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workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Workers First Union
@workersfirstunion.bsky.social
170 followers 25 following 180 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
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
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(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.
November 4, 2025 at 1:09 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(3/3) 8 reasons why Workers First is the best union for Ambulance Officers!
October 29, 2025 at 11:29 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(2/3) 8 reasons why Workers First is the best union for Ambulance Officers!
October 29, 2025 at 11:29 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(1/3) 8 reasons why Workers First is the best union for Ambulance Officers!
October 29, 2025 at 11:28 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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.
A photo of a large group of people marching with union and tino rangatiratanga (political control by Māori people over Māori affairs) flags. Text on top reads "Rā Whakamana: Aotearoa's first National Day of Solidarity." text reading "On 28 October 2025 Iwi, unions and activists held the first 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."
October 29, 2025 at 3:41 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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.
text reading "Do you back frontline workers? We invite you to join us in solidarity with unionised teachers, nurses, doctors and firefighters on the 23rd of October. This will be one of the biggest strikes in Aotearoa history."
October 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
3/3 8 things that Workers First members have won through union negotiations with #Kmart:
Text reading "6. Footwear allowance. A $200 footwear allowance for safety shoes or medically required footwear." extra text in a 'sticker' style reads "won this year" Text reading "7. Birthday leave. You get a paid day off for your birthday." Text reading "8. Night work allowance. You get an extra $4 an hour for all hours worked between 10pm and 6am." small text reading "And more, but we ran out of room.."
October 13, 2025 at 4:24 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
2/3 8 things that Workers First members have won through union negotiations with #Kmart:
Text reading "3. Overtime pay. 1.5x normal pay per extra hour over 40 hours (in a week)." Text reading "4. Free funeral insurance. $10,000 cover with Workers First Funeral Insurance." extra text in a 'sticker' style reads "Union members only" Text reading "5. Public holidays. It's voluntary for you to work public holidays."
October 13, 2025 at 4:23 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
1/3 8 things that Workers First members have won through union negotiations with #Kmart:
An illustration of a person in something approximating a Kmart uniform next to text reading "8 things Workers First union members have won by bargaining at: Kmart." Text reading "1. High pay rates. Some of the highest pay rates in the New Zealand retail industry." Text reading "2. Bonus payments. One-off payments of: $500 for permanent staff working 20-40 hours $350 for permanent staff working under 20 hours $200 for casuals" extra text in a 'sticker' style reads "Union members only" and "next payment: July 2026" small text reading "these payments are text"
October 13, 2025 at 4:21 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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!
A table that compares starting pay rates, 6 month and 1 year pay rates, and various other benefits across Kmart, Woolworths and Three Pak'nSave stores: Kilbirnie, Royal Oak and Richmond. Kmart scores the best overall, then Pak'nSave Kilbirnie and Woolworths, though Pak'nSave Royal Oak has all benefits (but lower pay rates). Notable is the differences between different Pak'nSave stores, with Kilbirnie scoring so high, and Richmond being by far the lowers, with substantially lower pay and none of the benefits.
October 8, 2025 at 12:04 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
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.
a image of a one sports shoe and work boot with the text "DID YOU KNOW: Many of our members have successfully bargained for footwear allowances."
October 6, 2025 at 12:02 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(3/3) 8 clauses that members have bargained for at #CottonOn.
Only Workers First union members are entitled to:
text reading "6. Bereavement leave. Five days leave for bereavement of close family, partners, children, whāngai family members, miscarriage and stillbirth." small text reads "Collective Agreement clause 19" text reading "7. Higher duty allowance. When filling the absence of manager for more than 1 week." small text reads "Collective Agreement clause 45.5" a 'sticker' style image reads "new!" text reading "8. Salary managers' pay table. Workers First Union now negotiates for all Salary Managers at Cotton On." small text reads "Collective Agreement clause 45.9 ...and more!"
October 1, 2025 at 9:52 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(2/3) 8 clauses that members have bargained for at #CottonOn.
Only Workers First union members are entitled to:
text reading "3. Redundancy pay. Up to 14 weeks (3 months) redundancy pay, e.g. if a store closes down." small text reads "Collective Agreement clause 46" text reading "4. Overtime Pay T 1.5. One and a half of your pay rate, when working more than 8 hours for a shift." small text reads "Collective Agreement clause 44" text reading "5. Meal allowance. A meal allowance of $16.75, when you work 2+ hours past your scheduled finish time." small text reads "Collective Agreement clause 45.6"
October 1, 2025 at 9:50 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(1/3) 8 clauses that members have bargained for at #CottonOn.
Only Workers First union members are entitled to:
An illustration of a cotton on worker with the text "8 clauses that members have bargaining for at: Cotton on. Only workers First union members are entitled to" text reading "1. Pay increases. Pay increases every year for everyone - Retail Team Members and Salary Managers - in line with inflation/cost of living increases." small text reads "Collective Agreement clause 45.1" text reading "2. Permanent hours. If you work a consistent set of hours for more than 3 months, those hours will be made permanent upon request." small text reads "Collective Agreement clause 41.2 e & f"
October 1, 2025 at 9:49 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Are you being stopped from accessing and drinking water at your workplace?

