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workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Workers First Union
@workersfirstunion.bsky.social
200 followers 25 following 220 posts
32,000 strong! ✊ The trade union for retail, finance, logistics, transport, manufacturing, ambulance and bus workers in Aotearoa New Zealand
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workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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.
text reading "Woolworths leaves workers without pay, at Christmas. Woolworths locked out customer care centre workers, leaving them and their familes without their pay at Christmas time. All because these workers don't want their existing conditions worsened." text reading "“December is already hard for everyone. Woolworths’ two days lockout has significantly increased the mental and financial stresses on our families.” Woolworths Customer Care Centre worker" text reading "“I'm a single mother with three children. I signed up for this job as remote working and the hours of work that works for my family. My life is arranged around my permanent work hours.” Woolworths Customer Care Centre worker"
December 23, 2025 at 11:21 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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...
a screenshot of an article in 'The Post' by Aimee Shaw, on December 20 2025. The only other text is the headline which reads "Claims offshore outsourcing to ripple through the ranks at The Warehouse Group"
December 21, 2025 at 11:49 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(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!
December 19, 2025 at 4:26 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
1/6 With the holidays approaching at speed of gingerbread, there are some important things for you to know about working the holidays.
text reading "Working over the holidays. What you need to know."
December 17, 2025 at 10:42 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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)_/¯
Photos of ACT politians brooke van velden and david seymour, with roadcones put on their heads in a cartoonish style. Money notes are flying around under them in the same style. Text underneath reads "they spent $150,000 of your money to remove 200 road cones."
December 17, 2025 at 4:04 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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.
text reading "Woolworths Customer Care Call Centre workers have begun strike actions today." text reading "Workers First Union members at Woolworths Customer Care Call Centre have voted to take strike action ahead of Christmas. They have cited low pay, "clawbacks" reductions to existing conditions), potential future outsourcing and reneging on ‘work from home’ policies as roadblocks to a new deal with the Australian supermarket chain." text reading ""We aren’t going to return to the table and negotiate with a brick wall for another two months while Woolworths pretend all is well and workers should do more with less and kill their hopes for a better future." Elle Sun-Min Park Workers First Union organiser"
December 15, 2025 at 12:26 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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
text reading "Skills & Training Scholarships. Financial assistance for part or full-time training in New Zealand toward trades, skills or tertiary qualifications. Applications open: driverstrust.org.nz" There is a Northern Drivers' Charitable Trust logo in the top corner.
December 11, 2025 at 2:52 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
#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...
text reading "Uber drivers. It's time to join the union or risk missing out on backpay. workersfirst.nz/uber"
December 8, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Reposted by Workers First Union
350nz.bsky.social
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...
December 3, 2025 at 11:42 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(1/3) 8 things Workers First members have won by bargaining at Bunnings!
A illustration of a person in a Bunnings-like uniform, and the text "8 things Workers First union members have won by bargaining at: Bunnings." The text "1. Better pay. Every year we bargain to improve your pay rates! We have now achieved a minimum starting rate of $26, all the way up to a minimum of $31.50 for Pay Band 3." A sticker style piece of text next to it reads "improved this year by union bargaining!" The text "2. Protected hours. You have better protection against changes to your roster - hours can no longer be reduced withour your agreement." A sticker style piece of text next to it reads "better protection for union members"
December 3, 2025 at 11:42 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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.
A photo of a large group of amazing Workers First Union delegates and staff looking up at the camera, a lot with their fists raised, all looking chuffed A group of four amazing Workers First Union delegates looking chuffed and cool as heck, some holding 'Take the Power Back' policy booklets Two amazing Workers First Union delegates looking chuffed and cool as heck, holding a 'Take the Power Back' policy booklets and a 2024-2025 union annual report a photo of a large group of amazing Workers First Union delegates and staff looking up at the camera, a lot with their fists raised, all looking chuffed
December 2, 2025 at 11:19 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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.
a photo of a group of people in front of Pak'nSave Richmond, with a oversize voucher saying "Grinch of the Year, Richmond Pak'nSave". The people are holding Workers First Union flags. A photo inside Pak'nSave Richmond of a not-very-happy-looking man holding an oversize voucher saying "Grinch of the Year, Richmond Pak'nSave", walking away from the camera. In the background are shoppers and a 'proudly NZ owned' sign that is probably feeling pretty embarrassed about all this
December 1, 2025 at 4:56 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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!
An image of the grinch, holding box with a christmas tree and a sign saying "low wages no benefits" Text reads "Grinch of the year! Boycott Pak‘nSave Richmond this Xmas. Workers are asking you to do your shopping elsewhere this December."
November 30, 2025 at 8:19 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
RADICAL IDEAS FOR RADICAL PROBLEMS

Our new policy paper, Take the Power Back, is live: www.workersfirst.nz/news/take-th...

