Source: Etu Union
You’re invited to our election launch this month!
There’s a lot at stake this election, and we want to see a Labour-led Government back in power to protect the gains we’ve made for workers.
Join Prime Minister, Chris Hipkins, Deputy Prime Minister, Carmel Sepuloni, Green Party co-leader, Marama Davidson, and your E tū leaders for an afternoon of music, kai and activism!
We’ll also head out to knock on doors and talk with the local community about the importance of voting and why a Labour-led Government is vital for workers.
WHEN: Saturday 16 September
WHERE: EFKS Church, 43 Thomas Road, Māngere, Auckland
TIME: 12pm start
Remember to pledge to vote
E tū members all over Aotearoa are making clear their intention to vote in the General Election.
Make the commitment by filling our Pledge to Vote HERE (if you haven’t already), and pass it on to share with workmates, whānau, friends, and your community.
We need everyone to get out and vote for a Labour-led Government, so we can ensure our voices are heard and we keep everything that we’ve worked so hard for!
Cleaners’ strike continues
Last week, cleaners working for cleaning company OCS took strike action again – this time at Auckland Airport, with a picket outside the domestic terminal.
OCS is refusing to come to the table with a pay increase for these workers, as one of the companies in bargaining for the new cleaners’ Multi-Employer Collective Agreement (MECA).
Jacqueline Davis, one of the cleaners who went on strike, says the zero offer shows the companies don’t care about their workers.
“Personally, I think they just don’t give a damn about us. We’re nothing in their eyes, we’re just the little cleaners.
“OCS and all the other companies need to treat us with respect. If it wasn’t for us cleaners, the airport would be a hell of a mess. They need to treat us like people, we are sick of being treated like doormats.”
Strike action is planned to continue until OCS cleaners are offered a fair pay rise.
E tū leader joins international union conference
Last week, E tū leader Rosey Ngakopu, who works as a security guard in Wellington, joined UNI Global Union’s 6th World Congress and Women’s Conference in Philadelphia.
Rosey was there to talk about E tū’s Fair Pay Agreement journey – from campaigning for it to become law, to finally starting to negotiate for security guards’ first-ever FPA!
She says the conferences were eye-opening and inspiring – and now E tū members need to take action to protect FPAs.
“We are being looked up to and watched by the unions overseas for our FPA model. Now we have to save FPAs by voting for a Labour-led Government.
“We have to encourage our family and friends to put their votes forward for the parties that support workers and will put them first before profit.”
New alliance in Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga Tāmaki Makaurau
Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga Tāmaki Makaurau is a new community alliance that seeks to unite the voices of our communities to tackle some of the big problems we face in Auckland.
E tū has been a strong driver of this new alliance, which focuses on three areas – housing, decent work, and migrant, former refugee and asylum seeker issues.
Come along to help us officially launch Te Ohu Tāmaki on Wednesday 6 September, 6pm-8pm in Māngere!
Living Wage ticks over to $26 per hour
On 1 September, the Living Wage went up to the official 2023/24 rate of $26 per hour.
This is a huge achievement and means a wage increase of almost 10%, which reflects the real cost of living increase for working families.
The rate increase comes after a rate review, which happens every five years.
People working for Living Wage Employers are now entitled to this new rate, as are thousands of workers across the public sector, where E tū has won Living Wage victories.
Diversional therapists meet in Wellington
Do you know what the role of a diversional therapist is?
Diversional and recreational therapists support people with physical and developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and age-related conditions like dementia.
They organise and facilitate creative and engaging programmes for the clients to increase their psycho-social health.
In mid-August, E tū members working at diversional therapists joined the annual conference for workers in their profession. It was a great chance to come together, connect, and attend a range of workshops.
E tū co-president Muriel Tunoho also gave a presentation (to standing ovation!) on employment rights, including E tū members’ current fight for pay equity for care and support workers.
E tū offices on the move
Our Wellington office is now moving into the city!
From 11 September, our new Wellington office address is:
Level 12, 79 Boulcott Street
Wellington 6011
Please note that the Whangarei office is now closed permanently. If you need to get in touch with an organiser in this area, please email support@etu.nz for more info.
New to E tū? Come to a welcome meeting
Learn more about how E tū can support you, how to use our digital tools, and more!
Click on the link of your preferred time to register.
WHEN: Wednesday 11 October
TIME: 10am-11am: https://bit.ly/3WorOyI
TIME: 7pm-8pm: https://bit.ly/3jbwDwX
We use Zoom to host our meetings.
Events coming up
Auckland Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga launch – Wednesday 6 September, 6pm-8pm
Lesieli Tonga Auditorium, 143 Favona Road, Māngere
CLICK HERE to register now
E tū Election Campaign Launch – Saturday 16 September, 12pm
EFKS Church, 43 Thomas Road, Māngere, Auckland
CLICK HERE to register now
Climate Action Week – Monday 18 September to Sunday 24 September
Nationwide events, CLICK HERE for more.
Living Wage Forums – Friday 29 September, 6.30pm-8pm
Auckland: Our Lady of the Assumption Parish, 27 Galway Street, Onehunga
Wellington: St Peters on Willis, Willis Street, Wellington
Christchurch: Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham Street, Christchurch
Got news to share?
Get in touch with us at communications@etu.nz – we’d love to hear your stories!
