FIRST Union is spreading the union word amongst call centres, with leads being followed up at three major call centres in Auckland, and good progress being made at the Energy Watch call centre. There are now over 30 union members at the site. Bargaining has been initiated, the first stopworking meeting has been scheduled and union fees are now being deducted by the company. Watch this space for more good news about the negotiation of their first collective employment agreement.

The centres are apparently part of a new phenomenon of Australian call centres coming to New Zealand - "near-shoring!". Our objective will be to improve these workers' pay and conditions.