#nzpol #takethepowerback
heavily stylised text reading "take the power back", in red. a grainy image of a loudspeaker or a spotlight on a pole is in the background, in black and white. red text reading "we offer radical solutions for radical problems" and "read the paper at workersfirst.nz" with a qr code that leads to https://www.workersfirst.nz/news/take-the-power-back red text reading "we challenge you to imagine a better world for workers" and "Take the Power back is an unashamed attempt to outline what true pro-worker political policy might look like."
November 26, 2025 at 1:38 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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
Sāmoan Uber driver’s landmark court victory sparks hope for fair treatment of workers
Lalogafau Mea’ole Keil, one of the plaintiffs, celebrates the ruling as a step towards advocacy to protect the rights of employees in the gig economy.
pmn.co.nz
November 24, 2025 at 8:21 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Ngā mihi nui (thank you) @itfglobalunion.bsky.social 🤝

www.itfglobal.org/en/stories/u...
Uber drivers in Aotearoa New Zealand mark historic win
www.itfglobal.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Reposted by Workers First Union
m-e.allison683etc.servegame.com
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.
November 23, 2025 at 9:06 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
1/9 Let's debunk 8 common misconceptions about the #Uber judgement!

#nzpol
text reading "Is this the end of contracting in NZ?* The answer to this and 7 other common questions relating to the Uber case. *No"
November 23, 2025 at 8:16 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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
A photo of a group of absolute legends looking happy outside of the Supreme Court, with a 1news microphone in the shot A photo of a group of absolute legends looking happy outside of the Supreme Court A photo of a group of absolute legends in a pub 'cheersing' beers and non-alcoholic drinks
November 17, 2025 at 6:01 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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
text reading "Uber drivers win. Multibillion dollar rideshare company Uber has lost their final anti-worker appeal in the Supreme Court." text reading "Now we will: Pursue the 1,000s of claims of owed backpay that have already been lodged Pursue worker entitlements like annual leave and holiday pay for Uber drivers Pursue a collective bagreement, allowing Uber drivers to formally join a union. Workers' rights for Uber drivers! As in many other countries, such as the UK." text reading "Brooke van Velden's ERA* bill would be a stab in the back of this court decision. She must now stop the ERA Bill, or deliberately undermine Aotearoa's law and justice system in a Trumpian-dictator move - for her friends at Uber." There is a graphic of Brooke holding a stabby stabber with money swirling around her. Small text reading "*Employment Relations Amendment"
November 17, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Reposted by Workers First Union
nzctu.bsky.social
#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:
Govt must respect Supreme Court ruling and abandon pro-Uber bill - NZCTU
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Prime Minister to respect the ruling of the Supreme Court and abandon Brooke van Velden’s Employment Relations Bill. The Bill would enshrine in law the abi...
union.org.nz
November 17, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Reposted by Workers First Union
clrenney.bsky.social
#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...
www.courtsofnz.govt.nz
November 17, 2025 at 2:18 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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...
a photo of John Campbell asking a question with the text ""...potentially thousands of contractors earning less than minimum wage, no security of employment and not getting sick pay and holiday pay. Is that a model that you are happy with?"" small text reads "John Campbell Inside the Uber Economy, TVNZ+ a photo of Brooke van Velden not answering a question with the text ""I am happy with the fact that there is a flexible labour model allowing for contract arrangements where people can pick and choose their hours of work... Where they can pick and choose what they are willing to work for..."" small text reads "Brooke van Velden Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety / professional question dodger / person who thinks Kiwis choose to work for $13 an hour Inside the Uber Economy, TVNZ+"
November 13, 2025 at 4:28 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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...
a photo of Lalogafau Mea'ole Keil looking badass, holding a microphone, outside the high court text on top reads ""if you don’t stand up and fight now, your children and your grandchildren – the future – those young ones will suffer… you can’t allow it to spread!"" small text underneath reads "Lalogafau Mea'ole Keil Uber driver Inside the Uber Economy, TVNZ+"
November 12, 2025 at 4:02 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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
text reading "Support your union. Every time a member or one of their 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: workersfirst.nz/kiwisaver"
November 6, 2025 at 10:07 PM