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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 18h

🚨 Join the march against racism and xenophobia on Saturday 17 October! 🚨 Meet at Waitematā Station (Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland) at 2pm to march to Aotea Square, aiming to finish at 4pm. #nzpol

An orange background with black concentric circles pointing towards the middle. In the middle it says "saturday october 17, 2pm - 4pm". Above and below, in large text, it says "all workers united: march against racism & xenophobia. Start: waitemata station (britomart), auckland. End: Aotea square, queen st." Underneath, in small text and very tightly packed, are the names of all the supporting organisations: "NZCTU KAIMAHI + Te Rūnanga o ngā Kaimahi Māori o Aotearoa + nzctu komiti pasefika + workers first union + PSA + e tū + unite union + Directors and Editors Guild + Postal Workers Union + TEU + NZEI + RMTU + Migrant Workers Association + Pasefika Fono + migrante aotearoa + Kaiāwhina + rūnanga + United Filipino Bus Drivers + Union Network of Migrants NZ + Filipino Care Workers United + Migrant Rights Network NZ + Love Aotearoa, Hate Racism + ima aotearoa + Migrant Action Trust + Toitū Te Aroha + ACTIONSTATION + you!"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Auckland drivers who work for Waste Management go from job security, guaranteed hours, minimum wage protections, holidays, KiwiSaver contributions, a union and the right to bargain collectively... to contractors with no job protection or work rights and massive financial debt to the company. #nzpol

text reading "Today's ridiculous news:
Waste Management makes drivers buy their own rubbish truck - and lose their work rights."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

This 10th of October we join the Global Day of Action to once again support the rights of Palestinians for self-determination and to live peacefully in their own lands. Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland event: 2pm, Te Komititanga/Britomart Square

an image of the palestinian flag and the text "10 October.
Global March for Palestine.
Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland: 2pm, Te Komititanga / Britomart Square"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Our hearts go out to the 130 Wooolworths workers who are losing their jobs, which are being outsourced to Australia. Workers First will now work to ensure Woolworths lives up to its redundancy obligations, pursues redeployment wherever possible, and does right by every worker affected. #nzpol

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The Living Wage is now $29.90 per hour. The Living Wage is calculated using the latest data and is the income that enables workers and their families to live with dignity, afford the basic essentials and participate as citizens in society. The new rate applies from 1 Sep 2026 - 31 Aug 2027. #nzpol

text reading "Did you know:
The Living Wage is now $29.90."
small text reading "www.livingwage.org.nz"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

10,000 public servants are taking action today for pay that keeps up with the cost of living. EVERYONE deserves to live in dignity and be able to provide for themselves and their families. Workers first members stand in solidarity with @nzpsa.bsky.social workers! #nzpol

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Workers First stop work meetings have been running across the country - where union members come together to have their say, learn from one another, and help shape the direction of our collective efforts. A big thank you to everyone who has attended and contributed! Together we are stronger.

a group of workers first members in a hall, watching a stop work meeting presentation

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Thanks to the drivers and officials who came to the Gig Workers first launch last week! Tell your driver: Whether you’re with Uber, DiDi, Bolt, Uber Eats, DoorDash, Delivereasy, Hungry Panda and others, our goal is to collectively bargain and campaign for worker-friendly laws. gigworkersfirst.nz

a photo of a group of happy gig workers, some with their fists raised. text at the bottom reads "a union for all gig workers: gigworkersfirst.nz"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Today, wealth and political power are the domain of a shrinking number of very wealthy people. Our members believe the proposal for automatic union membership is an important step and commend the Green Party for the initiative. Workers First statement: www.workersfirst.nz/news/2026-09... #nzpol

text reading "Statement of support:
The current cost-of-living crisis is a direct result of policies that have stripped workers of power.
The Green Party proposal for automatic union membership will strengthen the position of workers while preserving the option of independence, for those who choose it.
Workers First members commend the Green Party for the initiative."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

3/3 "Many of the Customer Care team are sole parents who work remotely and will not find redeployment or comparable employment in their regions - this proposal will be crushing to hear about" - Rudd Hughes, Workers First Deputy Secretary Email Woolworths at workplace.relations@woolworths.co.nz

a screenshot of an RNZ article by Susan Edmunds called "'Wrong' for Woolworths to bank big profit, Consumer NZ says"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

2/3 Woolworths is talking about moving their customer care centre (130 NZ jobs) to Australia after posting a $163 million dollar profit in NZ last year (did YOUR income go up 8.8 percent?) www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...

