E tū union news – June 2023

Government gives green light for security guards’ FPA

“Like a dream come true” is how security guard and E tū FPA campaigner Rosey Ngakopu described the moment she heard that security guards across Aotearoa New Zealand will now be able to start bargaining for their first-ever Fair Pay Agreement (FPA).

At the end of May, the Government gave the green light to members’ application to negotiate an FPA for security guards

after thousands of workers signed on to initiate it. This is huge for E tū members who have campaigned for years to get FPAs into law and will now be able to bargain with an employer representative to put down minimum standards and conditions for all security guards. CLICK HERE to see our members’ FPA journey from start to finish.

E tū members put hard questions to MPs

Ka pai to our members in Auckland and Wellington who put important questions about their industry issues to our Government at the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) Government Forum, where workers and ministers came together for an evening of kōrero and workshops last week.

Members asked ministers about a range of vital issues, including pay equity, the cost of living, Just Transition, and the Living Wage in the public sector – a unique
opportunity to talk directly to ministers about what matters.

The forum also highlighted the importance of voting at this year’s General Election, in order to keep the gains we’ve won – like Fair Pay Agreements and to get our equal pay settlement for care and support workers finalised. Check out some of our snaps from the night HERE.

Your organising wins

Visy Glass

In March, Visy Glass members settled their latest collective agreement, after almost a year of bargaining. Bargaining at Visy Glass is done by the delegate team, with the support of a union organiser.

By negotiating this way, it means everyone around the table has a better understanding of what’s going on and the jobs that members do, says delegate Gerard Peters. “Even though it might be a bit scary, because you’re talking to management and you have to work with them day in and day out, you get to know each other better.”

Te Whatu Ora service workers

Since mid-May, Te Whatu Ora members working as orderlies and cleaners at Counties Manukau and Waitematā now have access to shoe vouchers, so they can buy their own shoes and choose from a bigger range than was previously supplied.

This win comes after a huge organising effort by delegates, including a survey.

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A delegate at Waitākere Hospital, Barbara, says her members are “rapt”. CLICK HERE to read the full story.

Delegate Forums wrap up

More than 700 delegates around the country came together for 25 Delegate Forums over the last couple of months.

Alongside our campaigns for a Just Transition and equal pay, a big focus for the forums was the union wins at stake in the General Election on October 23, such as Fair Pay Agreements law.

If you haven’t yet pledged to vote in this year’s election, take the pledge now! We’ve also got posters you can put up in your workplaces to get the word out about how important it is to make your voice heard. If you’d like posters for your workplace, email communications@etu.nz and we’ll get some out to you.

NZ Steel Mill moving on climate

E tū delegates are calling for a Just Transition at New Zealand Steel. In the first plan of its kind, the Government is contributing up to $140 million to the company’s mill in Glenbrook so it can purchase an electric furnace and make 50% of its steel from recycling scrap.

Estimated to reduce carbon emissions by the same amount as taking all the passenger cars in Christchurch off the road, E tū delegate Lester Udy says the move signals “exciting times” ahead for industry.

However, both Lester and E tū are clear that any changes to workers’ jobs means that they’ll need a Just Transition, a chance to up skill or transition without losing pay or conditions. CLICK HERE to read more.

New member welcome meetings reminder

If you’re new to E tū or just want to learn more about your union, you’re more than welcome to join us at a new member meeting. You can also check out your new members’ page here.

WHEN: Wednesday 19 July
TIME: 10am-11am

REGISTER:

WHEN: Wednesday 19 July
TIME: 7pm-8pm
REGISTER:

Got news to share?

Get in touch with us at communications@etu.nz – we’d love to hear your stories!