New Zealand Strikes November 2025
Read on for a summary of ER events.
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4 Nov
On 4 November 2025, over 11,500 allied-health workers — including physiotherapists, social workers, Māori health specialists, technicians and other support staff — voted to strike after mediated talks with Te Whatu Ora failed to deliver a settlement meeting their demands for safe staffing and cost-of-living-reflected pay.They plan a four-hour strike on 28 November, accompanied by a “work-to-rule” in the week before and after, where they’ll refuse unpaid overtime and will take scheduled breaks.
Fred A – Feels like we have been talking about this for ever! Still a highly volatile sector. Pay remains the major issue as does understaffing.
5 Nov
Mussel-farming crews at Sanford’s Havelock operations will strike for 12 hours on Wednesday, 5 November 2025, after collective bargaining failed to secure a new agreement.
The strike covers deckhands, senior deckhands and skippers employed under outdated individual contracts with no recent pay review.
The workers’ demands include full pay for all hours spent onboard — often days at a time — and updated allowances that have remained stagnant for years.
The strike comes while Sanford is reporting strong corporate results: the company posted a net profit after tax of $34 million for the first half of 2025.
Fred A – Classic case of a company making solid profit and the workforce therefore demanding better remuneration. It’s about perception – execs & management seem to be satisfied, however workers feel undervalued and underpaid.
6 Nov
The New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) has called off a one-hour strike scheduled for Friday at noon, after reworking its pay and staffing claims and opening a fresh round of bargaining with Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ).
The union issued a new strike notice, targeting another one-hour stoppage for 21 November, signalling the pause may only be temporary if talks don’t progress.
Fred A – remains a hot topic!
17 Nov
Top Court Rules Uber Drivers Are Employees
The Supreme Court of New Zealand unanimously ruled that four Uber drivers are employees — not independent contractors — upholding earlier decisions by lower courts. This means they are entitled to employment protections under law, including minimum wage, paid leave, holiday pay and the right to collective bargaining. The ruling may have wider implications for other Uber drivers and gig‑economy workers in Aotearoa who are similarly classified.
Fred A – Contractor or permanent employee? The Supreme Court made its decision. The government has previously flagged it may well now tinker and adjust the legislation to give employers more flexibility.
18 Nov
Air New Zealand Cabin Crew Vote to Strike Amid Pay and Work‑load Dispute
Around 1,200 cabin crew employed by Air New Zealand — covering international, domestic and regional flights — have voted to take strike action after months of negotiations failed to reach agreement.
The union E tū says members are seeking better base pay (currently around NZ$60,000), improved rosters and protections against fatigue and excessive workloads.
No formal strike date has yet been issued, but union leaders say action could occur before the end of 2025 — though not during the peak Christmas travel week.
Air New Zealand has stated it has not received formal strike notice and negotiations continue.
Fred A – Classic situation. The union has elevated its leverage by pressuring the company over its peak revenue generating period. The Airline stands to lose big money. The pressure is on the company. Will they blink and increase their offer or take a strike?
21 Nov
Air New Zealand cabin crew, represented by the Flight Attendants and Related Services Association, have voted to take strike action following stalled negotiations over pay and working conditions. The union reported that 92% of members voted in favour of industrial action, with a turnout of 81%. The strike is planned for 18 December 2025 and is intended to secure improved pay and rostering conditions. The airline stated it was disappointed by the decision and will work to maintain services during the strike.
Fred A – Strike is now official! However, lots of behind the scenes posturing and discussion will be happening. Will the company improve its offer to avoid the strike? Probably – the strike is too damaging!!
23 Nov
Factory workers at Resene have issued new strike notices after rejecting the company’s latest pay offer — an increase of 8 cents per hour, bringing the total raise to 84 cents on average.
The strike applies to the company’s plant and head office in Naenae, with full‑day walkouts scheduled on the upcoming Monday and Tuesday, and a picket starting at 9:30 am at the Naenae site.
Workers — represented by E tū union — argue the modest pay increase fails to bring wages anywhere near the current living‑wage benchmark of NZ $28.95/hr.
Support from local community groups and fundraising efforts have been mobilised to help cover income losses during strike action.
Fred A – This is getting lots of airtime. What’s the likelihood of a boycott of Resene products? Once the community and public become involved then the company gets labelled as “the bad guys”. This dispute requires a quick resolution for the company to avoid potential loss of market share!
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Image Credit : ETU
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