tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86335702011-06-08T18:50:09.419+12:00StrikeWatchMelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14518054954654238044noreply@blogger.comBlogger661100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1153148964149646752006-07-18T03:04:00.000+12:002006-07-18T03:09:24.176+12:00

Victory! A union has claimed victory over a supermarket chain after it backtracked on plans for a fingerprint-based clock-in system, instead of giving workers the option of typing in a PIN. (via Stuff) Damn right that's a victory. I remember writing about fingerprinting at work before. I used to work at a bank and they didn't need my fingerprints, why the fuck would a supermarket need them?

Mattnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1137240317112732622006-01-15T00:57:00.000+13:002006-01-15T01:05:17.973+13:00

New blog: rankandfilers This one is quite similar to Strikewatch, however it is more interested in worker control of unions, where this blog tends to be more generalised. I've signed up to it and hopefully I'll be more motivated to post some more material. It's been tough work maintaining this blog (just trying to post regularly!) but I'm not throwing in the towel. I recommend you go and have a

Mattnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1135342262737252242005-12-24T01:35:00.000+13:002005-12-24T01:51:02.746+13:00

NY Strike over: Desertnews.com The fascinating saga of a strike that crippled New York is drawing to an end. It truly is a remarkable testament to the courage of workers and union leaders in the face of massive fines and a hostile, state employer. In my mind, there are several interesting points about this: - Workers in a First World country broke the law to strike - The transit union members

Mattnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1135340550683625682005-12-24T00:29:00.000+13:002005-12-24T01:22:30.726+13:00

Westpac strikes: NZ Herald The issues Fair pay As at 14 November 2005, Westpac have offered staff 3.75% for the first year of a two year contract and 3.75% or CPI for the second, whichever is the greater. Performance pay The structure of the pay system for staff (in particular, with regards to the performance component) is in dispute. Both parties are wanting to make changes. The comments

Mattnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1132736631420536812005-11-23T21:50:00.000+13:002005-11-23T22:03:51.430+13:00

Unite: Worlds First Starbucks Strike Spreads to 10 Stores "Workers from stores across Auckland walked off the job today to join the world’s first Starbucks strike, held on Auckland’s counter-culture café strip, Karangahape Rd, New Zealand. What began as a small protest by workers from one store became a city-wide strike when Starbucks workers heard that managers would be brought in to cover the

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1129088172687512172005-10-12T16:34:00.000+13:002005-10-14T15:35:27.430+13:00

Kate over at About Town, has a distressing post about the pay differential between men and women in New Zealand - it's increased. I might have a think about why this could be and post on it later, but any ideas gratefully received. Update: Kate's post now has a reply from her with some reasons from the Human Rights Commission. It looks like there have been larger pay increases in occupations

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768429130005921277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1128913723969986772005-10-10T16:07:00.000+13:002005-10-10T16:08:43.976+13:00

Supersize My Pay WORKERS CHARTER campaign for: * $12 minimum wage (now $9.50). * Abolish youth rates. STREET RALLY * 12 noon till 2pm this Saturday, 15 October. * Outside cinema, Aotea Square, Queen St. PLEASE JOIN IN & BUILD THE WORKERS CHARTER CAMPAIGN AGAINST LOWPAY & INJUSTICE TOWARDS YOUNG WORKERS. Check out Workers Charter website: www.workerscharter.org.nz

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768429130005921277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1128731294125740302005-10-08T13:26:00.000+13:002005-10-08T13:28:14.130+13:00

ooh, ooh, ooh (struggling to contain my excitement here). I've just discovered a new journal, published by the Association of University Staff. It's called the NZ Journal of Tertiary Education Policy, and you can read it in pdf format here. Mellie, can you link it down the sidebar please?

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768429130005921277noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1128580910634118712005-10-06T19:36:00.000+13:002005-10-06T19:41:50.636+13:00

Some of you may notice that I have added a new wire to the sidebar: LabourStart's ACT NOW! feed. I was moved to do this by the shocking news that a union leader was killed on his way home from a picket line. When you read the feed, this is your chance to show international solidarity. As an example, I sent a message in support of Australian union members in the face of John Howard's plans for

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1127862712602894822005-09-28T11:06:00.000+12:002005-09-28T11:11:52.606+12:00

As reported in the Herald yesterday, Carters have chosen to reduce their opening hours by closing on Sundays. AND, they've cited staff retention as a reason for the closure. It's great to see a business actually giving a shit about their employees for once, and acknowledging that being good to staff is good for business. Here's to work/life balance!!

