In mid 2003 a small group of trade unionists and activists attempted to "organise the unorganised".

It began to focus on unionising workers predominantly from fast food, cinema and security.

In response to the Key Government's amendment to the Employment Relations Act 2000 allowing small businesses greater liberty to 'hire and fire' workers in the first 90 days, Unite established the 'Rat Patrol' to name and shame companies that abuse the legislation.

[2] Matt McCarten's United Support Services, a company he formed to supply support services to the union, was placed into liquidation on 17 June 2011 owing $92,000 in unpaid taxes to the IRD.

[4] The campaign was ultimately successful with the National Government passing legislation outlawing "zero hour contracts".