NZ union strikes and job cuts April 2025
Read on for a summary of ER events.
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31 March
Due to proposed nationwide changes, BUPA nurses will rally to protest the proposed staffing cuts. The Changes, which include reducing nurse and caregiver hours, are expected to increase workloads and compromise the safety of vulnerable residents.
Fred A – With the general discontent overall in the health sector any proposed changes by an employer are likely to be viewed negatively. This seems to be the case with nurses and care givers at BUPA.
1 April
Wastewater workers at the Bromley plant in Christchurch are set to strike for five days, from April 8 to 12. The strike comes after a breakdown in negotiations with the Christchurch City Council regarding changes to their collective agreement.
E tū, the union representing the workers, says the council plans to remove a long-standing clause. This clause ensures that lab technicians and maintenance workers receive the same pay and conditions as other council employees.
The union argues that this change would significantly reduce the workers’ terms and conditions, effectively cutting their pay. Despite this, the council has stated that core services at the Bromley wastewater plant will continue to operate during the strike.
Fred A – Looks like a standoff between the union and the council. The employer is confident that they can manage through the strike. Hard bargaining strategy!
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3 April
Kāinga Ora plans to cut 673 roles, impacting a third of its workforce. The proposal includes slashing positions in public housing placement teams and call centres, which support tenants and manage waiting lists.
The cuts threaten to slow down services for families waiting for homes and tenants seeking support. The Public Service Association (PSA) argues the government’s agenda to privatize housing is driving these reductions.
Fred A – Another slash & burn action from the Govt. Public service entities across NZ remain under siege!
7 April
FinCap workers ( provides workforce development support and connections for financial mentors) are striking over a “Strategic Pay” system that leaves them uncertain about their salaries despite working for a financial wellbeing charity. They’re calling for transparency in pay and a reasonable redundancy package. The strike will disrupt FinCap’s MoneyTalks Helpline on Tuesday, April 8th, from 12pm to 2pm. Workers, including advisors supporting over 150 services across New Zealand, demand a fairer and clearer pay structure. Work-to-rule actions are set to continue until April 11th.
8 April 2025
Workers at Briscoes and Rebel Sport, represented by the Workers First Union, have rejected a proposed pay deal, citing that the increase does not align with the rising cost of living. The union notes that the offer is below the 3% annual growth in living costs. Economists observe that many workers across New Zealand are facing similar situations, where wage increases are not keeping pace with inflation. The minimum wage has also seen increases in recent years, but these have not matched the overall cost of living, leaving some workers with ongoing financial challenges.
Fred A – It’s all about perception! The workers, the union and probably the public would think that Briscoes is doing well and therefore a below the cost-of-living increase offered by the employer, is viewed as unacceptable by employees.
The coalition government plans to scrap the 30-day rule that automatically enrolls new employees in a collective agreement. This change, part of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, aims to give employees more flexibility in negotiating their terms and conditions from day one and reduces administrative burdens on employers. Additionally, changes to union membership communication will make it easier for employees to make independent choices. These reforms are expected to be passed by the end of 2025.
Fred A – This is a broad political call by the coalition Govt. There is no doubt that the 30-day rule benefited unions in regard to recruiting new members. From an admin perspective for employers, it was messy, confusing and an admin burden.
15 April
Health NZ has proposed cutting 338 roles in its people and culture team, causing concern among staff who report feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, and burnout. The cuts, part of an effort to address a $1.1 billion deficit, are seen as a response to the agency’s financial struggles. The Public Service Association (PSA) is considering legal action against the proposed changes, arguing that cuts in support roles could harm the healthcare system’s quality.
Fred A – Governments relentless drive for cost saving in public health services continues. Public healthcare in NZ seems on the verge of collapse. What then? Are we heading for privatisation of health services?
Up to 5500 senior doctors in New Zealand are set to strike on May 1 due to stalled pay negotiations. Health New Zealand expressed concerns over the impact, with an expected 4300 cancelled procedures and delays in radiology services. Despite this, emergency departments and critical services will remain operational. Health Minister Simeon Brown criticized the strike, stating it would worsen system pressures and delay care for those already waiting. Negotiations are ongoing.
Fred A – the saga continues in Health NZ. For senior doctors to go on strike is a big deal and extremely unusual! The pressure is building on central Govt.
17 April
Private pathology provider Awanui has reported a second consecutive annual loss of around $16 million, citing outdated contracts with Health NZ that haven’t kept up with rising wage costs from public sector pay equity settlements. As tensions rise, 600 lab workers are set to strike again from 22–24 April, affecting an estimated 100,000 tests. Awanui is negotiating for fairer contracts and pay parity with public sector labs, while assuring its financial stability despite ongoing challenges.
Fred A – another funding problem in the health sector.
18 April
Around 370 nurses from Auckland City, Starship, and Greenlane hospitals will strike for two hours on May 1 over Health New Zealand’s refusal to pay for involuntary overtime. Nurses have long worked unpaid overtime, prioritizing patients, and are now demanding compensation for their extra hours.
Fred A – and another pay problem for health NZ
30 April
Nearly 1000 Access Community Health support workers will strike on 1 May to protest low pay and proposed cuts to conditions, including sick leave and qualification-based pay. Most are on or near minimum wage and haven’t had a raise in nearly two years. The strike coincides with industrial action by senior doctors and nurses, spotlighting sector-wide strain. Workers say burnout and understaffing are harming both staff and vulnerable clients, despite increased public funding.
Fred A – and another pay/wage problem for Health NZ.
Fonterra plans to close its Canpac packaging site in Hamilton this July, affecting around 120 workers due to low product volumes and complex production demands. About 80 union members are impacted.
Fred A – a closure with 120 jobs to go. DWU and Fonterra in discussion how to soften the blow! With 30 000 job loses across NZ and an unemployment rate of 5.1%, finding a job is very difficult.
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 / Finn Blackwell
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