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768429130005921277noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1127707379421817982005-09-26T15:59:00.000+12:002005-09-26T16:02:59.420+12:00

A workers charter has been drafted - you can read (and ENDORSE) it here. The workers charter conference will be held on Saturday 22 October, 10am-5pm in Grey Lynn, Auckland. If you want to register or want more info, then send me or Mellie an email. I've been informed that the website will be improving as time goes on!

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768429130005921277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1127707017084303322005-09-26T15:51:00.000+12:002005-09-26T15:56:57.090+12:00

It's about time health workers (particularly caregivers and support staff) were given fair remuneration for their work. This latest story from the Herald explains how caregivers at Guardian Healthcare are being offered between $10 to $12.50. Hello???? Have we forgotten that the minimum wage for adults is $9.50? These workers are looking after our elderly citizens. You know, those awesome

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768429130005921277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1127212126737500032005-09-20T22:21:00.000+12:002005-09-20T22:28:46.743+12:00

Workplace bullying: have you been affected? I'm looking at doing a post sometime over the next 3-4 weeks on workplace bullying and would really value first-hand experiences from people. If you have something you'd like to share (in confidence) please send an email to: crustyrach@hotmail.com Once again: if anyone has anything they'd like to contribute, please contact me or Mellie (probably

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768429130005921277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1126571658353412972005-09-13T12:21:00.000+12:002005-09-13T12:34:18.360+12:00

well, well, well...... I've just been sent an email telling me off for criticising the media on their coverage of employment relations. You can read an article comparing the policy of Labour and National here. I'm still going to dispute the "best of both acts" statement by National (see earlier post on this). The point I'm making is this: Employment Relations only ends up on the front page of

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768429130005921277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1126561309738329912005-09-13T09:28:00.000+12:002005-09-13T09:41:49.746+12:00

Just some quick comments about the Green's employment policy: My main concern is with the increase in the minimum wage to $12 an hour. It sounds very nice, but such a massive increase (it's currently $9.50) could cripple business - and that aint good for workers either. Regular, small increases are the way to go, such as those introduced by the Labour party. I DO however, agree with getting

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768429130005921277noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1126508391490186742005-09-12T18:49:00.000+12:002005-09-12T19:54:11.796+12:00

Employment: it affects us all – one way or another. Doesn’t matter if we’re workers, employers, students, mothers, fathers, the elderly or children. I have grave concerns about the Employment Policy outlined by the National Party on their website, and what this may mean for employment practices in New Zealand. The media has failed to adequately address the potential harm some of these practices

Rachelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08768429130005921277noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1126525853034963112005-09-12T15:45:00.000+12:002005-09-12T23:50:53.043+12:00

A warm welcome to Rachel, a friend and fellow leftie of mine. She will join the other two here at Strikewatch and has great enthusiasm for getting into the blog biz. While not strictly a newbie in terms of blogging, she is taking some steps by getting into posting her own material. Which is great for me, because then I don't feel so guilty about not posting often. So share the load, as they say

Mattnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1121569341717150482005-07-17T14:57:00.000+12:002005-07-17T15:02:21.716+12:00

This from Working Life: As some people may know, John Howard's government is planning a fresh range of legislation aimed at weakening the powers of the unions in Australia, now that they have conrol of the Senate too. The article outlines some background info (very handy) to Australia's award system (similar to ours except for the ECA) and provides some info on what the proposed legislation is

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1121567588948013202005-07-17T14:27:00.000+12:002005-07-17T14:33:08.950+12:00

Confined Space: News and Commentary on Workplace Health & Safety, Labor and Politics American-based blogger Jordan Barab has a wealth of experience in occupational safety and health issues, having campaigned for many years for the right of public employees in the US to a safe workplace. From his site: "In 1998, I was appointed a Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for OSHA, serving as

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1121335022960304062005-07-14T21:44:00.000+12:002005-07-14T21:57:02.966+12:00

