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Workers First Union

@workersfirstunion.bsky.social
310 followers 31 following 423 posts

32,000 strong! ✊ The trade union for retail, finance, logistics, transport, manufacturing, ambulance and bus workers in Aotearoa New Zealand Posts authorised by Dennis Maga, Workers First Union, 120 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland.

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Reposted by Workers First Union
New Zealand Professional Firefighters' Union @nzpfu.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
BREAKING: Reports that Coca-Cola's main building in Mt Wellington is on fire and Parnell's high-reach ladder has failed on scene.
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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
"Woolworths has just banked $163 million in earnings from Kiwi shoppers, and its response is to put 130 New Zealanders out of work to save pocket change. It’s a company turning its back on a country it has extracted mega-profits from." - Rudd Hughes, Workers First Deputy Secretary
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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 · 25/09/2026
Save the date: October 17 ✊✊✊
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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The Living Wage Movement emerged in 2011 in response to poverty wages. Living Wage businesses are listed on the @livingwageaotearoa.bsky.social website or watch out for the @lwemployernz.bsky.social symbol. Labour and the Greens pledged to support the Living Wage, at this year's Living Wage forum.
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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
If you are not earning a Living Wage, you can: - Join your union (union members achieve higher wages!) - Tell your colleagues about their union. - Vote in a Government that supports the Living Wage. - Support the amazing businesses that are Living Wage certified!
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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
text reading "Everyone deserves a fair wage and decent working conditions."
below that is an image that says "I support public servants on strike" with the PSA logo.
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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 presentationa group of workers first members in a hall, watching a stop work meeting presentationa group of workers first members in a hall, watching a stop work meeting presentationa 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
Woohoo! You can send them to www.gigworkersfirst.nz. Are there any other resources we could provide, that you would find helpful?
gigworkersfirst.nz
Gig Workers First
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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Gig workers are invited to join us at workersfirst.nz/join-us, or visit gigworkersfirst.nz for more information. (7/7)
gigworkersfirst.nz
Gig Workers First
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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
New Zealand still hasn't ratified the ILO's convention on decent work in the platform economy, despite the growing number of workers relying on it for their livelihoods. We're calling on the next Government to ratify it and are building a movement to power this change. (6/7)
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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Once that's won, we will negotiate collectively on behalf of rideshare and food delivery drivers, just as we do for all workers across the country. (5/7)
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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
We’re campaigning to repeal the changes to S6 of the Employment Relations Act, which stripped gig workers of a fair test for employment status, and to initiate a legal presumption that platform workers are employees. (4/7)
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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Gig Workers First means every app-based rideshare and food delivery driver has somewhere to turn – for advice, for help in fighting an unfair deactivation, and for the organising strength that just won 1,600+ Uber drivers their payouts. (3/7)
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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
We beat Uber in court, and we know the ins and outs of this industry better than anyone, so we’re putting that experience to use and inviting all gig workers to join us in the fight for better pay, better treatment and a better working life. (2/7)
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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)
A logo for the new Gig Workers First group - a spotlight on a red background highlighting the logo, which is a red petal shape with 'Gig Workers First' written on it.
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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Great point Rey! My bad, and my apologies to Orange person!! We will get it right in future. -s
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Workers First Union @workersfirstunion.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
We have confirmed with the Electoral Commission that all letters have been sent and should have arrived by now. A reminder that the rules have changed this year: If you haven't enrolled, with the correct details, by 25 October, you will NOT be able to vote. You can no longer enrol on election day.
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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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Reposted by Workers First Union
New Zealand Professional Firefighters' Union @nzpfu.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
FENZ stalls on paying parental leave payments despite Employment Court decision #NZPol
direemergency.nz
FENZ stalls on paying parental leave payments despite Employment Court decision - DIRE EMERGENCY
NO RESPECT FOR THE COURT OR THOSE WAITING FOR THEIR ENTITLEMENTS Earlier this month the Employment Court ruled that the parental leave payment designed to encourage NZPFU members to return...
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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
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 · 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
Wait... what? An ad?? Can someone explain what is going on here? -s
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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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Reposted by Workers First Union
Louise Hutt @saycheeselouise.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Attempting to outst the Prime Minister? Sackable offence as a Minister. Racism? Still fine apparently.
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Reposted by Workers First Union
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani @mayor.nyc.gov · 10/08/2026
If it looks like an Amazon delivery and drives like an Amazon delivery, then it's an Amazon delivery, right? Not according to Amazon. Big companies like Amazon have built a vast network of subcontractors who deliver their packages while shielding them from accountability.
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