State of the Unions 2021: The Employment Contracts Act and its Legacy

The act marked an enormous transformation of labour law in New Zealand comparable to that of the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration in 1894 which outlawed strikes. Within a few short years many unions had collapsed entirely and the vast majority of the New Zealand working class were no longer members of unions nor covered by collective agreements.

While the Employment Relations Act (2000) superseded the ECA, much of the damage was done and unions remain an exception to the rule for New Zealand workers. The impact and legacy of the ECA, the response from unions at the time and the consequent labour movement over the last three decades is essential for understanding the political and class terrain in New Zealand.

Marney Ainsworth was Auckland Regional Secretary for the Public Service Association (PSA) from 1986 to 1994.

Danielle Davies is convener of Unions Canterbury, the local affiliate body of the Council of Trade Unions (CTU). She is also an organiser for the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO), and was previously working as a nurse and union delegate.

John Kerr moved to New Zealand in 1993 working as a teacher while being a site rep until 2002. He is the South Island organiser for the Rail & Maritime Transport Union of New Zealand.

The meeting will be chaired by Tom from the Canterbury Socialist Society, and there will be time for questions from attendees.

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As always our events are free and all are welcome attend. Doors from 7pm for a 7.30pm start.