Blog to go visit Work without End I thought I was struggling along, alone!!! I was so pleased to see this blog and Make Tea Not War going hard! Go check it out. Submission Employment Relations (Flexible Working Hours) Amendment Bill Just tonight I noticed No Right Turn and Make Tea Not War have prepared submissions for the above Bill (closed 13 July). Go and have a look at the Bill, it's

Mattnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1120219779697904602005-07-01T23:59:00.000+12:002005-07-02T00:09:39.710+12:00

This is a bit of a stab at some theorising and is the first time I've tried to do it outside of the academic context. There are no references to market theories, NZ legislation or studies and as such is entirely unacademic. I've tried to argue a line of reasoning however I am aware that the topic I have picked could do with a much longer post and at least a few references. I can't imagine that

Mattnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1117839026340449382005-06-04T10:30:00.000+12:002005-06-04T10:50:26.346+12:00

I have reevaluated the purpose of Strikewatch. It no longer is viable or even attractive to continue butchering mainstream coverage of industrial relations - it seems that, only half way into the year, the year's industrial landscape has forced the media to take more notice of workers and their demands. And so, that means that I will cease attempting to link to each and every item of news that I

Mattnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1114110813475881032005-04-22T07:13:00.000+12:002005-04-22T07:13:33.476+12:00

Watch this space and watch the news tonight!

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1113388578222751502005-04-13T22:34:00.000+12:002005-04-13T22:36:18.223+12:00

Stuff Good to see a settlement!

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1113219350884085122005-04-11T23:27:00.000+12:002005-04-11T23:35:50.886+12:00

Perhaps some Aucklanders will be disappointed? NZ Herald

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1113218850799627912005-04-11T23:22:00.000+12:002005-04-11T23:27:30.800+12:00

Scoop: University of Auckland faces strike action Students are getting it in the neck these days - first the bus drivers, now the lecturers! Is there a problem with government funding? AUS thinks so. How long has it been an issue? Take a look at AUS's media releases.

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1112869605023164132005-04-07T22:20:00.000+12:002005-04-07T22:26:45.023+12:00

http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU0504/S00086.htm

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1112617494427668892005-04-05T00:19:00.000+12:002005-04-05T00:24:54.426+12:00

Scoop: Fair Share Industrial Action to hit Auckland EPMU workers to go on strike tomorrow: they're asking for six per cent for 14 months. The company has offered three per cent for 10 months. Part of the EPMU's Five for 05 Campaign for 5 per cent pay rises for all workers in New Zealand.

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1112617136503401092005-04-05T00:14:00.000+12:002005-04-05T00:18:56.506+12:00

Scoop: Solidarity strong at Colgate-Palmolive picket Unions involved: The NDU and the EPMU Extending the push for 'Five for 05' call for increases of at least five percent for workers in New Zealand during 2005, Petone workers strike!

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1112616825824348732005-04-05T00:08:00.000+12:002005-04-05T00:13:45.826+12:00

In a skills shortage, what would you rather do: a) raise wages b) fire staff c) hire staff c) alienate staff d) import staff That last one them's there be striking talk, pardner. Play with fire: there's more than one way to show the boss that you're pissed off, that doesn't involve illegal industrial action. XtraMSN: Offshore recruitment angers bus drivers

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1112616455760659922005-04-04T23:08:00.000+12:002005-04-05T00:07:35.766+12:00

The talks on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round. The talks on the bus go round and round, all day long. The passengers at the stop jump up and down, up and down, up and down. The passengers at the stop jump up and down, all day long. If you don't live in Auckland, don't watch the news and were out in the bush for most of last week, Auckland's major bus company,

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1112007751017664582005-03-28T22:23:00.000+12:002005-03-28T23:02:31.020+12:00

Responding to DPF's recent post about the inconsistencies of the Easter trading laws: I enjoyed my day off on Friday. Perhaps there is something wrong with me for not feeling outraged at the shops not being open, but the problem for me is that if trading is liberalised on Good Friday, then my holiday which I value and cherish is at risk. Example: Retail stores open their showrooms on Good

Mattnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1109235059181531932005-02-24T21:25:00.000+13:002005-02-24T21:50:59.183+13:00

