E tū union members strike at Tiwai Point aluminium smelter
Updated
Updated · RNZ · May 4
E tū union members strike at Tiwai Point aluminium smelter
8 articles · Updated · RNZ · May 4
At Rio Tinto's Southland site, workers say talks for a new collective agreement have dragged on since 2024, with further industrial action planned this week.
Union director Mat Danaher said the action was about forcing meaningful bargaining, not pay or conditions, and alleged Rio Tinto's approach could breach workers' rights to organise collectively.
More staff joined the union on Monday to take part. Rio Tinto said its offer was competitive and mediation would resume on 20 May.
As a global aluminium crisis deepens, could a local labor dispute in New Zealand threaten a key Western supply source?
With its future secure and profits soaring, why can't Rio Tinto settle the pay dispute with its striking Tiwai Point workers?