Access to drinking water is a basic health and safety right and Workers First union WILL pursue breaches of this standard on behalf of our members. If you are being denied access, please contact your organiser.
text reading "Are you easily able to access drinking water at work?"
September 29, 2025 at 3:04 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Delegates, we have just updated our delegate modules/booklets on our website.

These contain heaps of useful information about situations like bargaining, representing members, health and safety, employment legislation, and more!

Find them at: www.workersfirst.nz/delegate-edu...
A mockup of a stack of Workers First delegate education modules, one of them open. text on top reads "delegate education"
September 28, 2025 at 9:46 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Supporting all workers!

Thanks to House of Travel, @unionaid.bsky.social Solidarity members (regular donors) who are active on 31 Oct 2025 go in the prize draw for return trips to Fiji for seven nights, including accom 😱

More info and to become a UnionAID solidarity member: tinyurl.com/workers-aid
text reading "UnionAID recognises that our challenges are connected to those faced by workers in the Asia-Pacific region. If you can, consider becoming a UnionAID Solidarity Member (regular donor) by 31 October 2025 and go in the draw for a seven night Fiji trip, thanks to House of Travel! tinyurl.com/workers-aid"
September 25, 2025 at 3:01 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
The Government's announced sick day legislation changes strip minimum leave entitlements from part time workers.

The changes will take a few years to come into practical effect, and union members with sick leave entitlements stated in Collective Agreements will not be affected. Join your union!
text reading "Sick leave changes, the facts: - Part-time workers lose their minimum sick leave entitlement. - It will be a few years until these changes come into practical effect. - If your Collective Agreement contains sick leave entitlements, then they are safe. Join your union now!" A photo of Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary, on the Good Morning show, with text on top reading ""No matter what hours you work, everyone is prone to getting sick, and especially those with kids who are more likely to be in part-time work""
September 24, 2025 at 3:56 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
You cannot be disciplined for, or stopped from, talking about your pay rate.

Not only that, your employer also can't refuse to offer you a promotion or disadvantage you in any way on the basis of you talking about your pay. Thanks to Camilla Belich’s 2025 Employment Relations Amendment Bill.
text reading "DID YOU KNOW THAT, AS OF RECENTLY: You cannot be disciplined for, or stopped from, talking about your pay rate. Thanks to Labour MP Camilla Belich’s 2025 Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill."
September 23, 2025 at 9:02 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
On Saturday thousands of working wāhine rallied against this Government's pay equity cuts 💪

Green and Labour MP's made commitments to reinstate Pay Equity in Aotearoa - you don't need to take to streets to support the wāhine in your life. Just VOTE. You can check that you are enrolled at enrol.nz
a photo of smiling and strong people marching with placards saying "women are worth it" and other handwritten signs. Text on top reads "Women's Day of Action. Thousands of working wāhine took to Aotearoa's streets." A photo of Camilla Belich and Julie Anne Genter in front of parliament. Text reads "Green and Labour MP's made commitments to reinstate Pay Equity in Aotearoa."
September 22, 2025 at 5:17 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Locations for the #WomensDayOfAction this Saturday, September 20. See you there whānau!

www.together.org.nz/women_s_day_...

132 years ago we became the first to secure women’s right to vote – we will rise up again to demand Pay Equity.

@nzctu.bsky.social #RiseUpForPayEquity #ProtectPayEquity
A map of the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand with dots and locations for all the events that are happening. They are: WHANGAREI 11:30AM - 1:30PM LAURIE HALL PARK HAMILTON 11AM - 1PM ROTOTUNA HIGH SCHOOLS NEW PLYMOUTH 12PM - 2PM PUKE ARIKI LANDING LEVIN 10AM - 2PM TAITOKO LEVIN VILLAGE GREEN PORIRUA 10AM - 12PM TE RAUPARAHA PARK WELLINGTON 10:30AM - 1 PM STARTS: MIDLAND PARK AUCKLAND 11:30AM - 3PM AUT TO BRITOMART THAMES 10:30AM - 11:30AM CNR POLLEN AND PAHAU ST TAURANGA 10:30AM - 1:30PM MT DRURY RESERVE WHAKATÄNE 11AM - 12PM THE GAP GISBORNE 10:30AM GLADSTONE RD TOWN CLOCK NAPIER FROM 11AM SOUNDSHELL PALMERSTON NORTH 1PM - 3PM THE SQUARE WAIRARAPA 11:30AM - 1PM TOWN HALL SQUARE, MASTERTON A map of the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand with dots and locations for all the events that are happening. They are: NELSON 10:30AM - 1:30PM BURGER KING/LIBRARY CARPARK GREYMOUTH 12PM - 2PM DIXON PARK CHRISTCHURCH 10AM - 12:30PM VICTORIA SQUARE TIMARU 9AM - 12:30PM ARTISAN MARKET DUNEDIN 11AM - 2PM MARKET RESERVE GORE FROM 12PM ECCLES ST PLAYGROUND INVERCARGILL 11AM - 2PM GALA STREET
September 18, 2025 at 12:04 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
This week is the 50th anniversary of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week).

Head to reomaori.co.nz and leave a message in their time capsule, check out their beginner te reo resources, and see how many of the 50 wero/challenges you can complete.

#reomāori
the Te Wiki o te reo māori logo/icons with text reading "50 years Te Wiki o te Reo Māori Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 14-20 o Hepetama 2025 Māori Language Week 14-20 September 2025"
September 17, 2025 at 8:43 PM