Workers First Union

@workersfirstunion

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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Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· 26d

"Last week, they processed the last of the logs at Northland Mill. The machines have stopped and as the dust settles, the workers will be gone by the end of the month." Full press release: www.workersfirst.nz/news/2026-07...

text reading "Juken's Northland Mill has confirmed its closure.
Our hearts are with the workers and their communities, and Workers First will be working to support our members."

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· 27d

1/4 Why we are supporting the call from the Green Party to make union membership opt-out instead of opt-in. #nzpol (tl;dr It's the best way to fight Aotearoa New Zealand's cost of living crisis AND to improve worker wages and conditions)

text reading "The Automatic Union Membership Bill.
Why we are excited about it.
Why Aotearoa needs it.
And why we welcome its challenge to Aotearoa unions!
greens.org.nz/workforce_policy"
There is a cut out of Macaulay Culkin form Home Alone, looking shocked, with the words "Another policy that's good for workers!? BY JOVE!"
at the bottom there is small text reading "Authorised by Dennis Maga, Workers First Union, 120 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland"

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· 27d

Under the Employment Leave Bill, single mums like Natasha will get less paid sick leave. If this is how it affects Natasha, how will it affect YOU? Please tell your MP that you oppose this Bill. And watch to see if your party votes in your interest.

An illustration of a person with a stylish office outfit and purple hair.
text reads "The Employment Leave Bill will mean that Natasha, a Farmers worker and single mother, will get less paid sick leave. How will it impact you?"

text reading "Currently, under the Holidays Act, Natasha always gets 10 days sick leave. When she takes sick leave, she is paid at her relevant daily pay, which means she doesn’t have to worry about which days she needs to use her sick leave for.
Under the Employment Leave Bill Natasha will get less sick leave, and will use up her leave quicker if her child is sick on a day that she usually works late.
The Employment Leave Bill is bad for workers.
Enrol to vote today."

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· 28d

Under the Employment Leave Bill, Tane will get paid less when he takes annual leave. If this is how it affects Tane, how will it affect YOU? Please tell your MP that you oppose this Bill. And watch to see if your party votes in your interest.

An illustration of an ambulance officer giving a thumbs up.
text reads "The Employment Leave Bill will mean that Tane, an Ambulance Officer, will get paid less when he takes annual leave. How will it impact you?"

text reading "Tane works a lot of overtime.
Currently, under the Holidays Act, when Tane takes annual leave, his annual leave payment includes the overtime he works.
Under the Employment Leave Bill, Tane will only be paid his lowest hourly rate for that leave. Tane will be paid significantly less when he takes annual leave, because it won't account for his overtime.
The Employment Leave Bill is bad for workers.
Enrol to vote today."

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· 29d

Under the Employment Leave Bill, Ragda will miss out on many public holidays. If this is how it affects Jane, how will it affect YOU? Please tell your MP that you oppose this Bill. And watch to see if your party votes in your interest.

An illustration of a person in a stylish outfit with a flower in their curvy dark hair.
text reads "The Employment Leave Bill will mean that Ragda, a Kmart worker, will miss out on many public holidays. How will it impact you?"

text reading "Currently, under the Holidays Act, Ragda's employer cannot avoid liability for public holidays by keeping her on low guaranteed days of work.
Under the Employment Leave Bill, Ragda will only be entitled to public holidays when they fall on her "guaranteed" days of work, even if she usually works other days. Her manager is incentivised to not give her guaranteed days.
The Employment Leave Bill is bad for workers.
Enrol to vote today."

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Jul 12

Under the Employment Leave Bill, Jane will only be entitled to half as much paid annual leave as she can currently take. If this is how it affects Jane, how will it affect YOU? Please tell your MP that you oppose this Bill. And watch to see if your party votes in your interest.

An illustration of a person with glasses and grey hair in a woolworths uniform.
text reads "The Employment Leave Bill will mean that Jane, a Woolworths worker, will only be entitled to half as much paid annual leave as she can currently take. How will it impact you?"

text reading "Jane's hours got cut, but she still works lots of extra shifts.
Currently, under the Holidays Act, when Jane takes leave she is paid her average weekly earnings, so she doesn't lose money when she takes leave.
Under the Employment Leave Bill, Jane will only accrue annual leave for her "guaranteed" hours.
The Employment Leave Bill is bad for workers.
Enrol to vote today."

