Should the profit generated by NZ workers be invested in technology that cuts their jobs? Rudd Hughes, Workers First deputy secretary, talks to Blayne Slabbert about how job-cutting technology is impacting staff as well as consumers. www.thepress.co.nz/business/360...

The @nzctu.bsky.social Mood of the Workplace 2026 results are in. The stats were already dire and this Govt has continued to make them worse. Time for worker representation - make sure you and your community are enrolled to vote at www.vote.nz! union.org.nz/mood-of-the-... #nzpol

Make sure you're enrolled to vote: vote.nz/enrolling/en...

On the 7th of November the country will go to the polls. Let’s come together to get rid of this anti-worker Government and elect a new progressive government that is committed to delivering bold change for working people.

#nzpol Our Mood of the Workforce 2026 results are out. More than 3700 working people filled out the survey, and the message was clear: workers are struggling under the National-led Government. We need elected leaders that care about working New Zealanders, not just the wealthy and powerful.

#nzpol NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi president Sandra Grey is calling out the National Party leader for failing to address the concerns of working people at a time when a positive vision for the country is desperately needed:

Thanks to @nzeiteriuroa.bsky.social for this #nzpol story: OIA docs reveal the Dept of Internal Affairs flagged PSC social media ads about the 23 Oct strike, warning they likely breach the PSC’s own neutrality guidelines of “impartial and politically neutral content”: tinyurl.com/publicservic...

#nzpol Today the government announced that the minimum wage will rise by 2% in April 2026. On current forecasts this will represent the 3rd successive year in which minimum wage workers will face a real terms cut in pay. Over 3 years full time workers are $4,184 worse off. A 🧵

#nzpol Workers in this country are constantly on the job. It's time for a right to switch off law in New Zealand.

You're not alone! 30,000+ Workers First union colleagues stand with you, and behind us again stand 350,000+ members from the wider @nzctu.bsky.social Aotearoa union movement. Those in power fear us and it's because we KICK ASS when we stand together 💪

(1/4) #takethepowerback 5 - Addressing tech ‘disruption’ Many new industrial issues are emerging around how technology is used in workplaces, how it can disrupt employment law and regulatory oversight, and how it can undermine workers’ rights. Full paper: www.workersfirst.nz/news/take-th... #nzpol

(1/5) #takethepowerback 4 - Improving supply chains In 2022 around 10% of our imports were linked to forced labour or child labour, with the average household spending around $77 per week on these items. Let’s end our role in forced labour. Full paper: www.workersfirst.nz/news/take-th... #nzpol

(1/5) #takethepowerback 3 - Supporting strike action Stronger strike rights and paid civic participation will make it easier for workers to stand up for fair conditions and stay involved in the decisions that shape their lives and our society. Full paper: www.workersfirst.nz/news/take-th... #nzpol

(1/5) #takethepowerback 2 - Building economic democracy Our political system is largely democratic, our workplaces are not. We want Kiwis to have more decision-making power in their workplace and industry. Full paper: www.workersfirst.nz/news/take-th... #nzpol

(1/5) #takethepowerback 1 - Strengthening good faith bargaining NZ’s collective bargaining system makes it easy for employers to negotiate in bad faith. It’s one of the few systems among similar countries that only bargains at workplace-level. Full paper: www.workersfirst.nz/news/take-th... #nzpol

1/2 #Woolworths has ruined Christmas for many of their Customer Care Centre workers by locking them out without pay just before Christmas. These are not minor changes. Working both weekend days, shift changes on short notice, and having to go on-site in Auckland - all at the companies discretion.

Although it doesn't affect our retail membership, we're dismayed to learn about claims of outsourcing positions in the Warehouse Group head office. Rudd Hughes, Workers First Deputy Secretary, talks to Aimee Shaw in this article in The Post (subscription required): www.thepost.co.nz/business/360...

(1/3) UPDATE: Woolworths Customer Care centre workers have been LOCKED OUT by the company until Saturday night as retaliation for their 3-hour strike action this morning. We need your help!

1/6 With the holidays approaching at speed of gingerbread, there are some important things for you to know about working the holidays.

Families fight to put food on the table. Meanwhile the ACT Party and Coalition Government spent $150,000 on a 'Road Cone hotline'. Closing after 6 months & 200 cones removed, costing Kiwis ~$750 per cone (and they gutted Worksafe - putting real lives at risk!) We too wish this was satire ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

1/3 Woolworths Customer Care Call Centre workers have voted to take strike action ahead of Christmas, starting today (15 December). These workers assist with online ordes and logistics, customer complaints and refunds, and queries about ‘Everyday Rewards’. Potential future actions are on the table.

For Workers First members only: The Northern Drivers’ Charitable Trust annual skills & training/retraining scholarship application is now open! Applications are also open to WF family members, so let your whānau know. Full regulations and the application form available online: driverstrust.org.nz

#Uber drivers took Uber to Court and WON! You may be owed backpay for lost wages, holiday pay and other entitlements. If you have been driving for six years or longer you need to sign up NOW, or you may lose back pay. Join: www.workersfirst.nz/uber/ FAQ: www.workersfirst.nz/uber/faq-ube...

A broad array of organisations have launched an open letter, urging the government not to proceed with taxpayer subsidies for an LNG import terminal. Check out the full letter: 350.org.nz/lng-open-let...

