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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 29]
Union Rat to Visit Nelson Foodstuffs Stores
Friday, 12 February 2016, 12:06 pm | First Union
The giant union rat will make an appearance at pickets organised by FIRST Union at the Nelson New World and Richmond Pak n Save this weekend. More >>
Rail and maritime workers’ condemn TPPA signing
Thursday, 4 February 2016, 10:13 am | FIRST Union
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) puts the rights and wellbeing of working people at risk, says Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) General Secretary Wayne Butson. More >>
Substantial minimum wage rise needed to boost spending
Monday, 1 February 2016, 2:22 pm | First Union
In the run-up to the annual minimum wage announcement, a union representing low paid workers is calling for a substantial increase to help boost spending and guard against deflation. “A 25 cent or 50 cent increase won’t cut the mustard for working ... More >>
Possible job or wage cuts in store for bus drivers
Friday, 29 January 2016, 2:46 pm | First Union
One of the unions representing Auckland bus drivers is “very concerned” to learn that NZ Bus and Howick and Eastern Buses have lost their contracts for units and runs in South Auckland. More >>
Local logistics workers strike to disrupt Nike supply chain
Tuesday, 22 December 2015, 11:01 am | FIRST Union
Approximately 20 workers from Toll Logistics’ Nike distribution centre in Auckland are commencing strike action today. The workers are striking over poor pay and to protest the company’s excessive use of labour hire employees. The company uses ... More >>
Greymouth rubbish and recycling workers to strike
Tuesday, 22 December 2015, 10:54 am | FIRST Union
Waste collection in the Grey District will be put on hold today as local rubbish and recycling workers strike in protest at their employer’s refusal to settle a collective agreement, says FIRST Union organiser Rachel Boyack. The workers are employed ... More >>
Bunnings workers to strike
Friday, 18 December 2015, 1:13 pm | FIRST Union
• Over 100 Bunnings workers in the Wellington, Manawatu and Gisborne regions have voted to strike for the rest of today; More >>
Up to 850 Bunnings workers to strike this week
Wednesday, 16 December 2015, 1:38 pm | FIRST Union
Up to 850 Bunnings workers to strike this week • Workers from 21 stores met at 11am and voted to strike for the day; • This is the largest strike in the retail sector this year and disruption for Christmas shoppers is expected; • Workers from ... More >>
Christchurch asset sales a mistake – union
Wednesday, 9 December 2015, 3:37 pm | FIRST Union
One of New Zealand’s leading private sector unions is condemning the Christchurch City Council’s decision to flog off City Care, the publically-owned infrastructure services provider. More >>
Disruption expected as New World workers take public stand
Wednesday, 2 December 2015, 10:21 am | First Union
Christmas shoppers at Westfield Albany can expect disruption in the run-up to Christmas as New World workers take a public stand for better pay and conditions, says FIRST Union national organiser Bill Bradford. More >>
Mount Maunganui Bunnings workers strike for the 5th time
Friday, 27 November 2015, 3:10 pm | FIRST Union
Mount Maunganui workers strike for the 5th time as Bunnings buries its head in the sand More >>
Homelessness report a call to action – union
Wednesday, 18 November 2015, 10:27 am | FIRST Union
The Salvation Army’s recently released report into homelessness in Auckland is a call to action over the housing crisis, says FIRST Union General Secretary Robert Reid. More >>
Linfox workers strike as managers start work
Wednesday, 4 November 2015, 1:09 pm | FIRST Union
Auckland distribution centre workers at the Australian logistics giant Linfox walked off the job at 11.30am today in protest at the way the company is treating its New Zealand-based workers, says FIRST Union organiser Bryce Hamilton. “Despite helping ... More >>
Bunnings workers strike to “save our family time”
Friday, 16 October 2015, 3:32 pm | First Union
Workers at Bunnings New Lynn, Botany, Mt Wellington and Manukau will walk off the job tomorrow, meaning further disruption for Auckland DIYers after a national strike at the end of September . More >>
Treaty of Waitangi bottom line not satisfied in TPPA – union
Tuesday, 13 October 2015, 9:55 am | FIRST Union
Treaty of Waitangi bottom line not satisfied in TPPA – union The President of a leading trade union opponent of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is warning New Zealanders that we cannot be sure whether the deal enforces protection ... More >>
FIRST Union stands in solidarity with E Tū
Wednesday, 7 October 2015, 1:25 pm | FIRST Union
FIRST Union congratulates E Tū, New Zealand’s newest and largest private sector union, on its formation. More >>
TPPA a “betrayal” – union
Tuesday, 6 October 2015, 8:17 am | FIRST Union
The government has betrayed the interests of working New Zealanders by signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), says FIRST Union General Secretary Robert Reid. “The TPPA is a threat to our sovereignty.” “Under the deal our ability ... More >>
Strike off as Toll Logistics agrees to meet workers’ demands
Monday, 5 October 2015, 4:28 pm | First Union
After workers commenced strike action at Toll Logistics this morning, the company has agreed to conclude a new collective agreement and settle outstanding legal cases, says FIRST Union organiser Jared Abbott. More >>
Toll workers strike after underpayments
Monday, 5 October 2015, 10:10 am | First Union
Over 20 striking workers from Toll Logistics in Auckland are calling on Toll Australia and owners Japan Post to immediately investigate a series of systemic breaches to their collective agreement and stalled wage negotiations that they say are giving ... More >>
Tanker driver strike unlikely, company meets workers’ demand
Wednesday, 30 September 2015, 12:46 pm | First Union
After the prospect of a four-day tanker driver strike, Pacific Fuel Haul is backing down and has agreed to meet workers’ demands, says FIRST Union organiser Jared Abbott. More >>
