Archives: Articles

To mark the 45th anniversary of the Erebus tragedy, E tū Aviation Industry Council Convenor, Jo O’Leary, along with former Air NZ employees who still remember their colleagues and friends, gathered at Erebus Memorial Park. Wreaths and flowers were laid, a tree was planted as a living tribute, and the names of all crew members were read aloud to honour their memory.

School caretaker Bill Hiku joined E tū President Muriel Tunoho and others in the E tū delegation submitting against the Government’s charter schools bill in Parliament. Along with the many risks with further privatising education, the bill also removes some basic rights for workers to organise collectively.

A strong E tū delegation represented our members at the Labour Party Annual Conference, organising for worker-friendly policies and making valuable connections with our allies across the political arm of the labour movement.

E tū members, village residents, and supporters from the wider community joined different actions against proposed cuts to care, including at a picket with over 100 people. The passion from residents and their families on this issue was an important reminder of the power of including the whole care community in our campaigning and organising.

Members at Coca-Cola in Auckland and Christchurch went out on strike, and won a good deal, settling a three-year collective agreement. It gives workers a fair pay rise, annual adjustments, and increased allowances.

E tū delegates and member leaders from across Aotearoa joined in Auckland for two days of learning, planning, and E tū democracy at our Biennial Conference. Delegates loved bridging our industry and geographic divides to work together with a common purpose, in line with the theme of the Conference: E tū, ururoatia! Stand up, fight back!

A BIG legal win! Uber drivers and their unions won in court again, with the Court of Appeal upholding the original decision – Uber drivers are employees, entitled to all the normal rights and protections other employed workers get.

IDEA Service workers celebrated their successful settlement, winning a pay increase back-dated to December 2023, and a commitment from IDEA that any new funding from the Government this year will be directly passed onto them.

At a health and safety forum at Parliament, NZ Steel head delegate Lester Udy stood up to challenge the Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden, on the Government’s lack of progress on banning engineered stone. The Minister’s answer was unsatisfactory, explaining that she is still “seeking advice”. We know the evidence is overwhelming already, and we need to follow Australia’s lead in banning the product for the good of our workers.

Q&A

Mechanical engineering apprentice Zander Pringle, 22, is the E tū delegate for 60 apprentices across Fonterra nationally. His talents at work were recently recognised when he was awarded the prestigious Stuart Tolhurst Memorial Award, which is given to high-performing engineering apprentices. E tū and You asked Zander to tell us more.

What’s your story?

I grew up in Tokoroa and moved to Hamilton to attend Hamilton Boys’ High School. In Year 13, I participated in a gateway programme through school, which is where I first got exposure to mechanical engineering. The variety of work really appealed to me – doing something different every day. I was also fascinated by the size of the equipment we work on. I could immediately see myself doing that kind of work.

Tell us about what you do at work.

There’s a huge variety of jobs. I could be changing seals, replacing motors, doing preventative maintenance checks, or fabrication – it’s a wide range of tasks. It feels like you’re doing a different job every week, so you never really get bored.

Your own skills have been recognised with you winning the Stuart Tolhurst Memorial Award for 2024. Can you tell us a bit about that?

When I first found out I’d been nominated, I was thrilled – even just knowing my name had been put forward was pretty cool. It wasn’t something I’d ever really thought about. Then, when I was told I was a finalist, I started to feel hopeful. That’s when it started to feel real. Sitting there during the announcement was nerve-wracking, to say the least! When my name was called, it was an incredible feeling – first relief, as the nerves disappeared, but then they came rushing back
when I realised I’d have to give a speech.

As I walked up, the first thing on my mind was thanking my team. They’re the ones who trained me, and I see this award as much a reflection of their efforts as it is of my own work.

Why do you think it’s important to be a union member?

Unions are about togetherness. Rather than facing a problem alone, you tackle it as a team, as a collective. As the apprentice delegate, I represent over 60 apprentices at Fonterra across the country. It’s great for us to work together through the
union.

What do you think makes someone effective in the delegate role?

It’s all about having a solid understanding of the collective agreement. When people ask me questions about it, I always go back and double-check the agreement to ensure I fully understand their concerns. Collective agreements can be open to interpretation, which can make things tricky. It’s important to approach them carefully and give clear, considered advice.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I play football at the second tier of New Zealand football. I’ve played all my life and have been at this level for two or three years now. I’ve competed in national competitions, and I love the game.

What’s one tip you’d have for other members of E tū?

Communication is incredibly important. In my role, I deal with lots of different stakeholders across various plants. Proper communication is essential. Building good relationships – not just with your maintenance team but also with the operators and everyone else at the plant – makes the job so much smoother.

After a decade of campaigning, lobbying, election forums, and members sharing their stories, we have finally won the Living Wage for all workers at Auckland Council!

The official announcement that Auckland Council has become an accredited Living Wage Employer was made during the celebration of another milestone – the 10th anniversary of the Living Wage Employer accreditation programme.

This means that everyone working at Auckland Council, whether employed directly or through contracted employers, now earns at least the 2024/25 Living Wage rate of $27.80.

