IAG New Zealand says discussions with the Workers First Union are continuing after some employees held a one-day strike last week over proposed dismissal rule changes.

The action involving the insurer’s Auckland and Christchurch offices centred on plans to introduce 90-day trial periods for new employees.

An IAG spokesperson says only a small number of staff participated in the strike and the company is committed to working through the bargaining process in good faith.

“A 90-day trial in new employee contracts is consistent with recent legislation and designed to protect both employers and employees,” a spokesperson told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“In our highly regulated financial services environment, this supports the delivery of excellent customer outcomes and a high-performing culture.”

The NZ Alliance party, supporting the action, says the strike followed more than 18 months of collective bargaining without a settlement after an agreement expired on March 31 last year.