Happy New Year!
Back on deck for 2024 and easing in gradually. I am excited about what is on the horizon this year and all the change that will result in the IR space.
If you can remember all the way back to December, here are the noteworthy events, summarised with links included for your light reading.
1. Senior doctors settle
The Association of Salaried Medical Specialists have settled their agreement for Senior Doctors with Te Whatu Ora, following months of industrial action and finally facilitated bargaining. The average increase for members is 5.7%.
2. RNZ bargaining
PSA and E tū, who have members at RNZ, held a stop work meeting and are threatening to take industrial action in support of their 7% wage claim. The organisation has offered 5.5%.
3. Action at MOVe Logistics
FIRST Union members at MOVe Logistics, who are responsible for the distribution of products from Lion’s brewery in East Tamaki, withdrew their labour in the lead up to Christmas. They are seeking overtime rates, which were part of their agreement with their previous employer holding the Lion contract.
4. Care & Support workers waiting for increase
E tū and employers are still in discussions about increases post 31 December, however the Ministry of Health hadn’t confirmed what will happen with funding for wage rates, pay equity and career progression after that.
5. Unions take action over Fair Pay Agreements
Following the confirmation that the Fair Pay Agreement legislation was to be repealed, unions took to the streets across the country. In mid-December, prior to the summer break, Minister for Workplace Relations Brooke van Welden, announced this and the reinstatement of 90-day trials.
6. Lock out at FMI Building Innovation
E tu union members working at FMI Building Innovation in Mt Wellington, Auckland went on their second strike on Friday. According to union representatives they have been locked out of their jobs in the lead up to Christmas. Union organisers say all the workers are of Pacific descent and are earning on or slightly above minimum wage.