a screenshot of an RNZ article called "130 jobs on the line as Woolworths considers shifting customer care centre to Australia- union"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

1/3 They shift NZ profit off-shore, they shift NZ jobs off-shore. We can't rely on this Govt coalition to act to keep jobs/wages/money in our economy, so please let Woolworths know how you feel: workplace.relations@woolworths.co.nz #nzpol

a headline reading "unbelievable."
text reading "130 NZ jobs on the line.
To save Woolworths $4.1 million... when they made $163 million in profit* from us last year.
Tell Woolworths that NZ workers deserve better: workplace.relations@woolworths.co.nz"
small print reading "*www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/1134393/wrong-for-woolworths-to-bank-big-profit-consumer-nz-says"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Today we’re proud to launch Gig Workers First, a new home for all rideshare and food delivery drivers and other app-based workers! (1/7)

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Have you received an orange man letter in the mail yet, confirming your enrolment details? If you didn't, you may not be correctly enrolled to vote! Check and update your details NOW at: vote.nz #nzpol

text reading "If you didn't get an enrolment letter in the mail yet:
You may not be correctly enrolled to vote.
Update your details now: vote.nz"
There is a photo in the background of an enrollment letter from the electoral commission.

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

10/10 The common thread is understaffing. Read the full report at: workersfirst.nz/retail-staffing-2026

text reading "The common thread is understaffing. More stats in the full report."
small text reading "Read the full report workersfirst.nz/retail-staffing-2026"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

9/10 “Sort out (the) staffing issue so all employees feel safe. It all stems from the top.”

text reading "“Sort out (the) staffing issue so all employees feel safe. It all stems from the top.”"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

8/10 “If there (are) more staff on the floor then people are less likely to be aggressive.”

text reading "“If there (are) more staff on the floor then people are less likely to be aggressive.”"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

7/10 “Due to the low mental health and wellbeing my workspace has caused me I am severely unsatisfied and it’s passing into my personal life.”

text reading "“Due to the low mental health and wellbeing my workspace has caused me I am severely unsatisfied and it’s passing into my personal life.”"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

6/10 “Too short staffed to be trained adequately. Can’t concentrate to learn new things as always getting called back downstairs.”

text reading "“Too short staffed to be trained adequately. Can’t concentrate to learn new things as always getting called back downstairs.”"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

5/10 “Constant abuse about not having enough staff on and groceries thrown at me as well as money.”

text reading "“Constant abuse about not having enough staff on and groceries thrown at me as well as money.”"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

4/10 “When I first started 12 years ago, the business had a lot more perks and felt more family orientated. Now you’re treated as just a number and just a worker to come in and do the job.”

text reading "“When I first started 12 years ago, the business had a lot more perks and felt more family orientated. Now you’re treated as just a number and just a worker to come in and do the job.”"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

3/10 “When something is reported nothing happens or I am told to suck it up.”

text reading "“When something is reported nothing happens or I am told to suck it up.”"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

2/10 “My store is consistently understaffed in all functions… everyone is burnt out, customers are agitated over lack of staffing and lack of full shelves due to longstanding supply issues.”

text reading "“My store is consistently understaffed in all functions… everyone is burnt out, customers are agitated over lack of staffing and lack of full shelves due to longstanding supply issues.”"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

1/10 Our members do the talking. Full report: workersfirst.nz/retail-staffing-2026 #nzpol

text reading "Just the quotes: Workers speak about work safety."
small text reading "Read the full report workersfirst.nz/retail-staffing-2026"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

10/10 The common thread is understaffing. Read the full report at: workersfirst.nz/retail-staffing-2026

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

9/10 61% of respondents said things had gotten worse for retail workers over the last year, and 53% expect things to get worse again over the next year.

text reading "8. 61% of respondents
said things had gotten worse for retail workers over the last year, and 53% expect things to get worse again over the next year."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

8/10 Asked what single measure would most improve safety, the most common answer by far was simply more staff (38%).

text reading "7. Asked what single measure would most improve safety, the most common answer by far was simply more staff (38%).
This ranked well ahead of any other specific security measure."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

7/10 Among workers who had experienced a safety-related problem, 61% felt stressed or anxious as a result, and 35% said they dreaded coming to work.

text reading "6. Among workers who had experienced a safety-related problem, 61% felt stressed or anxious as a result, and 35% said they dreaded coming to work."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

6/10 Only 57% of workers who experienced a safety incident reported it to their employer.

