17 October 2006
Work Stoppages Increase for June 2006 Year
Fifty-nine work stoppages ended in the June 2006 year, Statistics New Zealand said today. This is the highest number of
stoppages ending in a June year since 1997, when 69 work stoppages ended.
Work stoppages ending in the June 2006 year consisted of 54 complete strikes, three partial strikes and two lockouts.
The 59 stoppages involved 16,123 employees, with losses of 27,155 person-days of work and an estimated $5.2 million in
wages and salaries. Estimated loss of wages and salaries per person was $322.
The main reason for work stoppages were disputes arising from the wage provisions of employment agreements,
contributing to 45 stoppages in the June 2006 year. Of the 59 stoppages that ended in the June 2006 year, 35 had the
underlying disputes resolved, while 24 ended without the underlying disputes being resolved. Thirteen stoppages were
resolved through mediation services provided by the Department of Labour.
Nine work stoppages ended in the June 2006 quarter, consisting of seven complete strikes and two partial strikes. These
involved 2,073 employees, with losses of 4,726 person-days of work and an estimated $1.4 million in wages and salaries.
There was one ongoing work stoppage at 30 June 2006.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician
ENDS