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Workers First Union
@workersfirstunion.bsky.social
180 followers 25 following 200 posts
32,000 strong! ✊ The trade union for retail, finance, logistics, transport, manufacturing, ambulance and bus workers in Aotearoa New Zealand
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workersfirstunion.bsky.social
RADICAL IDEAS FOR RADICAL PROBLEMS

Our new policy paper, Take the Power Back, is live: www.workersfirst.nz/news/take-th...

#nzpol #takethepowerback
heavily stylised text reading "take the power back", in red. a grainy image of a loudspeaker or a spotlight on a pole is in the background, in black and white. red text reading "we offer radical solutions for radical problems" and "read the paper at workersfirst.nz" with a qr code that leads to https://www.workersfirst.nz/news/take-the-power-back red text reading "we challenge you to imagine a better world for workers" and "Take the Power back is an unashamed attempt to outline what true pro-worker political policy might look like."
November 26, 2025 at 1:38 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
9/9 Can I join the union and claim for wage arrears and lost entitlements?

Yes. Uber drivers please visit: workersfirst.nz/uber

#nzpol #uber #ubereats #uberdriver #uberdrivers
text reading "Can I join the union and claim for wage arrears and lost entitlements? Yes. If you are an Uber driver: workersfirst.nz/uber"
November 23, 2025 at 8:56 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
8/9 - The sky is falling and the gig economy is over!!

No. Chill out, Business NZ* #nzpol

*https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/business/579161/uber-drivers-supreme-court-decision-could-collapse-gig-economy-business-groups-say
text reading "The sky is falling and the gig economy is over!!* No. Chill out, Business NZ *[a screenshot of a RNZ headline reading "Uber drivers' Supreme Court decision could collapse gig economy, business groups say"]."
November 23, 2025 at 8:53 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
7/9 - Will Uber leave Aotearoa?

Unlikely. Many countries around the world (such as the UK) reached the same verdict, and Uber still operates and profits there. #nzpol
text reading "Will Uber leave Aotearoa? Unlikely. Many countries around the world (such as the UK) reached the same verdict, and Uber still operates and profits there."
November 23, 2025 at 8:51 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
6/9 A big bill for Uber?

Yes. They will survive. Uber's international profits are expected to crack NZ$330 bil in 2025. They paid $1.2 mil in tax in NZ in 2023 and we estimate that their NZ revenue came to ~$867 million that year...* #nzpol

*https://cictar.org/all-research/uber/nz
text reading "Will this result in a big bill for Uber? Yes. Uber's international profits are expected to crack NZ$330 billion in 2025 and they only paid 1.2 million in tax in NZ in 2023.* They will survive. *Uber in New Zealand: The Business of Misclassification https://cictar.org/all-research/uber/nz"
November 23, 2025 at 8:49 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
5/9 The union wants Uber drivers to work 9-5 and wear uniforms...

No. Whoever said this is lying to you. #nzpol
text reading "The union wants Uber drivers to work 9-5 and wear uniforms... No. Whoever said this is lying to you."
November 23, 2025 at 8:45 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
4/9 Does this only apply to four drivers?

Not necessarily. The Courts ruled four drivers as employees, but all Uber drivers do the same work in the same way. On that basis, Workers First is taking claims for thousands. This process involves the Authority declaring them employees of Uber. #nzpol
text reading "Does this only apply to four drivers? Sort of. This judgment relates specifically to four drivers. But it sets a precedent, and on that basis, Workers First Union is progressing wage arrears claims on behalf of thousands of Uber drivers."
November 23, 2025 at 8:41 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
3/9 Is this the end of flexibility for workers?

No. Nothing stops Uber from operating in a way that offers drivers flexibility. Under the current situation, the ‘flexibility’ that Uber celebrates is often illusory and doesn't include prices, advertising services or building relationships. #nzpol
text reading "Does this end flexibility for workers? No. Nothing precludes Uber from continuing to operate in a way that offers drivers flexibility."
November 23, 2025 at 8:35 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
2/9 Is this the end of contracting in Aotearoa?

No. This is about the misclassification of employees. It does not end contracting arrangements. It does not mean all contractors become employees. It does not even mean that Uber can't have contracting arrangements in their business. #nzpol
text reading "Is this the end of contracting in Aotearoa? No. This case is about the misclassification of employees. It does not end contracting arrangements. It does not mean all contractors become employees."
November 23, 2025 at 8:21 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
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
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
(3/3) 8 reasons why Workers First is the best union for Ambulance Officers!
October 29, 2025 at 11:29 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(2/3) 8 reasons why Workers First is the best union for Ambulance Officers!
October 29, 2025 at 11:29 PM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
(1/3) 8 reasons why Workers First is the best union for Ambulance Officers!
October 29, 2025 at 11:28 PM
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
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
3/3 8 things that Workers First members have won through union negotiations with #Kmart:
Text reading "6. Footwear allowance. A $200 footwear allowance for safety shoes or medically required footwear." extra text in a 'sticker' style reads "won this year" Text reading "7. Birthday leave. You get a paid day off for your birthday." Text reading "8. Night work allowance. You get an extra $4 an hour for all hours worked between 10pm and 6am." small text reading "And more, but we ran out of room.."
October 13, 2025 at 4:24 AM
workersfirstunion.bsky.social
2/3 8 things that Workers First members have won through union negotiations with #Kmart:
Text reading "3. Overtime pay. 1.5x normal pay per extra hour over 40 hours (in a week)." Text reading "4. Free funeral insurance. $10,000 cover with Workers First Funeral Insurance." extra text in a 'sticker' style reads "Union members only" Text reading "5. Public holidays. It's voluntary for you to work public holidays."
October 13, 2025 at 4:23 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