Don’t go it alone

Finsec - we are union

Being union is knowing that your mates, on your worksite, as well as workers in other banks, finance and insurance companies are all working for you to be treated fairly:

For you to take home a fair day’s pay
For working conditions that allow you to work safely and productively
For a work life balance free from undue stress and bullying

Being union is saying you’re not going to go it alone. You want to make your workplace the best it can be and want the same for others in your industry. But, you’re going to do it with support and friends.

Finsec - we campaign to change things

We are a campaigning union. We are going to take on injustices and campaign to stop them. This is hard work. And it can take a long time. We will ask you to make tough decisions about what we can win, what we can’t win, and most importantly what we must win. And once we have made that decision democratically, then we’ll work together to make it happen. Everybody will step forward. To change things for good. That’s what a campaigning union is. That’s what we are.

About Finsec

We know about the finance industry because we work in it.

Finsec can give you a voice in your workplace. Bargaining, negotiating, discussion - we'll be there!

What do you get when you join Finsec?
How does Finsec work?
Where do your fees go?
Finsec's fee scale
Enquire about joining

What do you get when you join Finsec?

Finsec members are part of a group. You get membership of a friendly, active, well-resourced group of Finsec members and staff and the knowledge that you don't have to struggle on your own. Finsec works to help members ensure a strong effective membership in all areas.
Finsec members are informed. We make sure that members have information and know-how, because members are the decision makers. You know the issues and our specialist staff help you to acquire the skills. Our staff can answer your questions, provide training, help your union council negotiate your contract and help you maintain a strong and effective union presence in your workplace.
Finsec members are linked to the wider world. Through the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Finsec has strong links with other relevant unions, nationally and internationally. We also have links that enable us to talk directly to the overseas owners of New Zealand banks.
Through our membership benefit scheme Finsec members have access to reduced price travel, home loans, credit cards
and more.

How does Finsec work?

Finsec members are actively involved in every step of the negotiating process. Most Finsec members have a union council which represents its co-workers in negotiations and when other issues are raised with employers.
Finsec offers delegate training and encourages involvement. Finsec staff encourage delegates to take advantage of the union's training so that they can be effective at work. They also encourage members to become involved in union activities.
If things go wrong staff are a phone call away. They help members put their case and organise wider support if it is needed. Finsec staff understand their employers and work with members to ensure that their interests are protected.
Finsec knows and understands its industries. Together, its staff and members contribute to an up-to-date specialist understanding of issues that affect Finsec members.
Finsec has skill and experience in: workplace security, pay systems, standards and qualifications, health and safety, ACC issues, keyboard health and safety, sexual harassment, parental leave and help with personal grievances and many other issues.
Finsec members work full-time and part-time workers in finance companies and information services. They work in banks, insurance companies, IT, call centres, credit unions, building societies, solicitors’ offices, and other customer service jobs.
Finsec's fees are low. They are structured so that part-timers can also afford to reap the benefits of belonging.

Where do your fees go?

Members and non-members sometimes ask where union fees go. The answer is simple.

Finsec has survived the Employment Contracts Act because of its high level of support from its members. But that support is there only as long as we are credible, professional, democratic and independent. Those four things cost money.
Finsec is credible. We are made up of elected people who work in the industries we represent and know them thoroughly. They serve on enterprise councils and those councils in turn make up the Finsec conference - the highest body in the union. But meetings of council members who are pulled together from all around the country cost money, particularly around negotiating time. There are over 70 enterprise council members in Finsec.
Finsec is professional. Finsec trains office reps, negotiating committees and union councillors. Finsec employs professional advocates and organisers who help with bargaining and support office reps around the country. As well, quick and relevant legal advice and support is always available to members up to the highest level.
Finsec is democratic. The members decide all issues. Nothing happens in Finsec behind closed doors. Before and during any negotiations there is the long and costly process of consulting the members who will be affected by the result. This means workplace visits, published explanations and reports and publicity material. Control from the top is cheap, but it's not what we stand for and it doesn't work. The only thing that works is constant member involvement.
Finsec is independent. It is important that Finsec is an incorporated society owned by the members. Our staff are independent and management cannot get at them. No company money goes into Finsec. We pay our own way so the only obligation is to the members. Control is in members' hands.
These are most of the costs that we face - salaries, travel and reimbursement of our members' expenses as we keep the flow of information going and keep control of the organisation in the members' hands.

These are our costs. They are also our strength.

Finsec's fee scale from 1 April 2007

Annual Salary	Fortnightly fee
More than $27,000	$16.25
$15,000 – $26,999	$9.75
Less than $15,000	$3.00