Workers First Union
LightNews LightNews
banner
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Workers First Union
@workersfirstunion.bsky.social
180 followers 25 following 190 posts
32,000 strong! ✊ The trade union for retail, finance, logistics, transport, manufacturing, ambulance and bus workers in Aotearoa New Zealand
Posts Replies Media Videos
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Great interview with Lalogafau Mea'ole Keil', one of the four Uber drivers in the landmark Uber case. Mana like you wouldn't believe.

pmn.co.nz/read/law-and... #uber
Sāmoan Uber driver’s landmark court victory sparks hope for fair treatment of workers
Lalogafau Mea’ole Keil, one of the plaintiffs, celebrates the ruling as a step towards advocacy to protect the rights of employees in the gig economy.
pmn.co.nz
November 24, 2025 at 8:21 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Ngā mihi nui (thank you) @itfglobalunion.bsky.social 🤝

www.itfglobal.org/en/stories/u...
Uber drivers in Aotearoa New Zealand mark historic win
www.itfglobal.org
November 24, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Reposted by Workers First Union
m-e.allison683etc.servegame.com
I think what fucks me off the most about the business NZ reaction to the uber case is this idea that the legislation and caselaw are outdated because of new technology – technology has not removed the requirement for rights and dignity for workers.
November 23, 2025 at 9:06 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
1/9 Let's debunk 8 common misconceptions about the #Uber judgement!

#nzpol
text reading "Is this the end of contracting in NZ?* The answer to this and 7 other common questions relating to the Uber case. *No"
November 23, 2025 at 8:16 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
When it's only Monday and you've just beaten a multibillion dollar international behemoth in the Supreme Court ❤😭

So proud of these drivers for FOUR YEARS of perseverance. Standing strong not just for Uber drivers but for all Aotearoa workers.

The fight goes on but today we celebrate! #uber #nzpol
A photo of a group of absolute legends looking happy outside of the Supreme Court, with a 1news microphone in the shot A photo of a group of absolute legends looking happy outside of the Supreme Court A photo of a group of absolute legends in a pub 'cheersing' beers and non-alcoholic drinks
November 17, 2025 at 6:01 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Our heartfelt congratulations to all of our Uber members and the four drivers - Nureddin, Julian, Bill and Mea’ole.

It is not easy to stand up and speak out about a multibillion dollar multinational corporation that controls almost every aspect of your livelihood. You have done it. And won!

#uber
text reading "Uber drivers win. Multibillion dollar rideshare company Uber has lost their final anti-worker appeal in the Supreme Court." text reading "Now we will: Pursue the 1,000s of claims of owed backpay that have already been lodged Pursue worker entitlements like annual leave and holiday pay for Uber drivers Pursue a collective bagreement, allowing Uber drivers to formally join a union. Workers' rights for Uber drivers! As in many other countries, such as the UK." text reading "Brooke van Velden's ERA* bill would be a stab in the back of this court decision. She must now stop the ERA Bill, or deliberately undermine Aotearoa's law and justice system in a Trumpian-dictator move - for her friends at Uber." There is a graphic of Brooke holding a stabby stabber with money swirling around her. Small text reading "*Employment Relations Amendment"
November 17, 2025 at 3:33 AM
Reposted by Workers First Union
nzctu.bsky.social
#nzpol HUGE VICTORY FOR WORKERS:
The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Uber Drivers and their unions, saying that they are employees not contractors. Now the NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Government to respect this ruling and uphold the rights of platform and gig economy workers:
Govt must respect Supreme Court ruling and abandon pro-Uber bill - NZCTU
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Prime Minister to respect the ruling of the Supreme Court and abandon Brooke van Velden’s Employment Relations Bill. The Bill would enshrine in law the abi...
union.org.nz
November 17, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Reposted by Workers First Union
clrenney.bsky.social
#nzpol Good News Alert 🚨
ETU and @workersfirstunion.bsky.social won their case in the Supreme Court against Uber - meaning the court found some workers were employees rather than contractors.

