Workers First has issued an open letter to the New Zealand Ambulance Association (NZAA), calling for greater cooperation between unions in the interests of ambulance workers.

Addressed to NZAA Division Chairman Mark Quin, the letter acknowledges that the two organisations have had a difficult relationship at times. However, Workers First says it has heard clearly from members that division between unions does not serve their interests.

“Competitive unionism is never good for members,” said Faye McCann, Workers First National Organiser – Ambulance and Other Emergency Services.

“We do what we do because we are passionate about improving the working lives of our members, and we want to use our energy to bring the fight to St John rather than arguing amongst ourselves.”

The letter calls for a renewed, collaborative approach, including aligning bargaining claims and counteroffers, developing joint bargaining strategies, collaborating on potential industrial action, coordinating public messaging and campaigns, and taking a collective approach to legal disputes.

Workers First says that shared resources—including its in-house legal and media teams—could also benefit NZAA members.

“The only one who benefits from us arguing is St John,” Ms McCann said.

Workers First has invited NZAA to meet and discuss how the organisations can work together moving forward.

“We want to draw a line in the sand and move forward positively so we can work together collaboratively,” Ms McCann said.

The open letter was published in the interests of transparency, with Workers First stating that members deserve to know what is happening and how their union is working to advance their interests.