Palu Vaitai, a cleaner at the Auckland Council offices, was there to celebrate this hard fought victory. She shared how important the Living Wage has been for her and her family.

Rachel Mackintosh, Palu Vaitai, and Auckland Councillor Julie Fairy

“Before, it was a struggle – a struggle to feed my family, a struggle to pay bills, and never any time for family. That always made me sad,” Palu said.

“This has changed now, thanks to everyone who fought hard for us. Getting paid the Living Wage has truly changed my life, as it has changed so many other lives. “When I started getting the Living Wage, I stopped needing one of my jobs, and I stopped working on the weekend. I can relax now and do things I was not able to do in the past. I can even go to watch rugby games with my family, which is lots of fun!”

Auckland Council now joins Wellington City Council, Christchurch City Council, Dunedin City Council, Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, Kapiti Coast District Council, and Environment Canterbury (ECan) as Aotearoa’s Living Wage councils. Nearly 400 other businesses and organisations are also accredited!

We win the Living Wage at public institutions through community campaigns. When E tū members join with other unions, faith groups, and community organisations to tell decisionmakers that we expect them to use public money to pay fair wages, they have to listen!

E tū has launched a new report, explaining the problems across the care and support sector, and what we need to do about them.

The Transforming Care Report uses case study interviews with E tū members, a survey of over 1,500 workers, and input from a wide community of other stakeholders, to shine a light on a system in crisis.

The report was offi cially launched at Parliament in November, by the E tū Community Support Services Industry Council, and was received by Members of Parliament representing both the Government and the Opposition.

E tū members were interviewed by Dame Judy McGregor for the report, explaining what the crisis in the sector meant to them. Here is a snapshot of their comments:

E tū members were proud to join the record-breaking Hīkoi mō te Tiriti last month, which saw thousands of people up and down the country march together against the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill (Treaty Principles Bill) and other attacks on te ao Māori.

The hīkoi arrived at Parliament with well over 50,000 people joining forces to tell the Government to scrap the divisive bill. E tū President Muriel Tunoho marched with the multitudes, and says it was one of the most important political actions of a generation.

“It was phenomenal, powerful, respectful and impactful,” Muriel says.

“Any attempt to divide us or any sanitisation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and breaches of good faith will not be
tolerated by Māori. A growing number of non-Māori and young people are understanding this more, too.

“It is hopeful for our future generations as well. Because over 50,000 voices marching on Parliament to
oppose the shallow and divisive Treaty Principles Bill should not be ignored.

“In the end, the Treaty Principles Bill is just a distraction that does nothing to address the job losses, job
insecurity, and cost of living struggles our members face now.”

Wellington Hikoi

What is the E tū position on the Treaty Principles Bill?

The proposal is to establish three new ‘Treaty principles’ which are interpretations of the three articles of te Tiriti. Instead of relying on the careful interpretations of te Tiriti and its application in recent decades, the bill would see over-simplified new principles become the legal framework work on Tiriti issues. It is a flawed idea that will cause more harm than good. It is an attempt to narrow and limit the principles of te Tiriti o Waitangi, ignoring decades of work by experts and courts to understand what te Tiriti means in practice. Te Tiriti is meant to guide the relationship between Māori and the Crown as partners, but this bill goes against that by being developed without proper consultation with Māori, breaking the trust and respect te Tiriti is built on.

The changes would weaken Māori rights and shift the balance of power away from the partnership promised by te Tiriti. Instead of creating fairness, the bill risks silencing Māori voices and widening the gap between communities.

You can have your voice heard against the Treaty Principles Bill by making a submission to Parliament. E tū has developed a simple tool to help you write your submission. Visit www.etu.nz/treatysubmission  to make your submission today! Be sure to fill out the form before 5 January 2025.

The Engineering, Infrastructure, and Extractives (EIE) industry group covers a huge and diverse range of workers across heavy engineering, infrastructure services, steel and aluminium smelting, timber milling, wood and fibre packaging, mining, oil and gas, and much more. These industries form the backbone of many rural communities, and the workers are the skilled hands keeping them running.

Mark Anderson, the EIE Industry Council Convenor, knows just how much these industries mean to New Zealand. Based in Waihi and working at OceaniaGold, Mark sees the direct impact these jobs have. “We’ve got so many workers in EIE, and they’re not just keeping industries running, they’re keeping communities alive,” he says.

Protecting local industries

A big focus for the EIE group is the fight to keep local manufacturing and processing alive. The closure of places like Kinleith Mill and Winstone’s pulp and sawmills shows how devastating it can be when these industries shut down. Mark is clear about the ripple effects: “When jobs go in a small town, it’s not just the workers who feel it. It’s the local businesses, the schools, the sports teams. Communities rely on these industries, and without them, everything starts to unravel.”
For many workers, these industries aren’t just jobs; they’re part of the community’s identity. That’s why E tū is pushing to keep these industries open and ensure policies protect local jobs instead of letting them disappear. “When a plant closes, where are those workers supposed to go? It’s a tough reality,” Mark says.

