From home care to hospitals, wastewater plants to retail stores, April saw continued strike activity, stalled negotiations, and another step in the Government’s rollback of union-friendly legislation. Here’s a quick wrap-up of the month’s headlines and what they mean for people leaders across the country.
1. Healthcare Industrial Action
April saw more disruption across core services as workers pushed back on low pay, unpaid hours, and unresolved claims:
- Further strike action planned for Awanui & Medlab lab workers as APEX highlights ongoing pay disparity and financial strain.
- Up to 5,500 ASMS Senior Doctors rejected Health NZ’s offer and are preparing for strike in May, pending mediation. The union sought a 12% pay increase and have been offered between 1-1.5%.
- Home Support Workers who are PSA members at Access Community Health are set to strike over what they call a broken, underfunded care system.
- 370 NZNO members who are perioperative nurses at Auckland hospitals are set to strike over years of unpaid overtime and lack of resolution.
2. Briscoes & Rebel Sport Workers on a media strike
Retail workers at Briscoes and Rebel Sport are taking strike action, saying their pay hasn’t kept up with the cost of living. Workers First Union says the company can afford more, citing record profits in recent years. The formal strike notice was for “non-compliance with any and all employer requirements to refrain from speaking to news media” and would be continuous until a collective agreement is ratified.
3. Christchurch Wastewater Workers Strike
E tū union members at Christchurch’s wastewater treatment plant are on a five-day strike. E tū union, said Christchurch City Council tried to remove a provision giving lab technicians and maintenance workers at the Bromley plant the same terms and conditions as other council workers.
4. 30-Day rule to be removed
The Government has confirmed it will repeal the 30-day rule, which required new employees to be offered union terms initially. Union leaders say this undermines collective bargaining and weakens early union visibility.