Fighting Fund
What is a Fighting Fund?
The NDU fighting fund provides financial assistance to workers and their families who have been locked-out or on strike for more than five days and who are members of the fund. Non-contributing sites who vote to join the fund during a strike or lockout can also get assistance. Sites voluntarily contribute an amount of money they've decided on - usually an extra 50 cents per member - in addition to the weekly union membership fee. The funds are kept in a separate bank account to the union's normal finances and can't be used for any other purpose. During disputes public appeals, donations, and levies from other NDU sites operate in conjunction with Fighting Fund assistance.
Why Should We Join?
Workers never simply choose to go on strike or be locked out. We are forced to take action when our employers aren't willing to pay us a fair and liveable wage. But for many of us, taking prolonged action is too costly. By building up our fighting fund more workers will be able to take sustained action for a fair wage when necessary. Overseas, fighting funds with millions of dollars have meant companies offer unions a fair deal without workers having to take action at all because they know workers have the funds to sustain action.
Background
The fighting fund was setup in 2002 by the NDU with significant assistance by the Wood sector. Workers at Carter Holt Harvey, Tepapa Mill and Van Leer sites transfered site funds to the fund. JNL Northland workers also gave left-over donations from a strike. Since these early donations, a number of NDU sites have elected to join and continue building the fund.
How To Join
To join the fighting fund the majority of your worksite must vote in favour of joining as an entire site. It must be a site decision - individuals can not join on their own. Union delegates can take a lead in putting the Fighting Fund on the agenda at workplace meetings, discussing the benefits of the fund and having a site vote. If you are interested in contributing to the fighting fund or want further information, contact your local organiser.
