The National Distribution Union and Finsec joined forces on October 1 to form New Zealand’s newest union – FIRST Union. 

We are nearly 28,000 workers in Finance, Industrial (Textile and Wood) Retail, Stores & Transport, who have come together to get a better deal at work.

If you’re not a member of the union, join today to win higher pay, better conditions and have more say at work.

Read the articles below to read about what's happening in FIRST Union, or click here to view all the latest news.

Westpac workers ratify Article Date:  Monday, December 19, 2011 Westpac workers have voted to accept a revised offer from their employer, after further bargaining acheived a better deal. 87% of those voting opted to accept, and 63% of members participated in the vote.    The pay offer moved from 3.2% for 15 months, to 3.2% for 12 months, lifting the annualised increase from 2.56% to 3.2%. Read more about Westpac workers ratify

Changing Representations of Organised Labour Article Date:  Friday, December 16, 2011 Research Project on the Changing Representations of Organised Labour in New Zealand, 1968–1981 Invitation to participate Read more about Changing Representations of Organised Labour

Lockout of meat workers Article Date:  Thursday, December 1, 2011 Right now there are over 100 workers at the Canterbury Meat Processors meatworks on SH1 near Marton who have been locked out since 19th October. Why? Because they won’t accept a 25 percent pay cut and the removal of important conditions from their collective. The workers are trying to stay staunch, but without any income its hard. Read more about Lockout of meat workers

Labour releases work policy at FIRST conference Article Date:  Friday, October 21, 2011 Labour leader Phil Goff released their work and wages policy at the FIRST Union conference in Hamilton this week. The policy included setting industry standards for wages. Read more about Labour releases work policy at FIRST conference