Number of Stoppages Up but Low Loss in Wages

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

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