Our History

The NDU was formed in 1986 with the four unions below amalgamating to become the Northern Distribution Union.

• The Northern Drivers Union
• The Northern Stores and Warehouse Union
• The Auckland and Gisborne Shop Employee Union
• The Northern Butchers and Grocers Union

Our logo was designed to depict the four unions joining together.

At that time we were a northern union but with more amalgamations (unions listed below), some in the South Island, we changed the "Northern" to "National" to incorporate unions across the country.

• South Island Clothing Workers Union
• Distribution & General Workers Union
• NZ Engine Drivers Union
• Northern Textile & Clothing Workers Union
• Performance & Entertainment Union
• The Wood Industries Union of Aotearoa
• Southern Bakers Union

The NDU and its amalgamated unions have a proud history fighting for workers rights. Workers organising together in the NDU:

• were the first to win sick leave and tangihanga leave, paving the way for these benefits for all workers
• helped lift the minimum wage
• won a fourth week of annual leave and paid parental leave
• ended legalised pay discrimination against women
• played a role in making Waitangi day and Labour day public holidays