Month: March 2023

Excitement as security guards initiate for Fair Pay Agreement

Posted on March 28, 2023 by - Politics

Security guards have made their voices heard and now have enough signatures to initiate a Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) for workers in their occupation.

Since the Fair Pay Agreements Bill was passed in October 2022, more than 1000 security guards across Aotearoa New Zealand have put their signature forward in support of a Fair Pay Agreement.

E tū, the union for security guards, will send the initiation document on their behalf to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) on Wednesday.

A Fair Pay Agreement sets minimum pay and conditions for workers across whole industries or occupations by way of bargaining between unions and employer representatives.

E tū delegate and security guard Rosey Ngakopu, who has been campaigning for Fair Pay Agreements for the past four years, says she’s excited it’s finally time to initiate an agreement.

“It’s an awesome feeling – all our hard work has paid off. Fair Pay Agreements will mean we’ll be able to address industry issues in a collective conversation and find possible solutions.

“FPAs are about raising the standards of our working conditions, lifting our pay, skills and training, and making sure we have everything we need on site to work safely and with dignity.

“I can’t wait to get around the bargaining table and start negotiating.”

Annie Newman, an Assistant National Secretary of E tū, says the initiation is a momentous occasion for security guards – one of the most positive changes for these workers in decades – by giving them a say in the conditions for all security guards across the country.

“Our members tell us that they want improved health and safety, more participation in decision-making, and of course, decent wages,” she says.

“Being able to negotiate on these issues in good faith through Fair Pay Agreements, which our members have fought hard for, will be life-changing for security guards.”

A Fair Pay Agreement will also stop the frequent ‘race to the bottom’, so employers can’t compete by paying the lowest wages to win a work contract, as all workers would be paid the same base starting rates, Annie says.

Security FPA initiation day event

Minister of Workplace Relations, Hon Michael Wood, E tū officials and members will give short speeches outside Parliament on Wednesday morning to mark the occasion.

When: Wednesday 29 March 2023
Where: Outside New Zealand Parliament House, 1 Museum Street, Wellington
Time: 9.15am (for a 9.30am start) to 9.45am

There will be opportunities for photos with E tū members and the Minister. An E tū official and member will also be available for interview.

ENDS

For more information and comment:
Annie Newman, 027 204 6340

Strike threat pushes company to come to resolution with members

Posted on March 14, 2023 by - Manufacturing and food

A strike notice led to a productive win for E tū and FIRST Union members at Oji’s Penrose Mill in Auckland. 

Members prepared to strike in December but instead secured a one-year deal with a 6% increase, including rates and allowances. 

E tū delegate Maurice Upton says it was the threat of a strike which led to the company filing a lockout notice, and the resulting mediation that meant Oji finally listened to members’ concerns.

“It got all sides talking and both wanted a good outcome,” he says.

There were two sets of claims for FIRST and E tū members, who each work in different parts of the business – production and maintenance.

E tū claims were mostly around ensuring pay parity with other workers in similar roles across the industry, along with a decent pay rise to bring base rates up.

They also strongly supported FIRST members fighting for better job conditions and allowances.

 Maurice says while some E tū members were disappointed the raise wasn’t higher given low base rates, 6% is probably the highest members have had as a one year deal, at least in the 18 years he’s worked there.