ALERT #1, 21-7-26: bargaining begins!

Alert: Bargaining Begins!

We’re happy to announce that bargaining for our new Woolworths Collective Agreement begins today; Tuesday 21 July 2026.

At the negotiating table, we’re seeking pay increases higher than the increasing cost of living, more sick leave and other pay allowances, more protections at work against things like the adoption of AI technologies, and a better working life for Woolworths staff.

Ultimately, we want Woolworths to return to being the market leader in supermarket pay and conditions, because in the last two years, it has been beaten by others like Costco and some New World stores, and is falling behind. 

This week, negotiations will last for three days. We’re unlikely to reach agreement right away due to the sometimes-contentious nature of collective bargaining, but we’ll keep you in the loop about what comes next.

Representing you - your bargaining team for 2026 are, from Woolworths stores:

• Mary Morunga (Warkworth)

• Jasmin Ahmed (Greville Rd)

• Parthiv Patel (Pt Chevalier)

• Leonie Kotlowski (Onehunga)

• James Good (Manukau City Mall)

• Chiina Taiapa (Te Rapa)

• Jeanna Dewar (Tokoroa)

• Mayke Baldwin (Katikati)

• David Green (Gisborne)

• Evelyn Atua (Rangitikei St)

• Lynda Sayring (Lower Hutt)

• Samantha Keeble (Grenada EStore)

• Shenaaz Khan (Nelson Junction)

• Michelle McKenzie (Church Corner)

• Fen Zammit (Eastgate)

• Marianne Taylor (Invercargill)

• Alternate: Naomi Wongchiu (Pt Chevalier)

From Workers First Union:

• Rudd Hughes (Deputy Secretary)

• Ross Lampert (National Organiser)

• Kaye Hearfield (Organiser)

We'll be in touch again soon with an update after this week's round of negotiations!

In solidarity,

Workers First Union

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