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Jul 10

Today, take a moment to recognise Matariki, the Māori New Year - a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and plan for the future. Wishing you and your whānau a joyful and restful Matariki weekend. Happy Māori New Year!

A rendering of the Matariki star cluster with Workers First Union colours

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Jul 7

1/10 With the Matariki public holiday coming up this Friday, there are some important things for you to know about working the holidays.

text reading "Working over the holidays.
What you need to know."
small text reading "July 2026 update"

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Jun 29

We're calling out the National-ACT-NZ First Government for abandoning Northland's workers, as Juken NZ's Kaitāia Mill looks likely to become the seventh major wood processing site lost on their watch. Over 800 jobs lost since late 2023. The Govt has until the 16 July decision date to intervene.

text reading: 6 major wood processing plants, gone.
800 jobs, gone.
In just three years, on the National-NZ First-ACT Government's watch.
We are calling for intervention and public ownership of the Juken Northland Mill, even if temporary, before it becomes the 7th plant to close.

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Jun 26

ACT couldn't have dismantled Kiwi workers' rights without the support of NZ First. ACT couldn't have sold us out to overseas mega-corporations without the support of NZ First. ACT couldn't have set back Kiwi women a decade without the support of NZ First. A vote for NZ First is a vote for ACT #nzpol

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Jun 25

Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary, on Aotearoa's ambulance emergency.

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Jun 17

The next attack on workers is here: The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill. Read more and sign the open @nzctu.bsky.social letter: www.together.org.nz/not_one_more_health_and_safety Even ACC has warned that this Bill will lead to more harm... EVERY worker deserves to come home safe. #nzpol

text reading "The next attackon workers is here:
The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill.
Read more and sign the open letter at:
www.together.org.nz/not_one_more_health_and_safety"

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Jun 11

This November, look at what parties DO, not what they SAY. An ACT Party Minister has been found to have spent $17,000 on airport parking from 2024-2026 - while she was cutting budgets and front-line services from Oranga Tamariki. Story: www.stuff.co.nz/politics/360...

text reading "$17,000 spent on airport parking for one Minister.
This November, look at what they do, not what they say."
small print reading "Authorised by Dennis Maga, Workers First Union, 120 Church Street, Onehunga, Auckland"

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· May 28

💲"Misery Budget 2026: a crumbling house with a fresh coat of paint" 📉 (2/2)

Quote - Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary: "Meanwhile, we’re all paying for MPs to take accommodation supplements for their second houses and funding more military, prisons and roads."

"Additional funding for health and education is not enough, is too late, and comes after years of deliberate underfunding."

Quote - Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary: "We desperately need the Opposition to now step up and show us that there is a better way, or New Zealand’s downward spiral will accelerate."

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· May 28

💲"Misery Budget 2026: a crumbling house with a fresh coat of paint" 📉 (1/2)

Text: "Misery Budget" 2026 - Workers First reaction (with Budget book in background)

Quote: Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary: "This is an austerity Budget from an austerity Government, and it does not meaningfully address any of the challenges ahead of us - it’s just about keeping New Zealand on life support."

Quote - Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary: "Any projected surplus will be built from the misery of those who can’t afford to sacrifice any more during a cost-of-living crisis that this Government fuels and maintains."

Quote - Dennis Maga, Workers First General Secretary: "They’re like dodgy landlords who add a fresh coat of paint and a second-hand grey carpet onto a mouldy, crumbling house whose foundations are slipping off the edge of a cliff."

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· May 22

Today, we’re very excited to launch our new report – “Emergency: Saving New Zealand’s Ambulance Services”. You can read the full report here: tinyurl.com/4edeaa2v

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· May 19

Come along to hear more, share your views and join the fight to save a crucial part of Kaitāia's economy and 200 skilled wood-working jobs. We've lost six wood processing facilities in the last two years as a country, and we can't afford to lose more. Nau mai, haere mai, piki mai, kake mai.

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· May 19

Value our Skills - Save the Mills! This Saturday (23 May), we're hosting a public meeting in Kaitāia about the future of the two JNL mills that are currently for sale and could be closed if no buyer is found.