text reading "5. Only 57% of workers who experienced a safety incident reported it to their employer.
Of those who did report, only 49% were satisfied with how it was handled."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

5/10 Nearly one in three respondents (31%) said they’d received insufficient or no training in responding to violent or abusive customers.

text reading "4. Nearly one in three respondents (31%) said they’d received insufficient or no training in responding to violent or abusive customers."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

4/10 59% of respondents experienced at least one form of customer-related abuse or harassment in the last two years.

text reading "3. 59% of respondents experienced at least one form of customer-related abuse or harassment in the last two years.
Verbal abuse was the most common, affecting 43% of respondents."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

3/10 Only 21% of retail workers said they always feel safe at work.

text reading "2. Only 21% of retail workers said they always feel safe at work.
A further 38% usually feel safe; meaning 41% feel safe only sometimes, rarely, or never."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

2/10 Understaffing is one of the strongest predictors of an unsafe workplace.

text reading "1. Understaffing is one of the strongest predictors of an unsafe workplace.
Workers in stores that are always understaffed were more than twice as likely to have experienced a customer-related safety incident as those in well-staffed stores (70% vs 30%) and were nearly five times less likely to always feel safe at work (11% vs 52%)."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

1/10 Our 2026 Retail Staffing Survey 'Understaffed and Under Threat' has been released, one of the largest surveys of retail workers ever conducted in Aotearoa Spoiler: Employers who cut staff to save money are putting workers in danger to do it. Report: www.workersfirst.nz/retail-staff... #nzpol

text reading "Understaffed & Under threat? Key findings from the Retail Staff Safety Survey, 2026."
small text reading "Read the full report workersfirst.nz/retail-staffing-2026"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

We condemn the Govt of the Philippines for its attacks against trade union representatives. We urge Prime Minister Luxon to make it clear that economic cooperation depends on fairness and respect towards activists in the Philippines. Our full statement: www.workersfirst.nz/news/2026-08... #nzpol

text reading "Workers First Union condemns the Government of the Philippines for its attacks and fabricated legal actions against trade union representatives.

We urge Prime Minister Luxon to make it clear to his counterpart that economic cooperation depends on fairness and respect towards activists in the Philippines."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

National, ACT and NZ First have passed the Employment Leave Bill, cutting pay for over 200,000 workers, and cutting leave for anyone who is off work due to injury, sick leave, or works variable hours. The cost-of-living crisis just got worse.

text reading "National, ACT and NZ First have now cut pay and leave for hundreds of thousands of workers.
Visit vote.nz today to enrol to vote and update your details."
small text reading "Authorised by Dennis Maga, Workers First Union, 120 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

Less leave, less pay, more lies. National, New Zealand First, and ACT are backing bosses and making you poorer in the name of ‘simplicity’. But do you know what’s really simple? 100 days until the election on November 7. And 87 days left to enrol. www.rnz.co.nz/news/politic...

text reading "Less leave, less pay, more lies.
100 days until the election. 87 days left to enrol to vote.
Visit vote.nz today to check your details and update."
small text reading "Authorised by Dennis Maga, Workers First Union, 120 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

6/6 "There are no rules to follow, no laws to break and no watchdog to bark. New Zealand is the wild west of lobbying." - Guy Espiner, RNZ

large text reading "we leave the door open for the wolves"
Lots of words have been blacked out/redacted

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

1/6 Did you know that Aotearoa New Zealand has some of the worst lobbying in the world? The waters have only gotten murkier since National-NZ First-ACT took office. #nzpol

text reading "did you know: Aotearoa has some of the worst lobbying in the first world"
Lots of words have been blacked out/redacted"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

"Last week, they processed the last of the logs at Northland Mill. The machines have stopped and as the dust settles, the workers will be gone by the end of the month." Full press release: www.workersfirst.nz/news/2026-07...

text reading "Juken's Northland Mill has confirmed its closure.
Our hearts are with the workers and their communities, and Workers First will be working to support our members."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

1/4 Why we are supporting the call from the Green Party to make union membership opt-out instead of opt-in. #nzpol (tl;dr It's the best way to fight Aotearoa New Zealand's cost of living crisis AND to improve worker wages and conditions)

text reading "The Automatic Union Membership Bill.
Why we are excited about it.
Why Aotearoa needs it.
And why we welcome its challenge to Aotearoa unions!
greens.org.nz/workforce_policy"
There is a cut out of Macaulay Culkin form Home Alone, looking shocked, with the words "Another policy that's good for workers!? BY JOVE!"
at the bottom there is small text reading "Authorised by Dennis Maga, Workers First Union, 120 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Under the Employment Leave Bill, single mums like Natasha will get less paid sick leave. If this is how it affects Natasha, how will it affect YOU? Please tell your MP that you oppose this Bill. And watch to see if your party votes in your interest.

