Source: NZCTU
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling for public commitments from opposition parties to deliver Fair Pay Agreements, Automatic Union Membership, and contractor reform in the first 100 days of a new government.
With polling showing the election of a new government is a real prospect in 2026, unions are proposing A New Deal for Workers, a policy programme that political parties are expected to adopt if they want the support of working people.
“Over the past 35 years, attacks on labour rights and standards have suppressed wages, increased inequality, and left many New Zealanders working longer hours on lower pay and with less agency in the workplace,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.
“Since 2023, life is even harder for workers. The current Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety has wasted no time in dismantling workers’ rights. This Government is actively hostile to workers and their unions.
“A fundamental shift in employment relations policy is needed – an enduring framework that supports good work, high wages, and productivity,” said Wagstaff.
The NZCTU is prioritising three key employment relations priorities for the first 100 days.
Fair Pay Agreements
“The Government’s removal of Fair Pay Agreements has incentivised employers to compete on cost by driving down the terms and conditions of employment for workers, trapping entire industries in a low-wage spiral,” said Wagstaff.
“We need a mechanism to set minimum employment standards at the industry level. Fair Pay Agreements will ensure higher wages and better standards across low-wage industries.
Automatic Union Membership
“All newly employed workers whose job comes within the coverage of a collective agreement should be automatically covered by the collective and should automatically become members of the union, unless they opt out of doing so.
“Automatic Union Membership would protect workers from undue pressure from the employer regarding joining the union or accepting different conditions of employment.
Safeguarding the rights of employees and contractors
“Sham-contracting arrangements are being used to undercut wages and workers’ rights, and to force the cost of doing business onto workers. This is being encouraged by the Minister who is changing the law to suit the interests of multinational corporates like Uber.
“We must ensure that workers are not misclassified as contractors by clarifying in law how employees and contractors are defined. This will prevent employers from driving down conditions in precarious occupations, including in platform and gig economies.
“We are calling on political parties to deliver these policies as a matter of urgency. Anything less than full support will leave workers short of what they deserve,” said Wagstaff.
In the lead up to the election the NZCTU will release additional policies focused on equal pay, health and safety and reversing the ongoing attacks made by the current Government.