Fitter, happier, more productive, comfortable, not drinking too much... Those familiar with the angst of Radiohead will recognise the opening lyrics of 'Fitter, Happier', a dark song about prescribed life and increased quality thereof... Which make this story all the more bizarre: "...on college campuses in the US...Faced with the pressure of exams and essay deadlines, students have been

Mattnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1109233291114416612005-02-24T20:40:00.000+13:002005-02-24T21:21:31.116+13:00

A woman with a moko is refused a job because it 'wouldn't be good for business'. ACT MP Stephen Franks says: "Any New Zealander, of course, should be free to wear a moko...But equally, we should all take personal responsibility for the consequences of our decisions...It is well-established that freedom of association also means freedom from forced association. Those who disagree with a fashion

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1106654332342800392005-01-26T01:28:00.000+13:002005-01-26T00:58:52.343+13:00

As much as I dislike giving the National Party airtime on my account, there are some worrying things in Don Brash's 'Orewa II' speech. I have less time than I used to, so this is a limited contribution: National will seek to reduce employers' risks at the expense of workers' security: 'Second, to reduce the risk to employers of taking on a person who could be perceived as "risky", we will

Mattnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1106055849630410362005-01-18T22:37:00.000+13:002005-01-19T02:44:09.630+13:00

The rise of the Chinese 'dragon economy' and the opulence and extravagance that have followed in it's path in China's large cities have received much media attention: Shanghai is reliving it's excessive 'glory days' of the 1930s, while cities like Beijing, Qingdao, Shenzhen and Nanjing have huge construction projects and booming internal economies. Economic growth is said to be 9.7%, with

Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365148097936800960noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1105796248648895112005-01-16T01:24:00.000+13:002005-01-16T02:37:28.650+13:00

Jordan at Just Left has posted on National's recent motions to push for the choice between the Day in Lieu (DIL) or the time and a half provisions that are currently guaranteed to New Zealand workers for working on a public holiday. The arguments It appears that the primary objection people have (where applicable) to the provisions for working on statutory holiday revolve around cost or

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1105520233558205052005-01-12T21:51:00.000+13:002005-01-12T21:57:13.560+13:00

To quickly introduce myself, my name is Oliver and I'm a new contributor to Industrial Relationz. I'm a vocal supporter of both national and international workers rights, and intend to make sure that you're kept up-to-date on industrial relations issues in an interesting and easily readable style.

Oliverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08365148097936800960noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1105519813395231562005-01-12T21:35:00.000+13:002005-01-12T21:50:13.396+13:00

Some visitors may have noticed some weird links down the sidebar, I can now (now that I have enough links) rename it to be a bit more clear - these are links aimed at younger people/workers, which some of the oldies may enjoy too! New link is the lowdown - a site hosted by the Citizen's Advice Bureau on young people's rights. The bit on employment rights is particularly helpful.

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1105431361557630992005-01-11T21:04:00.000+13:002005-01-11T21:16:01.556+13:00

This, a vague post from Rodney Hide, and resonding to it, this from Ben Thomas. Well worth the read.

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1104667070303480342005-01-03T01:52:00.000+13:002005-01-03T01:12:34.110+13:00

Via LabourStart: "In the wake of the massive tsunami disaster which has hit South and Southeast Asian countries on 26 December, the ICFTU has written to its affiliated and friendly organisations in the countries concerned, expressing its condolences, support and solidarity to trade unions, their members, families and communities." [More from the ICFTU] Here is a link if you want to find

Mattnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1104665816190228922005-01-02T23:04:00.000+13:002005-01-03T00:36:56.190+13:00

Via The Currency Lad has invited bloggers and columnists to discuss something that has occured in Western Australia - so, taking my lead from Rob Corr and Mark Bahnisch: The situation Twenty five South African tradesmen walked off jobs across Western Australia, last week, after the AMWU blew the whistle on a massive immigration rort. The boilermakers, pipe fitters and welders – earning as

Mattnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1104227895771562432004-12-28T22:27:00.000+13:002004-12-28T22:58:15.770+13:00

The stimulus for this post was a posting about possible drug testing at TVNZ, via Reinventing TVNZ. Drug testing at work is invasive and should only be justified on grounds of employee or public welfare. Employee welfare Where employees work in a factory/manual labour situation where heavy machinery or supervision of hazardous machinery takes place, drug testing can be justified. If

