Work Stoppages: December 2004 quarter — 18 April 2005
Number of Stoppages Up but Lowest Loss in Wages and Salaries Since Series Began
Thirty-four work stoppages ended in the December 2004 year, Statistics New Zealand said today. This was an increase of
six stoppages from the December 2003 year. The current estimated annual losses in wages and salaries, and person-days of
work have fallen to the lowest levels for a December year since the series began in 1970.
The 34 stoppages that ended in the December 2004 year consisted of 27 complete strikes, six partial strikes and one
lockout. The 34 stoppages involved 6,127 employees, with losses of 6,162 person-days of work and an estimated $1.0
million in wages and salaries. The annual estimated loss of wages and salaries per person involved in all stoppages was
$167. Disputes arising from wage provisions of the employment agreement continue to be the main cause of work stoppages
in New Zealand, accounting for 26 stoppages in the December 2004 year.
Of the 34 stoppages that ended in the December 2004 year, 24 had the underlying disputes resolved while 10 stoppages
ended without the underlying disputes being resolved.
There were 11 work stoppages that ended in the December 2004 quarter. These involved 1,781 employees, with losses of
1,191 person-days of work and an estimated $0.2 million in wages and salaries. There were no ongoing work stoppages at
the end of December 2004.
Ian Ewing
Acting Government Statistician
ENDS