Calling all Sheep Shearers and Wool Handlers

It’s great to see employers have led the way for a pay increase in the shearing industry. The New Zealand Shearing Contractors’ Association (NZSCA) represents contractors who employ sheep shearers as employees. In May 2018 they collectively voted for an increase in shearing industry rates. Disappointingly however, because there is no base award it was […]

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Changes to migrant visas good but need to cover other visas too – migrant networks and unions

New Immigration changes for international students came into effect yesterday (November 26th).  One of the major changes is that migrant workers who are currently holding an Employer Assisted Visa (a visa which binds the workers to a particular employer and to a particular location of work) will be able to apply for an open work […]

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Tensions flare between Go Bus and Council as bus lockout continues

It’s day five of the Go Bus lockout in the Waikato region. Go Bus CEO Callum Heslop has been captured on video this week, on the picket, blaming the Waikato Regional Council for the ongoing bus lockout. In a video of Mr Heslop addressing workers locked out by the operator, he is heard stating that […]

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Workers at Godfrey Hirst carpets have downed tools for the Living Wage

The New Zealand workers who make carpets for commercial and residential use at what’s touted as one of the top carpet manufacturers in the world have reached a stalemate with the company over wages and overtime. Sixty members at Godfrey Hirst carpets have fully withdrawn their labour for 48-hours (Thursday and Friday) as partial strike […]

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International transport workers unite: Go Bus must end ‘pathetic’ lockout

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is calling on the New Zealand bus company Go Bus to unconditionally end its lockout of bus drivers for exercising their right to take action to demand a living wage. The drivers had voted to stop taking fare money from passengers to show that they cannot continue to live […]

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Bus commuters in Waikato ride for free as drivers call for the Living Wage

Christmas comes early for bus commuters in the Waikato this year as around 120 bus drivers will  refuse to accept payment from passengers.  Passengers will be receiving free rides on services provided by Go Bus in Hamilton, Te Awamutu, Otorohanga and Katikati from Monday (19th November) as drivers protest their abysmal wages. Drivers voted to […]

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Workers protest low pay and wage theft at leading computer retailer

 Today’s ‘black Friday’ sale at New Zealand’s largest computer and I.T. retailer is a dark day indeed for its workers.  It seems PB Tech achieves its bargain basement prices through paying staff low wages. Minimum wage employer PB Tech is also in trouble with its workers over not paying staff for all time worked. The […]

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Ambos open to further strike action as St John reluctant to request more Government funding for staff

Ambulance professionals will not attend commercial events unless an emergency is called in. Around one thousand ambulance professionals employed by St John have voted to take a sophisticated series of strike actions to ensure patient safety is not put at risk. From tomorrow (14th November) ambulance crews across the country will refuse to attend non-emergency […]

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