Commerce Act Amendment Bill Explainer Online

Join us online to learn how to make a sworker union!

Born from a str!pper rebellion in 2023, Fired Up Stilettos is a sworker advocacy group that focuses on legislative change and direct community support. 

In New Zealand, all sworkers and other adult entertainers are independent contractors, meaning we are both workers and our own businesses. The Commerce Act 1986 prohibited independent contractors from collectively bargaining–doing so made us liable for prosecution and thousands of dollars in fines. This has significantly impeded our ability to unionise and fight for better working conditions. 

One of the three demands of our 2023 Parliamentary petition was the right to collectively bargain while maintaining our status as independent contractors. The Government had already planned to review the Commerce Act 1986, and the Commerce Act Amendment Bill 2026 includes several important changes that are highly relevant to our industry, including the ability for almost all small independent contractors to collectively bargain. The Bill has passed its first reading, the Select Committee has released their report, and it has cross-Party support. It is very likely to become law. 

In anticipation of these incredibly important changes, Fired Up Stilettos (FUS) and the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) are hosting a webinar to offer information to the community and answer questions. Fired Up Stilettos will be represented by our Chair, Bianca (Bee) Beebe, and the NZCTU will be represented by National Secretary Melissa (Mel) Ansell-Bridges. This webinar is free and open to anyone, regardless of their occupation, but will focus specifically on how these anticipated changes will likely affect organizing in the sworker community. The chat will be monitored by a member of FUS, and no bullying/disrespect will be tolerated. The webinar will be recorded and likely posted on the FUS website, so attendees are welcome to maintain whatever level of anonymity best suits their needs.”

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2644212284?omn=84541389316

Meeting chat link

https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/jc/84541389316

Meeting ID: 264 421 2284