March 28, 2026

#national: Cost pressures bite as workers feel the heat

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 28, 2026

Workers First is calling on banks and financial institutions to step up and support workers as the fuel crisis continues to drive up living costs across Aotearoa.

The union says the finance sector has a responsibility to respond to the growing pressure on households, with rising petrol prices adding to already high costs for food, housing and transport.

Workers First is urging lenders to show flexibility, including easing financial pressures on workers struggling to meet repayments as fuel costs surge.

The call comes as the global fuel crisis, driven by international conflict and supply disruptions, continues to push prices higher, with petrol costs rising sharply in recent weeks and placing strain on whānau budgets.

The union is also backing measures to reduce reliance on petrol, including expanded access to public transport and policies that help workers manage transport costs.

There are concerns that without intervention, the burden will fall most heavily on low and middle-income earners, particularly those who rely on vehicles to get to work.

Workers First says the situation highlights wider cost of living challenges, with many households already struggling to keep up as wages fail to match rising expenses.

The union is calling for coordinated action between government, employers and the finance sector to ensure workers are supported through the crisis and not left to absorb the full impact of rising fuel prices.