NZ strike action January
Read on for a summary of ER events.
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January has been relatively quiet compared to the final quarter of last year, with fewer large-scale strikes or coordinated national actions reported. However, early commentary and positioning from several unions suggest preparations are underway for what could be a more active year ahead. With a general election approaching, bargaining strategies, public messaging, and sector-wide coordination appear to be gaining momentum as unions and employers move into 2026 negotiations.
6 Jan
Workers at Woolworths New Zealand’s customer care contact centre, represented by the Workers First Union, say the company is attempting to roll back existing working-from-home arrangements and guaranteed weekend protections as part of proposed changes to their collective agreement. Union members allege Woolworths wants staff to be available for up to 12 hours a day while only being paid for eight, remove a clause that guarantees one weekend day off per week, and reduce remote work flexibility that many were hired on — prompting multiple strike actions by customer care workers in December 2025. The union also raised concerns about potential outsourcing of roles. Woolworths said it continues to support flexible working arrangements and disputes the union’s characterisation of the proposals.
15 Jan
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) has released a policy document titled A legislative right to switch off, advocating for amendments to the Employment Relations Act to give workers the right to not be unreasonably contacted outside work hours. The proposal is modelled on Australia’s 2024 Right to Disconnect law, which allows employees to refuse to monitor, read or respond to unreasonable after-hours contact. The CTU says technology and remote work have blurred boundaries between work and home life, contributing to unpaid overtime and burnout.
Australia’s early data shows unpaid overtime reduced by 33%, with workers reclaiming around 100 minutes per week. The Employers and Manufacturers Association has previously said a similar law in New Zealand would require many exceptions. Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden said the Government is not considering such legislation at present, stating current employment laws provide strong protections. The Green Party has indicated support for the proposal, while Labour said it is still developing its policy position.
28 Jan
Flight attendants at Air New Zealand have announced they will stop work for three days on 11, 12 and 13 February after months of bargaining and two rounds of mediation failed to produce a pay offer the unions find acceptable. The Flight Attendants’ Association of New Zealand (FAANZ) said the airline’s latest offer would only bring crew pay to about the living wage and that cabin crews face ongoing operational issues and fatigue concerns. Air New Zealand said its offer includes base salary increases of between about 4.14 percent and 6.41 percent and that it would work to support customers and minimise disruption if strikes go ahead. The dispute forms part of negotiations over a new collective agreement for international cabin crew.
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