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FIRST Union
Putting Workers First
FIRST Union is New Zealand's second-largest private sector trade union.
Formed in 2011 after the merger between the National Distribution Union and Finsec, FIRST Union represents 27,000 workers in the Finance, Industrial (Textile and Wood), Retail, Stores, Transport and Logistics sectors.
FIRST Union is also affiliated to the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and runs several networks including the Union Network of Migrants, the Runanga, Fono and Womens' Committee. In 2015 FIRST Union launched Samoa First Union, Samoa's only private sector union.
Join FIRST Union today for higher pay, better conditions and more say at work.
FIRST Union - Latest News [Page 23]
Companies get on board union member’s living wage campaign
Thursday, 12 April 2018, 1:08 pm | First Union
In response to the current retail workers climate FIRST Union members have today launched their retail campaign Worth It in Auckland. Meanwhile members in retail and other sectors are celebrating Living Wage wins. More >>
Huckleberry backtrack – In negotiations with union
Thursday, 12 April 2018, 12:29 pm | First Union
FIRST Union is pleased to announce its calling off strike action this afternoon at the well-known organic grocery store Huckleberry’s in Grey Lynn (previously known as Harvest). More >>
Because workers are worth it
Wednesday, 11 April 2018, 9:42 am | First Union
Because workers are worth it. Union members at one of L’Oréal’s distribution centres have won their pay battle …and more. L’Oréal is showing businesses how it’s done in a workers world dominated by the business bottom dollar after workers ... More >>
Workers get to keep their jobs at The Warehouse Kaikohe
Thursday, 5 April 2018, 4:23 pm | First Union
The union representing The Warehouse workers is thankful the company has re-negotiated with its landlord so will now stay open in Kaikohe. More >>
FIRST Union hopeful The Warehouse might not close in Kaikohe
Thursday, 5 April 2018, 12:30 pm | First Union
The union representing The Warehouse workers is hopeful for a resolution this afternoon after being informed the company has re-opened negotiations with its landlord. More >>
Pending closure of Kaikohe Warehouse store
Thursday, 5 April 2018, 10:49 am | First Union
The union representing The Warehouse workers is shocked and dismayed at the proposed closure of the store in Kaikohe and is concerned the iconic Kiwi brand is no longer putting people first. More >>
Office drinking water providers to strike
Thursday, 29 March 2018, 10:08 am | First Union
Gossip around the water filter just became about the water filter itself. More >>
New law first step to regulate rogue labour-hire industry
Wednesday, 21 March 2018, 9:50 pm | First Union
A Bill giving rights to labour-hire workers, that has passed through first reading in parliament tonight, is a long overdue step to regulating the industry says a union representing over 2,500 labour-hire workers. More >>
Unionists calls for intervention from Auckland Transport
Wednesday, 14 March 2018, 11:15 am | FIRST Union
An international union leader is calling on Auckland Transport (AT) to review its’ operating model and engage in talks with unions to avoid a pending dispute. More >>
Private Members Bill Will Help Reduce Sexual Assault at Work
Thursday, 8 March 2018, 11:06 am | FIRST Union
A Private Members Bill, that will go to fist reading this month, will give rights for vulnerable workers to stomp out sexual attackers at work says a union representing thousands of Labour hire workers. More >>
Bus drivers warn of looming bus dispute
Thursday, 1 March 2018, 11:26 am | First Union
One of the unions representing Auckland’s bus drivers is calling on Auckland Transport to “pull it’s bus operators into line” in order to avoid disruptions to public transport. More >>
FIRST Union elect first Asian NZer to lead major trade union
Wednesday, 14 February 2018, 8:58 am | First Union
FIRST Union elects first Asian New Zealander to lead major trade union FIRST Union, New Zealand’s second-largest private sector trade union, is pleased to welcome its new General Secretary, Dennis Maga, who becomes the first New Zealander of Asian ... More >>
Disappointment as JNL mothballs its LVL plant in Gisborne
Monday, 12 February 2018, 12:37 pm | First Union
A union representing workers at JNL’s Gisborne mill says it is disappointed the company is going ahead with its proposal to mothball its LVL plant. More >>
Workers relieved as new sawmill comes to Gisborne
Wednesday, 7 February 2018, 3:34 pm | First Union
The union representing dozens of sawmill workers whose jobs hang in the balance at JNL say they are pleased to see Far East Sawmills announce a move to Gisborne that could see up to 60 new jobs created. More >>
Labour-hire bill could lift thousands out of poverty
Friday, 2 February 2018, 3:18 pm | First Union
One of New Zealand’s largest trade unions is welcoming a private member’s bill that could give security to thousands of labour-hire workers. More >>
Union supports new rangatahi employment initiative
Friday, 26 January 2018, 5:21 pm | First Union
FIRST Union supports the new rangatahi employment initiative announced by Minister of Employment, Willie Jackson earlier today. “For too long our rangatahi in the regions have been neglected,” said FIRST Union kaumatua, Syd Keepa. “Contrary ... More >>
Employment law changes: “a good first step”
Thursday, 25 January 2018, 2:10 pm | First Union
The government’s proposed changes to employment law are a good first step in restoring balance and fairness to the employment relation system, according to FIRST Union General Secretary Dennis Maga. More >>
Bitter blow for Gisborne workers as up to 100 jobs could go
Tuesday, 23 January 2018, 4:03 pm | First Union
Up to 100 Gisborne jobs could go as JNL, the wood processing company, begins consulting on a proposal to nearly halve its workforce at its Gisborne mill. More >>
Bus drivers congratulate Bay of Plenty Regional Council
Wednesday, 13 December 2017, 10:48 am | First Union
Bus companies in the Bay of Plenty are on notice: pay drivers fairly, or risk missing out on public bus contracts. This comes after the Bay of Plenty Regional Council included drivers’ pay in the list of considerations it will take into account when ... More >>
Westpac to close 5 branches
Wednesday, 13 December 2017, 9:42 am | First Union
Westpac customers are vowing to close their accounts and take their business elsewhere if Westpac refuses to go back on its plan to close five branches across the country, the bank workers’ union has warned. More >>
