Fewer Work Stoppages but Greater Impact

January 27 2007 - Forty-nine work stoppages ended in the September 2006 year, Statistics New Zealand said today. This compares with 52 stoppages for the September 2005 year. Stoppages in the September 2006 year also involved fewer employees (12,508) than in the previous September year, but had a larger economic impact, with losses of 26,198 person-days of work and $4.7 million in wages and salaries. In comparison, the 52 stoppages that ended in the September 2005 year involved 13,255 employees, and losses of 24,731 person-days of work and $4.0 million in wages and salaries.

There were 41 complete strikes, six partial strikes and two lockouts which ended in the September 2006 year.

The main reason for work stoppages was a dispute arising from the wage provisions of employment agreements, which contributed to 36 stoppages in the September 2006 year. Of the 49 stoppages that ended in that year, 29 had the underlying disputes resolved, while 20 ended without the underlying disputes being resolved. Thirteen stoppages were resolved through mediation services provided by the Department of Labour.

In the September 2006 quarter, 10 work stoppages ended - eight complete strikes and two partial strikes. These involved 1,727 employees, with losses of 11,641 person-days of work and an estimated $1.7 million in wages and salaries. There were two ongoing work stoppages at 30 September 2006.

Brian Pink Government Statistician

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