Pacific Steel Workers Prepare for Strike Amid BlueScope Profits
Pacific Steel workers in Ōtāhuhu, New Zealand are set to strike on September 18th after their employer refused to offer a pay rise that keeps up with inflation. The E tū members have been bargaining with the company since July but claim Pacific Steel's current offer falls below the rate of living costs.
Pacific Steel is owned by New Zealand Steel, which in turn is owned by Australian steel giant BlueScope. In August, BlueScope reported a net profit after tax of A$802 million for the 2026 financial year and plans to distribute around A$1.3 billion to shareholders next year.
E tū member Kishore Bechan criticized Pacific Steel's owner, saying 'These guys have deep pockets but short hands.' E tū Director Mat Danaher stated that members had not taken the decision to strike lightly and only did so because they felt they had no other option.