This is also a core driver of the E tū campaign for a Just Transition. A Just Transition ensures that as industries evolve or shut down, whether due to economic shifts, technological developments, or the move to cleaner energy, workers and their communities are supported. It’s about retraining, creating new job opportunities, and keeping people and towns afloat during big changes. It’s a way to protect livelihoods and give workers a voice in shaping a fairer, more sustainable future.

Some of the EIE Industry Council members at the Just Transition Forum at Parliament in August

Health and safety: A core focus

Another key priority for the EIE group is health and safety. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, born from the lessons of Pike River, set a standard to protect workers. But recent Government discussions about revising the legislation have sparked concerns.

Mark is passionate about this issue. “A lot of our health and safety rules were written in blood. They came in because someone got hurt or killed. We can’t let that happen again,” he says. Mark believes it’s about building a culture where workers feel supported in speaking up if something’s unsafe. “It’s not just about rules, it’s about culture. You need your coworkers backing you when you say, ‘I’m not doing this, it’s not safe.’ That’s how we protect each other.”

Supporting the next generation

Looking ahead, the EIE Industry Council is also focusing on industry training and preparing young workers for the future. With big changes to vocational training on the horizon, ensuring the next generation is skilled and ready is more important than ever. Mark says the Industry Council is committed to working with all stakeholders to figure out the best way forward. “We’ve got to make sure our young workers are set up for success and want to stay here, working in these industries.”

Standing strong

The EIE group is tackling big challenges, from keeping local industries alive to fighting for stronger health and safety protections and preparing for the future of training. Mark says the diversity within the group is its strength, and with a new Industry Council in place, there’s a renewed energy to connect with members and make their voices heard. “It’s about all of us working together,” Mark says. “The more people get involved, the stronger we’ll be. That’s how we’ll stand up for workers and keep these communities going.”

A snapshot of the work our members do:

• Heavy engineering
• Infrastructure services
• Steel and aluminium smelting
• Timber milling and processing
• Wood and fibre packaging
• Mining
• Oil and gas exploration
• Construction manufacturing
• Construction projects
• Boat building
• Fire and security systems and services
• Air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration
• Concrete, ceramic, and plaster manufacturing
• And much more!

Auckland hui

Over 10,000 people from unions and the wider community across Aotearoa New Zealand united in a resounding call for justice, solidarity, and a better future at the Fight Back Together – Maranga Ake hui in October. Held in 12 locations, from Whangārei to Invercargill, the hui showcased the formidable power of collective action and sent a crystal-clear message to the Government: workers and communities demand better.

The mobilisation was a direct response to the National-led Government’s anti-worker agenda. Key issues raised included the scrapping of Fair Pay Agreements, the reinstatement of 90-day ‘fire at will’ trials, and a minimum wage increase that failed to keep pace with inflation. Workers also expressed concerns about looming threats to employment rights, health and safety legislation, and the progress of pay equity.

The hui cast a spotlight on issues extending beyond workplace relations, highlighting the erosion of public healthcare, inadequate housing policies, and attacks on te Tiriti o Waitangi and te ao Māori – all deeply interconnected challenges.

E tū members stepped up at every hui, sharing their stories and giving voice to the concerns of workers across the motu. E tū Youth Network Convenor Rangimarie Chase, who attended the Hamilton hui, described the event as a powerful expression of solidarity.

“It was an amazing experience,” Rangi said. “I loved seeing people from across industries come together to share how we feel as workers, constantly bombarded with attacks from this Government.

“My favourite part was watching my friend Vicky from the care industry deliver an impassioned speech about the need for decent work and fair pay. We all know how tough it is for workers in the care sector, who care for our most vulnerable loved ones under increasingly difficult conditions.

“It’s vital that our unions continue working together on these issues. What happens to some workers represented by E tū could also be affecting workers represented by other unions. Workers must be able to communicate and organise across workplaces. “As a result of our union movement’s campaigns, I hope to see the end of 90-day trials. I hope changes to health and safety laws won’t place workers in greater danger, and it’s high time this Government recognised the importance of a Just Transition. They must take action to support the workers who need it most.”

While the hui were a major milestone, they form part of a broader, ongoing campaign. Hui have set the stage for a wave of activism that promises to reshape the political and social landscape in the months ahead. The message is clear:
the fight for justice is far from over, but the resolve of workers and communities is stronger than ever.

Wellington hui

Dunedin hui

At every Fight Back Together hui, everyone in attendance passed the following motions, affirming what workers need in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Motion One
We demand better paid, safer and more secure work, more mana at work and more say how things are done at work.

Motion Two
We demand better public and social infrastructure, public services, better health, and education.

Motion Three
We demand that the Government end their flagrant attacks on Māori and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi so that Māori rights and interests are protected and recognised across Aotearoa, and Māori workers are afforded dignity.

Motion Four
We demand immediate action on reducing inequality, by making the living wage the minimum wage, by bringing in real pay equity, and by taxing everyone fairly.

Motion Five
We demand action to tackle AI and climate change, leaving no worker behind.