Opening the door to more workers being able to claim their rights!

www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases...
www.courtsofnz.govt.nz
November 17, 2025 at 2:18 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Have you watched the John Campbell Uber investigation yet? It's okay to skip to the end where he finally tells Brooke "I'd really love you to answer this question..." and then she 'answers' with this sponsored word salad™

On TVNZ+ now:
www.tvnz.co.nz/news/news-in...
a photo of John Campbell asking a question with the text ""...potentially thousands of contractors earning less than minimum wage, no security of employment and not getting sick pay and holiday pay. Is that a model that you are happy with?"" small text reads "John Campbell Inside the Uber Economy, TVNZ+ a photo of Brooke van Velden not answering a question with the text ""I am happy with the fact that there is a flexible labour model allowing for contract arrangements where people can pick and choose their hours of work... Where they can pick and choose what they are willing to work for..."" small text reads "Brooke van Velden Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety / professional question dodger / person who thinks Kiwis choose to work for $13 an hour Inside the Uber Economy, TVNZ+"
November 13, 2025 at 4:28 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
1/3 If you only read or watch one media story this week, make it John Campbell’s investigation into Uber!

VIDEO: www.tvnz.co.nz/news/news-in...
ARTICLE: www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/08/j...
a photo of Lalogafau Mea'ole Keil looking badass, holding a microphone, outside the high court text on top reads ""if you don’t stand up and fight now, your children and your grandchildren – the future – those young ones will suffer… you can’t allow it to spread!"" small text underneath reads "Lalogafau Mea'ole Keil Uber driver Inside the Uber Economy, TVNZ+"
November 12, 2025 at 4:02 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Members! Every time you or one of your family joins this KiwiSaver, NZ Funds shares profits back to Workers First Union.

Plus, chat to an advisor, sign up, and get a $50 Prezzy card! Schedule your chat now: www.workersfirst.nz/kiwisaver
text reading "Support your union. Every time a member or one of their family joins this KiwiSaver, NZ Funds shares profits back to Workers First Union. Plus, chat to an advisor, sign up, and get a $50 Prezzy card! Schedule your chat: workersfirst.nz/kiwisaver"
November 6, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Reposted by Workers First Union
350nz.bsky.social
The latest Fast-Track Approvals amendments are a dangerous Henry VIII-style power grab that shreds democracy, hands royal privileges to mining companies, and says "off with his head" to the *head* of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
Check out our response here:
350.org.nz/henryviii/
November 4, 2025 at 7:56 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(1/4) We want to offer our aroha and solidarity to the family, friends and colleagues of Sean Cleary, who passed away while working as a bus driver in Auckland on Wednesday 22nd October.
November 4, 2025 at 1:09 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(1/3) 8 reasons why Workers First is the best union for Ambulance Officers!
October 29, 2025 at 11:28 PM
Reposted by Workers First Union
clrenney.bsky.social
#nzpol Filled jobs out this week - and the number of filled jobs went up - Whoop! That's great news. Only 45,692 jobs to go until we are back to where we were at the election.

Something happened in November 2023, and jobs started to fall....
October 29, 2025 at 3:09 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
On 28 Oct 2025 Iwi, unions and activists mobilised for Rā Whakamana, Aotearoa's National Day of Solidarity.

This day is to reaffirm the tino rangatiratanga of Tangata Whenua and to protect the rights and wellbeing of all workers in the face of this Government's anti-Tiriti and anti-worker agenda.
A photo of a large group of people marching with union and tino rangatiratanga (political control by Māori people over Māori affairs) flags. Text on top reads "Rā Whakamana: Aotearoa's first National Day of Solidarity." text reading "On 28 October 2025 Iwi, unions and activists held the first Rā Whakamana, Aotearoa's National Day of Solidarity. This day is to reaffirm the tino rangatiratanga of Tangata Whenua and to protect the rights and wellbeing of all workers in the face of this Government's anti-Tiriti and anti-worker agenda."
October 29, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Reposted by Workers First Union
nzctu.bsky.social
1/5 A NEW DEAL FOR WORKERS:
Today the NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi announced the core policies workers need from any future progressive Government. Workers need GOOD WORK, FAIR WAGES, and STRONG UNIONS. These are the non-negotiables.
#nzpol
October 28, 2025 at 8:53 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Thursday, October 23, is shaping up to be one of the biggest protests against this Government – or any government – in NZ history.

