Fair Pay Agreement Bargaining for Security Workers Approved in New Zealand 

In a major development, the New Zealand government has granted approval for the initiation of Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) bargaining for security workers. E tū, the union representing security guards, is celebrating this significant milestone, which paves the way for improved pay and working conditions in the industry. 

Following a successful campaign by E tū, over 1,000 workers signed on to support the FPA initiation process, highlighting the demand for fair treatment and minimum standards within the security sector. Rosey Ngakopu, an E tū delegate and security guard, expressed her anticipation, stating, “Our dream of an FPA will now become a reality. We want to reset the security industry, so let’s engage in conversation to create and build a better security industry for the future.” 

Assistant National Secretary Annie Newman from E tū expressed her delight at the approval, calling it a wonderful opportunity to use Fair Pay Agreements to negotiate improved terms and conditions for all security workers. Newman emphasized the union’s dedication to amplifying workers’ voices and working alongside the New Zealand Security Association (NZSA), who is the employer representative, to uplift the lives of security guards throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.  “It’s wonderful that we’re now able to use this exciting new mechanism – Fair Pay Agreements – to bargain across the whole of the security occupational group for better terms and conditions for all workers,” she says. “We look forward to working alongside NZSA to improve the lives of all security guards in Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as ensuring workers have a strong voice at the bargaining table.”

Eddy Stam, Head of Property Services for UNI Global Union, lauded the approval, recognizing it as a significant step towards achieving fair and equitable conditions for security workers. Stam expressed support for the collaborative efforts of E tū and NZSA in their pursuit of positive change: “The approval for Fair Pay Agreement bargaining marks a significant step toward achieving fair and equitable conditions for security workers in New Zealand. We support the efforts of E tū and the New Zealand Security Association in their collaborative approach to bring about positive change for workers in the industry.”

This breakthrough in Fair Pay Agreement bargaining sets the stage for meaningful discussions that could reshape the security industry and improve the lives of workers across New Zealand.