Workers First Union

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."

RADICAL IDEAS FOR RADICAL PROBLEMS

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

#nzpol #takethepowerback

Sāmoan Uber driver’s landmark court victory sparks hope for fair treatment of workers Lalogafau Mea’ole Keil, one of the plaintiffs, celebrates the ruling as a step towards advocacy to protect the rights of employees in the gig economy.

Great interview with Lalogafau Mea'ole Keil', one of the four Uber drivers in the landmark Uber case. Mana like you wouldn't believe.

pmn.co.nz/read/law-and... #uber

Ngā mihi nui (thank you) @itfglobalunion.bsky.social 🤝

www.itfglobal.org/en/stories/u...

I think what fucks me off the most about the business NZ reaction to the uber case is this idea that the legislation and caselaw are outdated because of new technology – technology has not removed the requirement for rights and dignity for workers.

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"

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 "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"]."

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 "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."

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 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"

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 "The union wants Uber drivers to work 9-5 and wear uniforms... No. Whoever said this is lying to you."

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 "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."

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 end flexibility for workers? No. Nothing precludes Uber from continuing to operate in a way that offers drivers flexibility."

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 "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."

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 NZ?* The answer to this and 7 other common questions relating to the Uber case. *No"

1/9 Let's debunk 8 common misconceptions about the #Uber judgement!

#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

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

This victory indicates that Uber drivers ARE entitled to employee protections such as minimum wage, sick leave and holiday pay, etc 🎉 -s

But... the ACT party and Brooke van Valden KNEW this case was likely to lose, and has had closed-door meetings with Uber.

ACT's Employment Relations Act (ERA) Bill is a Trumpian-dictator move that aims to conveniently nullify the Aotearoa legal system decision.

The ERA Bill must be killed, now.

We will now:

- 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 agreement, allowing Uber drivers to formally join a union.

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"

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

Govt must respect Supreme Court ruling and abandon pro-Uber bill - NZCTU The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Prime Minister to respect the ruling of the Supreme Court and abandon Brooke van Velden’s Employment Relations Bill. The Bill would enshrine in law the abi...

#nzpol HUGE VICTORY FOR WORKERS:
The Supreme Court has ruled in favour of Uber Drivers and their unions, saying that they are employees not contractors. Now the NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is calling on the Government to respect this ruling and uphold the rights of platform and gig economy workers:

#nzpol Good News Alert 🚨
ETU and @workersfirstunion.bsky.social won their case in the Supreme Court against Uber - meaning the court found some workers were employees rather than contractors.

Opening the door to more workers being able to claim their rights!

www.courtsofnz.govt.nz/assets/cases...

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+"

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...

3/3 We expect more. We demand more. Workers deserve better than Brooke Van Velden changing our laws to benefit multi-billion dollar predatory US employers, who pay a pittance in tax.

Ask your friends and family to watch this report, especially if they support this Govt. This is coming.

2/3 Uber is tip of the spear. If we don’t properly regulate gig work NOW, job precarity and low pay could be the norm in the near future. Whether you're an office worker, a nurse, a teacher or a lawyer, this WILL affect you.

And this Government has decided that their job is to protect Uber.

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+"

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...

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"

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

The latest Fast-Track Approvals amendments are a dangerous Henry VIII-style power grab that shreds democracy, hands royal privileges to mining companies, and says "off with his head" to the *head* of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
Check out our response here:
350.org.nz/henryviii/

(4/4) Sean’s memorial service will be held on Thursday 6 November from 1:30pm at Davis Funeral Services, 400 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland.

(3/4) Sean is survived by his brother Steven, aunt Anne and beloved cat, Kim. He will be sorely missed by his friends, family and fellow bus drivers. There has been a deep sadness at his bus depot in the week since the accident, but colleagues are also celebrating his life and work.

(2/4) Sean was very private and enjoyed spending time with friends & family. He was a joyful and fun person to be around and an important member of our union who loved his work driving buses and described it as the best job he ever had. He was also a passionate member of the Northcote Tigers RLC.

(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.