We back the striking teachers, nurses, doctors, firefighters and other frontline workers! Do you? Make sure to show your support and appreciation for them on Thursday.
text reading "Do you back frontline workers? We invite you to join us in solidarity with unionised teachers, nurses, doctors and firefighters on the 23rd of October. This will be one of the biggest strikes in Aotearoa history."
October 16, 2025 at 3:12 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
1/3 8 things that Workers First members have won through union negotiations with #Kmart:
An illustration of a person in something approximating a Kmart uniform next to text reading "8 things Workers First union members have won by bargaining at: Kmart." Text reading "1. High pay rates. Some of the highest pay rates in the New Zealand retail industry." Text reading "2. Bonus payments. One-off payments of: $500 for permanent staff working 20-40 hours $350 for permanent staff working under 20 hours $200 for casuals" extra text in a 'sticker' style reads "Union members only" and "next payment: July 2026" small text reading "these payments are text"
October 13, 2025 at 4:21 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Comparing NZ supermarket pay and benefits.

Kmart & Woolworths employees all enjoy the same pay and conditions across NZ. Pak'nSave/Foodstuffs employees have variable pay and conditions depending on employer and bargaining strength.

Join your union and win better pay and conditions!
A table that compares starting pay rates, 6 month and 1 year pay rates, and various other benefits across Kmart, Woolworths and Three Pak'nSave stores: Kilbirnie, Royal Oak and Richmond. Kmart scores the best overall, then Pak'nSave Kilbirnie and Woolworths, though Pak'nSave Royal Oak has all benefits (but lower pay rates). Notable is the differences between different Pak'nSave stores, with Kilbirnie scoring so high, and Richmond being by far the lowers, with substantially lower pay and none of the benefits.
October 8, 2025 at 12:04 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
How much do you spend on work footwear?

Union members don't *only* bargain for wages, they bargain for all sorts of costs to be carried or shared by the employer. A lot of our members who require safety footwear or spend a lot of time standing have successfully bargained for footwear allowances.
a image of a one sports shoe and work boot with the text "DID YOU KNOW: Many of our members have successfully bargained for footwear allowances."
October 6, 2025 at 12:02 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(1/3) 8 clauses that members have bargained for at #CottonOn.
Only Workers First union members are entitled to:
An illustration of a cotton on worker with the text "8 clauses that members have bargaining for at: Cotton on. Only workers First union members are entitled to" text reading "1. Pay increases. Pay increases every year for everyone - Retail Team Members and Salary Managers - in line with inflation/cost of living increases." small text reads "Collective Agreement clause 45.1" text reading "2. Permanent hours. If you work a consistent set of hours for more than 3 months, those hours will be made permanent upon request." small text reads "Collective Agreement clause 41.2 e & f"
October 1, 2025 at 9:49 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Are you being stopped from accessing and drinking water at your workplace?

Access to drinking water is a basic health and safety right and Workers First union WILL pursue breaches of this standard on behalf of our members. If you are being denied access, please contact your organiser.
text reading "Are you easily able to access drinking water at work?"
September 29, 2025 at 3:04 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Delegates, we have just updated our delegate modules/booklets on our website.

These contain heaps of useful information about situations like bargaining, representing members, health and safety, employment legislation, and more!

Find them at: www.workersfirst.nz/delegate-edu...
A mockup of a stack of Workers First delegate education modules, one of them open. text on top reads "delegate education"
September 28, 2025 at 9:46 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
Supporting all workers!

Thanks to House of Travel, @unionaid.bsky.social Solidarity members (regular donors) who are active on 31 Oct 2025 go in the prize draw for return trips to Fiji for seven nights, including accom 😱

More info and to become a UnionAID solidarity member: tinyurl.com/workers-aid
text reading "UnionAID recognises that our challenges are connected to those faced by workers in the Asia-Pacific region. If you can, consider becoming a UnionAID Solidarity Member (regular donor) by 31 October 2025 and go in the draw for a seven night Fiji trip, thanks to House of Travel! tinyurl.com/workers-aid"
September 25, 2025 at 3:01 AM