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1103879938393596812004-12-24T22:05:00.000+13:002004-12-24T22:18:58.393+13:00

A little bit late, but better than never (both this post and the compo): Hardie is the biggest maker of home cladding in the United States and is listed in Australia. It has moved its headquarters to the Netherlands. It ousted its top two executives after an inquiry found it had broken company law and hugely underfunded a previous compensation fund [for ex-workers affected by and members of

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1103878128012822102004-12-24T21:39:00.000+13:002004-12-24T21:48:48.013+13:00

Here's one good reason why the nurses' pay offer is justified: Hospital slated for avoidable death It really says something about the way we think about workers and really about problems in general: let's not do anything til we have to, and at least not until the public or the media force us to. Staffing levels are critical in any business, but you really have to wonder when health care

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1103877482180569142004-12-24T21:35:00.000+13:002004-12-24T21:38:02.180+13:00

This from Scoop... The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by NZ Herald publisher Australian Provincial Newspapers, confirming an Employment Court ruling that union members may not leave a collective agreement while it is in force... [more] An interesting development in the whole sorry saga at the NZ Herald. Just goes to show that there's more to a union than pay rises and

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1103877267984688232004-12-24T20:56:00.000+13:002004-12-24T21:34:27.983+13:00

A safe and happy holiday season to everyone, I hope you have a well-deserved break. For those of you who are working, here is information regarding your entitlements during the season, as the whole thing can be a bit confusing. It's been a good year for workers, from the smoking legislation (for many service workers), the union bargaining legislation, to the rise in the minimum and youth

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1103249362243451582004-12-17T15:02:00.000+13:002004-12-17T15:09:22.243+13:00

Another reason not to vote Brash in: a return to National's industrial policies of the 1990s? I don't think so. Brash is a hard-bitten economist, through and through. It is incredible that he entered politics and a sorry testament to the quality of the National Party that he took the leadership. He is no parliamentarian, with very little experience in Opposition and it would be an absolute

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1103248566146668472004-12-17T14:42:00.000+13:002004-12-17T14:56:06.146+13:00

Westpac to the resucue! Great to see that Auckland's rescue helicopter has received a Christmas cherry, with the print version of the Herald showing Westpac CEO Ann Sherry getting a ride in the 'copter above Auckland. There's no doubt that the five-year sponsorship deal is good for Auckland with the helicopter staying afloat (aloft?) as a result, but there is the small question of whether

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1103240842621357242004-12-17T13:32:00.000+13:002004-12-17T12:47:22.623+13:00

Great news on the pay front for our nurses and midwives: A proposed settlement package has been reached between the country's DHBs and the Nurse's Organisation, the primary representation body of nurses and midwives. What happens now? If the union members accept and ratify the offer, then the package will be rolled out through the New Year, backdated to July 2004. More from the Herald

Mattnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1102825280356769872004-12-12T16:57:00.000+13:002004-12-12T17:21:20.356+13:00

Interesting to see Matt McCarten's politically charged piece about call centres and unions today in the dreadful Herald delivered on Sunday - it was quite interesting, I thought - especially remembering the saga that is going on at the moment with APN and their collective agreeement. (I've posted about it previously) Very refreshing I must say, after trawling through the HoS - nice to see

Mattnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1102466683632205832004-12-08T13:37:00.000+13:002004-12-08T13:44:43.633+13:00

A recent labour conference due to be held in China was cancelled, with CTU head Ross Wilson among those denied an entry visa. More... Some international reaction here and here. And a pretty helpful piece about the FTA deal between China and NZ by Fran O'Sullivan here.

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1101681869073373442004-11-29T11:35:00.000+13:002004-11-29T11:44:29.073+13:00

A little while ago I posted about Sky City issuing a worker with a written warning following the worker's refusal to take off a badge celebrating Labour Day. An email campaign ensued, with national and international union associates being urged to email the HR manager involved to communicate their feelings about this issue. The SFWU website has an update and excerpts from the email campaign.

