led by unions and worker advocates, thousands called for protections for fair wages, job security, and collective bargaining rights.
Fred A – the pressure on the government is going to increase! With further job cuts and legislative changes on the way in 2025 we expect workers, unions and progressive interest groups resist & react.
Ambulance workers have accepted a new pay offer from St Johns. This agreement follows a $21 million government funding increase, bringing St John’s total taxpayer support to nearly $357 million for the 2024-25 fiscal year.
Fred A – The drip-fed government approach to St John is likely to continue until the next bargaining round. Therefore, the unions won’t stop their disruptive action until St John’s is 100% government funded. Expect the same worker/union approach at the next bargaining.
Ahead of the U.S. election, unions are mobilizing voters to support Vice President Kamala Harris. Many unions, including the SEIU and UFCW, are focused on voter registration and turnout in key states. Union leaders argue that Harris champions labour rights, while contrasting the Trump administration’s record as anti-union. UNI Global Union and affiliated U.S. unions emphasize the need for policies supporting workers’ rights, collective bargaining, and public services to counter pro-corporate agendas.
Fred A – We now know the Democrats got thrashed on 5 November. Union leaders may not be in touch with the American working class, as the voting data shows the blue-collar worker voted for Trump.
Boeing and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers have reached a tentative agreement to end a month-long strike, with union members voting on the deal next Wednesday. The proposal includes a 35% pay raise over four years, a $7,000 ratification bonus, and increased 401(k) contributions. However, it does not reinstate traditional pensions, a significant demand from the 33,000 striking workers. The strike impacted production of key aircraft models, and Boeing suppliers have also faced challenges.
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: Image by TEU
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