More than 600 medical laboratory workers at Awanui Labs—New Zealand’s largest private laboratory provider—will go on strike next week after collective bargaining with the APEX Union stalled. The walkouts are scheduled for Thursday 19, Friday 20, Monday 23, and Tuesday 24 November.

The dispute centres on pay rates, working conditions, and the future of laboratory services, underscored by a September staff survey where nearly 70 per cent of workers described staffing levels as either poor or at crisis point. The upcoming industrial action is set to disrupt phlebotomy collection centres, laboratories, and hospital services across nine regions, including Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland.

In response, Awanui chief people officer Samantha Ford confirmed that the company remains in facilitated bargaining through the Employment Relations Authority. While acknowledging staff concerns, Ford stated there are no plans to reduce staffing levels or cut laboratory services in any region, adding that Awanui is committed to robust consultation regarding any future service changes.

Source: Nine to Noon – Radio New Zealand

13/11/26