7 October 2015
E tū: the new union for New Zealanders
The largest private sector union in New Zealand has been launched today in Wellington.
E tū has been created by the merger of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union and Service and Food Workers’
Union.
It represents more than 50,000 working New Zealanders in industries as diverse as aviation, construction, journalism,
food manufacturing, mining and cleaning.
“By combining two large unions with proud legacies of organising and activism, we’ve created a platform to drive change,
for our members and their communities,” says Bill Newson, E tū national secretary.
“We’re going to campaign hard for workers’ rights, health and safety, a living wage for all Kiwis, and recognising
high-value skilled work.
“We invite all the workers in New Zealand who aren’t in a union to take notice. We’re here to help you achieve higher
wages, better conditions and fair employment laws. We’ll win because we’re stronger as a collective.
“That’s the power of a union, and that’s what E tū is here to deliver.”
ENDS