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 it's amalgamated union's have a proud history fighting for workers rights. Workers organising together in the NDU have:

● help lift the minimum wage, win a fourth weeks annual leave and paid parental leave

● end legalised pay discrimination against women

● were the first to win sick leave and tangihanga leave paving the way for these benefits for all workers

● played a role in making Waitangi day and Labour day public holidays