NZ Union Strikes August 2025
Read on for a summary of ER events.
To view the full article click on the title
This month’s ER Buzz highlights a high level of bargaining and industrial action activity across New Zealand. To provide clarity, we’ve grouped major developments by sector, while also including individual disputes and legal cases that don’t fall neatly into those categories.
7 Aug
Workers at the Hornby Club in Christchurch held two strikes in August 2025 in response to proposed wage rate cuts and changes to employment conditions. The first strike took place on 9 August from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and the second on 15 August from 5:00 pm to midnight. Both strikes involved staff walking off the job to apply pressure on the employer regarding pay rates and workplace policies.
Fred A – Hospitality industry is struggling. Desperate employers are looking at wage and benefits cut to keep their business going. Employees resort to striking. The only way forward is for employers to work closely with employees and unions.
Additional Article:
https://www.chrislynchmedia.com/news-items/hornby-club-union-workers-to-strike-in-pay-dispute
18 Aug
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Public Service Association, Post-Primary Teachers’ Association, Tertiary Education Union, and NZEI Te Riu Roa will file proceedings in the High Court in Wellington on 29 August 2025. They are challenging recent amendments to the Equal Pay Act that cancelled 33 existing pay equity claims and significantly tightened criteria for new claims—changes passed under urgency in May. The unions argue the amendments breach the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act, particularly rights to protection against gender-based discrimination, natural justice, and fair legal process. If successful, a declaration of inconsistency could prompt select committee review and require a formal government response.
Fred A – If the 5 unions are successful with their High Court action, the government will be forced to review and respond appropriately. There is the legal challenge, however of more concern for the Government will be the high-profile public debate being re-ignited on issues such gender discrimination, and not following a fair process.
Additional articles:
https://newsroom.co.nz/2025/08/18/unions-launch-legal-action-over-pay-equity-changes/
18 Aug
On Tuesday, 18 August 2025, all off-peak train services in the Wellington region were replaced by buses between 9 am and 3 pm. This temporary change was due to drivers and staff attending the annual general meeting of the Rail and Maritime Transport Union. The rail provider supported their attendance and apologised to passengers, advising them to allow extra travel time. Temporary bus replacement schedules were made available via the Metlink website and app.
Fred A – No drama! Employer of train drivers and other staff allows employees to attend union annual meeting during off peak period. Employer makes arrangement for temporary bus replacement for the public.
19 Aug
Fred A – 2 issues riled the workers/journalists. The low pay offer and the perception that the company is seeking to weaken union power by splitting one CA into two CAs. The Media sector is under the gun as technology and digitisation threatens jobs.
Additional Article:
25 August
McDonald’s workers in Wellington, supported by Unite Union, staged strikes in August 2025 after rejecting a proposed 40 cents per hour (about 2.7%) pay rise, which they said fell short of the living wage. The first action took place at the Basin Reserve restaurant on August 7, with about 20 staff striking for one hour. This was followed by a national campaign of further stoppages at multiple McDonald’s outlets from August 8. Despite the strikes, restaurants remained open but operated with reduced staffing levels.
5 Aug
The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) reported that Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) had withdrawn from bargaining, stating negotiations had “run their course.” FENZ advised that the matter should move to mediation. Further bargaining dates had already been scheduled.
11 Aug
NZPFU members began nationwide industrial action following the bargaining breakdown. Actions included signs and slogans on fire trucks and stations, and administrative measures such as emailing management when personal phones were used for work. Emergency response services continued.
15 Aug
Media reports highlighted industrial action in Invercargill, where firefighters displayed slogans. Union representatives noted concerns over pay offers, staffing, equipment, and station conditions. FENZ confirmed a 5.1% pay rise over three years, with additional allowances, consistent with Government workforce policy. FENZ also noted ongoing investment in frontline services, fleet, and training, within fiscal and efficiency constraints.
NZPFU issued a statement urging FENZ to return to direct negotiations and confirmed previously scheduled bargaining dates remained valid.
Fred A – it’s a standoff and could get very messy. NZPFU want to continue bargaining however FENZ want to go to mediation.
2 August – Midwives Settlement
Midwives reached a pay settlement with Health NZ following strike action: 3.5% pay increase over 29 months plus a $235 lump sum. Graduate midwife salary rises to $85,000, senior midwife to $112,000. Workforce grew by 111 FTEs in the year to March 2025. The agreement also covers first-year graduate supervision and a new coordinating allowance.
13 August – Doctors’ Bargaining
The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) reported Health NZ had restricted doctors’ attendance at union meetings, raising concerns over members’ bargaining rights.
14 August – Nurses’ Strike Announced
The Nurses Organisation announced nationwide strikes on 2 and 4 September (7 am–11 pm) over nurse-to-patient ratios and staffing. Health NZ estimated potential impacts: 2,200 procedures, 3,600 first specialist appointments, and 8,000 follow-ups. Offers include up to 11% pay increases by June 2026 depending on experience. Workforce growth of over 3,000 FTE nurses, with around 2,000 in the recruitment pipeline, has been achieved.
17 August – Local Nurse Actions
Local industrial actions began ahead of the September strikes, including ICU nurses refusing redeployment and staff wearing T-shirts stating “Not Enough Nurses.” Health NZ confirmed services continue while negotiations remain open.
Fred A – Midwives have settled with Health NZ; Doctors are agitating that their bargaining rights have been interfered with; Nurses remain in strife with more industrial action likely in September
3 August: Primary teachers, principals, school support staff, and Ministry of Education specialist staff initiated joint paid union meetings scheduled between 18–29 August. This collective action followed the Ministry’s offer of a 1% annual pay increase over three years, which union representatives deemed insufficient. Concerns were raised about the lack of progress on pay equity, recognition of additional expertise, and the inclusion of the Toitū Te Tiriti claim in the collective agreement.
Fred A – Secondary and Primary Teachers are not accepting 1% increase per year for three years. Lots of behind the scenes posturing and talking – and Industrial Action is looming.
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: Freepik
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