(1/3) 8 things Workers First members have won by bargaining at Bunnings!

Amazing delegates, from just some of the Regional Delegates Conferences that we held across the motu over the last two weeks. These incredible people MAKE WORK BETTER! We couldn't do it without them.

The Grinch of the Year award 2025, delivered! Un-gratulations to Pak'nSave Richmond, who have raised prices over and above inflation while offering an effective pay cut for their workers. We call on the public to boycott this store in December and support other Supermarkets in the area.

We have awarded Richmond Pak‘nSave with the Grinch of the Year Award! And are calling on the community to boycott them this December. Please support other local alternatives: - Woolworths Richmond (144 Salisbury Road, Richmond) - Connings Food Market (151 McShane Road, Appleby) Merry Grinchmas!

RADICAL IDEAS FOR RADICAL PROBLEMS Our new policy paper, Take the Power Back, is live: www.workersfirst.nz/news/take-th... #nzpol #takethepowerback

Great interview with Lalogafau Mea'ole Keil', one of the four Uber drivers in the landmark Uber case. Mana like you wouldn't believe. pmn.co.nz/read/law-and... #uber

Ngā mihi nui (thank you) @itfglobalunion.bsky.social 🤝 www.itfglobal.org/en/stories/u...

I think what fucks me off the most about the business NZ reaction to the uber case is this idea that the legislation and caselaw are outdated because of new technology – technology has not removed the requirement for rights and dignity for workers.

1/9 Let's debunk 8 common misconceptions about the #Uber judgement! #nzpol

When it's only Monday and you've just beaten a multibillion dollar international behemoth in the Supreme Court ❤😭 So proud of these drivers for FOUR YEARS of perseverance. Standing strong not just for Uber drivers but for all Aotearoa workers. The fight goes on but today we celebrate! #uber #nzpol

Our heartfelt congratulations to all of our Uber members and the four drivers - Nureddin, Julian, Bill and Mea’ole. It is not easy to stand up and speak out about a multibillion dollar multinational corporation that controls almost every aspect of your livelihood. You have done it. And won! #uber

#nzpol HUGE VICTORY FOR WORKERS: The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Uber Drivers and their unions, saying that they are employees not contractors. Now the NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Government to respect this ruling and uphold the rights of platform and gig economy workers:

#nzpol Good News Alert 🚨 ETU and @workersfirstunion.bsky.social won their case in the Supreme Court against Uber - meaning the court found some workers were employees rather than contractors. Opening the door to more workers being able to claim their rights! www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases...

Have you watched the John Campbell Uber investigation yet? It's okay to skip to the end where he finally tells Brooke "I'd really love you to answer this question..." and then she 'answers' with this sponsored word salad™ On TVNZ+ now: www.tvnz.co.nz/news/news-in...

1/3 If you only read or watch one media story this week, make it John Campbell’s investigation into Uber! VIDEO: www.tvnz.co.nz/news/news-in... ARTICLE: www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/08/j...

Members! Every time you or one of your family joins this KiwiSaver, NZ Funds shares profits back to Workers First Union. Plus, chat to an advisor, sign up, and get a $50 Prezzy card! Schedule your chat now: www.workersfirst.nz/kiwisaver

The latest Fast-Track Approvals amendments are a dangerous Henry VIII-style power grab that shreds democracy, hands royal privileges to mining companies, and says "off with his head" to the *head* of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Check out our response here: 350.org.nz/henryviii/

(1/4) We want to offer our aroha and solidarity to the family, friends and colleagues of Sean Cleary, who passed away while working as a bus driver in Auckland on Wednesday 22nd October.

(1/3) 8 reasons why Workers First is the best union for Ambulance Officers!

#nzpol Filled jobs out this week - and the number of filled jobs went up - Whoop! That's great news. Only 45,692 jobs to go until we are back to where we were at the election. Something happened in November 2023, and jobs started to fall....

On 28 Oct 2025 Iwi, unions and activists mobilised for Rā Whakamana, Aotearoa's National Day of Solidarity. This day is to reaffirm the tino rangatiratanga of Tangata Whenua and to protect the rights and wellbeing of all workers in the face of this Government's anti-Tiriti and anti-worker agenda.

1/5 A NEW DEAL FOR WORKERS: Today the NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi announced the core policies workers need from any future progressive Government. Workers need GOOD WORK, FAIR WAGES, and STRONG UNIONS. These are the non-negotiables. #nzpol

Thursday, October 23, is shaping up to be one of the biggest protests against this Government – or any government – in NZ history. We back the striking teachers, nurses, doctors, firefighters and other frontline workers! Do you? Make sure to show your support and appreciation for them on Thursday.

1/3 8 things that Workers First members have won through union negotiations with #Kmart:

Comparing NZ supermarket pay and benefits. Kmart & Woolworths employees all enjoy the same pay and conditions across NZ. Pak'nSave/Foodstuffs employees have variable pay and conditions depending on employer and bargaining strength. Join your union and win better pay and conditions!

How much do you spend on work footwear? Union members don't *only* bargain for wages, they bargain for all sorts of costs to be carried or shared by the employer. A lot of our members who require safety footwear or spend a lot of time standing have successfully bargained for footwear allowances.