Strike activity continued across both the public and private sectors in July, while new laws and bargaining outcomes gave reason for both frustration and relief. Here’s your July snapshot of the industrial relations landscape across Aotearoa with links included.
1. Nurses Strike Over Pay and Safe Staffing
Hospital nurses across New Zealand undertook 24-hour strike action, citing years of unresolved pay issues and unsafe staffing levels. NZNO members voted overwhelmingly to walk out after failing to reach agreement with Te Whatu Ora.
2. Awanui Lab Workers Settle Pay Dispute
After six months of strikes, APEX members at Awanui Labs have ratified a settlement. The deal includes a 9.2% salary increase and movement on longstanding pay disparity claims.
3. What else is happening in the Public Sector?
- MoE Specialist Staff: Set to strike over low pay and workloads. The union raised concerns over pay deductions during lawful action.
- ACC Workers: PSA members voted for strike action over the employer’s offer of between 0-2% increase for the band mid-point and above.
- Secondary Teachers: PPTA rejected a 1% year on year offer over three years – well below the previous two settlements.
- Pharmac: PSA workers took the agency’s first-ever strike action.
- FENZ: NZPFU issued two formal strike notices over pay progression and conditions.
4. Private Sector Unrest: Retail and Platform Work
- Kmart: Workers First Union members at Kmart have ratified an agreement which includes Living Wage rates after 6 months and union only bonuses.
- McDonald’s Basin Reserve: Unite Union members in Wellington walked off the job seeking pay aligned with the cost of living.
- Uber: Drivers have taken their case to the Supreme Court.
5. NZ Salaries Hit Record Highs in Q2
National salary averages reached new highs in Q2, according to new data from Trade Me Jobs, but the number of job listings has reduced year on year. Wage growth remains uneven, with frontline and care sector roles still lagging behind inflation-adjusted expectations.
6. Legislative Updates: Strike Deductions and Pay Transparency
Two key legislative changes progressed in July:
- The Employment Relations (Pay Deductions for Partial Strikes) Amendment Act 2025 took effect on 1 July, allowing employers to deduct either 10% or a proportionate amount of pay during partial strike action, with written notice.
- The Pay Secrecy Bill passed its second reading, proposing to ban pay secrecy clauses in employment contracts and giving employees the right to discuss their pay without employer interference.