New Wage Agreement at Woolworths New Zealand: Salary Increase and Versatile Career Options

Employees of the supermarket chain Woolworths New Zealand can look forward to a newly concluded collective agreement that provides for a total salary increase of 6.8% by 2026. In the first year, employees will experience a salary jump of 3.3%, raising the minimum hourly wage to 25.85 NZD. The following year, the salary will be increased by another 3.5%. A notable innovation is the introduction of a "multi-skilled" hourly wage, which can be achieved through specialized training in at least three departments, leading to an increased rate of 26.35 NZD. Just in time for the holiday season of 2024, employees will receive a one-time bonus: full-time employees working over 32 hours a week will receive 175 NZD, while part-time employees will receive 80 NZD. Casual workers are excluded from this regulation. The agreement is effective immediately with retroactive wage payments from July 1, 2024. According to Spencer Sonn, Managing Director of Woolworths New Zealand, the agreement lays the foundation for an ambitious career in the retail industry through more flexibility and lifelong learning. In addition to the salary increase, employees continue to benefit from discounts on groceries, attractive offers for "Everyday Rewards" members, and generous parental leave. The return of Woolworths to New Zealand in April 2024, supported by the rebranding of Countdown stores, marks another step to enhance attractiveness as an employer. Sonn particularly emphasizes the positive changes in the economic environment and the benefits for employees' daily lives.