An illustration of a person with a stylish office outfit and purple hair.
text reads "The Employment Leave Bill will mean that Natasha, a Farmers worker and single mother, will get less paid sick leave. How will it impact you?"

text reading "Currently, under the Holidays Act, Natasha always gets 10 days sick leave. When she takes sick leave, she is paid at her relevant daily pay, which means she doesn’t have to worry about which days she needs to use her sick leave for.
Under the Employment Leave Bill Natasha will get less sick leave, and will use up her leave quicker if her child is sick on a day that she usually works late.
The Employment Leave Bill is bad for workers.
Enrol to vote today."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Under the Employment Leave Bill, Tane will get paid less when he takes annual leave. If this is how it affects Tane, how will it affect YOU? Please tell your MP that you oppose this Bill. And watch to see if your party votes in your interest.

An illustration of an ambulance officer giving a thumbs up.
text reads "The Employment Leave Bill will mean that Tane, an Ambulance Officer, will get paid less when he takes annual leave. How will it impact you?"

text reading "Tane works a lot of overtime.
Currently, under the Holidays Act, when Tane takes annual leave, his annual leave payment includes the overtime he works.
Under the Employment Leave Bill, Tane will only be paid his lowest hourly rate for that leave. Tane will be paid significantly less when he takes annual leave, because it won't account for his overtime.
The Employment Leave Bill is bad for workers.
Enrol to vote today."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Under the Employment Leave Bill, Ragda will miss out on many public holidays. If this is how it affects Jane, how will it affect YOU? Please tell your MP that you oppose this Bill. And watch to see if your party votes in your interest.

An illustration of a person in a stylish outfit with a flower in their curvy dark hair.
text reads "The Employment Leave Bill will mean that Ragda, a Kmart worker, will miss out on many public holidays. How will it impact you?"

text reading "Currently, under the Holidays Act, Ragda's employer cannot avoid liability for public holidays by keeping her on low guaranteed days of work.
Under the Employment Leave Bill, Ragda will only be entitled to public holidays when they fall on her "guaranteed" days of work, even if she usually works other days. Her manager is incentivised to not give her guaranteed days.
The Employment Leave Bill is bad for workers.
Enrol to vote today."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Under the Employment Leave Bill, Jane will only be entitled to half as much paid annual leave as she can currently take. If this is how it affects Jane, how will it affect YOU? Please tell your MP that you oppose this Bill. And watch to see if your party votes in your interest.

An illustration of a person with glasses and grey hair in a woolworths uniform.
text reads "The Employment Leave Bill will mean that Jane, a Woolworths worker, will only be entitled to half as much paid annual leave as she can currently take. How will it impact you?"

text reading "Jane's hours got cut, but she still works lots of extra shifts.
Currently, under the Holidays Act, when Jane takes leave she is paid her average weekly earnings, so she doesn't lose money when she takes leave.
Under the Employment Leave Bill, Jane will only accrue annual leave for her "guaranteed" hours.
The Employment Leave Bill is bad for workers.
Enrol to vote today."

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Today, take a moment to recognise Matariki, the Māori New Year - a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. Wishing you and your whānau a joyful and restful Matariki weekend. Happy Māori New Year!

A rendering of the Matariki star cluster with Workers First Union colours

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

1/10 With the Matariki public holiday coming up this Friday, there are some important things for you to know about working the holidays.

text reading "Working over the holidays.
What you need to know."
small text reading "July 2026 update"

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

We're calling out the National-ACT-NZ First Government for abandoning Northland's workers, as Juken NZ's Kaitāia Mill looks likely to become the seventh major wood processing site lost on their watch. Over 800 jobs lost since late 2023. The Govt has until the 16 July decision date to intervene.

text reading: 6 major wood processing plants, gone.
800 jobs, gone.
In just three years, on the National-NZ First-ACT Government's watch.
We are calling for intervention and public ownership of the Juken Northland Mill, even if temporary, before it becomes the 7th plant to close.

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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

ACT couldn't have dismantled Kiwi workers' rights without the support of NZ First. ACT couldn't have sold us out to overseas mega-corporations without the support of NZ First. ACT couldn't have set back Kiwi women a decade without the support of NZ First. A vote for NZ First is a vote for ACT #nzpol

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