Industrial action at Tiwai Point w/ E tū Union Director Mat Danaher: 4th May 2026

This week E tū union members at Rio Tinto’s Aluminium Smelter at Tiwai Point in Southland are taking industrial action, after over two and a half years of bargaining has led to no collective agreement.

Workers will take action for four days in an attempt to force Rio Tinto to make compromises and reach a fair agreement. They are asking for recognition of their working conditions and their contribution they make for the company. With Rio Tinto securing the long-term future of the smelter until 2044 the agreement would have a large long lasting impact.

To discuss the industrial action and why bargaining has reached this point producer Thomas talked to E tū Union Director Mat Danaher.