Standing Strong for Workers Since 1912
Protecting Rights • Ensuring Safety • Fighting for Fair Wages
Join the Union Contact UsThe New Zealand Meat Workers and Related Trades Union (NZMWU) is a national union representing the interests of employees working within New Zealand's meat processing and related trades industries. Since our formation in 1912, we have been the voice of thousands of workers across the country.
We represent workers in all sectors of the meat industry including butchers, slaughterers, boners, wrapper packers, workers in abattoirs, boning rooms, slaughterhouses, smallgoods factories, by-products and fertilizer plants, rendering facilities, and various other sectors of the meat and by-product industry.
Negotiating fair collective agreements and protecting your employment rights
Ensuring safe working conditions and proper safety standards
Fighting for competitive pay and benefits for all members
Professional representation and advocacy for individual grievances
Canterbury Slaughtermen form the first union and negotiate an industrial agreement with Canterbury Frozen Meat Company.
District unions unite to form the New Zealand Freezing Works and Allied Trades Federation - the first national organization.
With the election of the first Labour Government and reforming of the Federation of Labour, the Association gets back on track after surviving the Depression.
Registration of the first National Union: New Zealand Meat Workers and Related Trades Union (NZMWU) officially registered on February 1st.
Union re-registered with the current name: New Zealand Meat Workers and Related Trades Union Incorporated.
Union achieves goal of one national union covering the entire country with the formation of new branches.
Continuing to fight for workers' rights, fair pay agreements, health and safety improvements, and better working conditions across New Zealand.
By being in the Union you can have your say on your wages and conditions and enjoy the benefits of collective agreements. You'll be in a position of security with the support of your fellow workers.
Join NowOur National Executive consists of a National President, Senior Organisers, and Regional Organisers employed throughout New Zealand. Each worksite has elected officials who deal with day-to-day matters, supported by Senior and Regional Organisers for complex issues.
We're committed to ensuring safe working conditions across the meat industry. We provide resources, training, and advocacy to protect workers from workplace hazards, including information on reducing strains and sprains, preventing leptospirosis, and other common industry illnesses.
Present employment law allows unions and employers to enter into Collective Agreements which must be ratified by members. Through collective bargaining, we negotiate better wages, conditions, and benefits for our members.
We provide comprehensive support including assistance with personal grievances, ACC claims, interpreting collective employment agreements, running union elections and meetings, and ensuring smooth plant operations.
We actively campaign on issues affecting workers including Fair Pay Agreements, industrial manslaughter legislation, Workers Memorial Day (April 28th), and supporting international worker solidarity through UnionAID.
Access union newsletters, legal updates, health and safety resources, and information about your collective agreement through the official NZMWU website.
Resources available on reducing workplace injuries, understanding common illnesses in the meat industry, ACC procedures, and your rights as a worker.
Stay informed about employment court decisions, important legal precedents affecting meat workers, and your rights under New Zealand employment law.
The NZMWU is affiliated with the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU), connecting our members to the broader union movement and national advocacy efforts.