Employee Relations Update: Strikes, Wage Pressure and job cuts.
Read on for a summary of ER events.
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February has been relatively quiet in Employee Relations, with fewer major disputes or settlements taking place. The uncertain economic climate has likely contributed to this lull, as both businesses and unions take a cautious approach to negotiations. As financial pressures persist and bargaining discussions resume, we will see a shift in momentum in the coming months.
3 Feb
On 5th and 7th February, APEX laboratory workers employed by privately owned providers, such as Awanui Labs, Pathlab Limited, and Medlab, will withdraw their labour for 48 hours in support of collective bargaining negotiations. The strike is in response to these employers’ refusal to meet APEX’s claims for pay parity with Te Whatu Ora, despite laboratory workers being paid 28-32% less than their Te Whatu Ora counterparts for the same work.
Fred A – Pay parity claims can be highly emotive. Needs a clear and well thought through response.
5 Feb
Statistics NZ have released new data showing the unemployment rate rising to 5.1%, 33,000 people out of work over last years figures.
Fred A – still hasn’t peaked. Expected to hit 5.5% mid-year. Depending on geo-political and economic tensions this could still head toward the 6% mark before the year is out.
Kinleith Mill has confirmed it will close its doors in June, meaning 230 jobs are to go from the paper division.
Fred A – creative thinking is needed. How do we keep these facilities open! Once closed – this industry is gone for ever!
24 Feb
PSA members at Oranga Tamariki are set to begin strike action on 28 February, with a two-hour full labour withdrawal on 7 March. The strike is in response to an inadequate pay offer. Around 2800 workers including social workers, supervisors and admin support staff will be taking part in this action.
Workers are demanding a fair pay offer and a better workload management system to prevent burnout. The strike will include various work bans and a total labour withdrawal for two hours on 7 March.
Fred A – the governments unplanned slash & burn approach is causing havoc! Less people doing more work for “a pay reduction”.
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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