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1100948995787658122004-11-21T01:05:00.000+13:002004-11-21T00:09:55.786+13:00

Seen on the motorway out Penrose way: I was going to quit anyway | Yeah right heehee How about: I was going to get a raise | But then I got high

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1099955744670298172004-11-09T12:12:00.000+13:002004-11-09T12:15:44.670+13:00

At last some coverage of industrial relations from the NZ Herald! 'The scale of work-related injury and disease in New Zealand is much higher than previously thought but a lack of data makes it difficult to know how big the problem is. A report by the National Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Committee says between 700 and 1000 people die each year from occupational diseases such as

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1099951989026269732004-11-09T10:08:00.000+13:002004-11-09T11:13:09.026+13:00

Finger prints versus timecards I reckon this guy hasn't done himself any favours. Citing religious and ethical reasons, he has complained to the Employment Relations Authority that he was unfairly dismissed, following his sacking for refusal of a 'lawful and reasonable request' by his employer for him to be fingerprinted. Rightly queried by the Authority, he admitted that he would give the

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1104666678576655532004-11-03T01:42:00.000+13:002005-01-16T02:39:33.730+13:00

The views expressed in this blog are not necessarily the opinions of Finsec, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions or any past or present employer of the contributors. If you have a problem with the content of this blog or a particular part of this blog, please contact the contributors to discuss it.

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1099222448358078972004-10-31T23:51:00.000+13:002004-11-01T00:34:08.356+13:00

Replying to Sagenz and Just Left on the subject of Worklife Balance (and some other stuff inbetween) Sage, I would be hesitant to push for legislated overtime after 40 hours a week - as you say, it is an arbitrary number and interventionist. It impinges on people's right to contract certain hours of work. I accept that. The problem however, is to protect the ability for the worker to

Mattnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1099008479613151822004-10-29T13:58:00.000+13:002004-10-29T22:45:21.360+13:00

Sky City casino doesn't like badges. Especially those celebrating Labour Day. "A Service & Food Workers' Union (SFWU) member, working on the gaming floor at Sky City Auckland, faced disciplinary action this week after refusing to remove a badge celebrating Labour Day" (SFWU website) I'll bet they weren't happy having to pay overtime either - it's just a shame that some employers seem

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1099002929030046222004-10-29T11:30:00.000+13:002004-10-29T11:35:29.030+13:00

Today, fisheries officers walked off the job - but don't think today will be a 'plunder day', because they've got their eye on you... "All members of police and Ministry of Defence commanding officers, ships and aircraft, are fishery officers." (Fisheries Minstry compliance manager Dave Wood) ie. if you're taking too much fish today, you might get a taxi to help you haul the load home -

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1098590806669822092004-10-24T17:01:00.000+13:002004-10-24T17:06:46.670+13:00

Don't get sick in the next couple of weeks or months, cause ya might not have anyone to take care of you! Kiwi junior doctors and nurses (still) are in the throes of negotiations and it could get pret-ty nasty very quickly. So increase your garlic intake, go for a walk and avoid KFC. Don't get sick.

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1098526691684553542004-10-23T23:09:00.000+13:002004-10-23T23:18:11.683+13:00

Striking airline workers: home and away

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1098525978273140492004-10-23T23:05:00.000+13:002004-10-23T23:06:18.273+13:00

Anyone wanna go fishing next Friday?

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1098442553851448942004-10-22T23:39:00.000+13:002004-10-25T01:16:05.423+13:00

This from Rob @ Kick and Scream: You’ve probably heard that Australia’s Customs officers are on strike today. They’re after more staff (there are less customs staff in airports now than before 11 September 2001) and better pay, to compensate for their higher workload due to recently-introduced stricter screening processes... read more

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1098424757698679782004-10-22T18:26:00.000+13:002004-10-23T01:22:30.526+13:00

Ooh hell yeah I could sink my teeth into this one, but I'm pressed for time and Mum wants jobs done, so it sufficeth for the time being: Be vary wary of VSM (Voluntary Student Membership) campaigners. Like the latest bile dripping forth... Student Choice. I'd be interested to find out how many students they have working for them. Full time. Enrolled. In attendance. Genuine. Students.

Mattnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8633570.post-1097209344349627412004-10-08T17:20:00.000+13:002004-10-08T17:22:24.350+13:00

Marlborough: Doesn’t Fonterra believe in insurance? Bay of Plenty: I feel for the people who don’t live in the big cities – the term ‘economies of scale’ is a death knell when it comes to factory jobs based outside the big smoke. So what happens now for these people? They struggle on…

Mattnoreply@blogger.com0