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· May 11

We're still buzzing from May Day. NZ workers are STRONG. We can't be bought and sold. Ask your friends and whānau to enrol and check their enrolment details RIGHT NOW, and let's absolutely smash this election.

a bunch of happy people holding up their fists and cheering, and holding union signs. the person in the forefront is wearing a fantastic dress. actually, everyone has a rad style in this picture!

a photo of a group of union members and organisers holding colourful flags. the person in focus is smiling

a trio of people smiling at the camera. they are all union members. a flag has blown in front of the camera giving everything a classy orange sheen. this is an arty pic, no doubt about it, though that may just be in the eye of the beholder. the beholder in this case, who is writing this, also took the photo, so they are going to say that, aren't they

a group of rad union members holding a workers first flag at a big union gathering for may day

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· May 4

Union STRONG! #mayday

a group of people holding workers first flags, some of them are holding up fists and some are holding union signs. the camera angle is from low down and everyone looks badass

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· May 1

What a day! Inspiring and motivating to be around so many brilliant union members across Aotearoa on May Day. We're ready. We're organised. We are ready to fight for a Government for workers in 2026! #mayday #fightbacktogether #labourday

a smiling group of people holding a workers first banner

A person in a turban holding up a raised fist in front of a bus with a banner on it reading 'me aro koe ki.... respect us'

a photo of some young union members holding up union flags. the person in the centre is yelling a chant

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Apr 29

Congratulations to our Woolworths Customer Care Centre members, who have now ratified their Collective Agreement! These amazing workers have stood strong together through six months of bargaining and three strike actions, including being locked out of the job at Christmas.

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Apr 22

This year, Anzac day falls on a Saturday. If you usually don't work Saturdays: On Mon you will be due a paid day off OR 1.5 pay and an alternative paid day off if you work. If you usually work Saturdays: On Sat you will be due a paid day off OR 1.5 pay and an alternative paid day off if you work.

text reading "This year, Anzac day falls on a Saturday.

If you usually don't work Saturdays:
The public holiday is 'mondayised'.
You are due a paid day off on Monday or time and a half pay and an alternative paid day off if you work.

If you usually work Saturdays:
You are due a paid day off on Saturday or time and a half pay and an alternative paid day off if you work."

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Apr 14

Workers First organiser and Union Network of Migrants NZ coordinator Mikee speaks to the crowd at the Stop Wars rally in Auckland on Saturday. We stand with workers worldwide who continue to be exploited, suppressed and killed to serve the greed of the few.

a photo of workers first organiser Mikee Santos with a microphone and gesturing, in front of a workers first flag, at a 'stop wars' rally

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Apr 10

Last year we showed up. This year we turn up the pressure. May Day is our day to BE HEARD! Union and non-union, head to fightbacktogether.nz and check out the events in your area.

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Apr 9

Upcoming anti-war hīkoi. Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland): "Stop the War" Aotea Square, 14:00 Saturday 11 April Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington): "Stop US & Israeli Wars" Civic Square, 11:00 Saturday 11 April "Hīkoi for Peace" Waitangi Park, 14:00 Saturday 25 April (Anzac day)

text reading "Upcoming anti-war hīkoi.

Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland):

"Stop the War"
Aotea Square, 14:00
Saturday 11 April

Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington):

"Stop US & Israeli Wars"
Civic Square, 11:00
Saturday 11 April

"Hīkoi for Peace"
Waitangi Park, 14:00
Saturday 25 April (Anzac day)"

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Mar 30

Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones (NZ First) has been very vocal about who's to blame for our precarious fuel security situation. Did you know that he, in 2024, was the one to scrap plans for the public diesel reserve? Full article: www.thepost.co.nz/business/360... #nzpol

a screenshot of a 'The post te upoko o te ika' article by Edward miller called "we've been dangerously exposed by the failure to build public diesel reserve"
a cut-out of Shane Jones face (NZ First politician) is on top, wearing a dunce cap with NZ First printed on it. It suits him!

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Mar 30

Petrol price increases may be out of their control, but businesses CAN control how they step up for workers. We have asked eleven banks to agree to allow working from home for those that can do so AND to subsidise transport costs for workers required onsite. www.rnz.co.nz/news/busines...

a screenshot of a RNZ article called "Union calls for banks to let staff work from home", by Susan Edmunds

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Mar 26

We have asked 11 financial institutions if they will temporarily allow staff to work from home and for transport cost subsidies for on-site staff. These are achievable solutions that would provide some relief and peace of mind in challenging times. We will update you on their response. #nzpol

text reading "we have requested that 11 financial institutions support their workers through this fuel crisis."

Workers First Union@workersfirstunion· Mar 25

Workers First Union is supporting the call from the Green Party and others to immediately implement a free public transport fares system in response to rising fuel costs and continuing abuse and violence against bus drivers.