The Maritime Union of New Zealand (MUNZ) is backing the thousands of public sector workers striking for fair pay and safe services this Thursday, 23 October.
MUNZ National Secretary Carl Findlay says the fight for a properly funded public sector is a fight for all working New Zealanders.
“Our members work on the 99% of New Zealand’s goods that move through our ports, but we know New Zealand also relies on the nurses, healthcare workers, teachers, and school support staff who are being forced to walk off the job to be heard,” says Mr. Findlay.
Mr. Findlay says the Government’s attempts to paint striking workers as “politically motivated” are a cynical distraction from its own failures.
“This action is about skilled workers who can’t afford their rent. It’s about nurses burning out in unsafe, understaffed hospitals. These workers are not taking action lightly, they are being driven to it by a Government that prefers to spread misinformation rather than bargain in good faith.”
The Maritime Union says it’s time for workers to fight back, and remind the Government that the wealth of New Zealand is produced by workers, who deserve good pay, good conditions and good standards in their jobs.
“We hear the same tired excuses in our industry that investment in people and safety is a cost rather than the backbone of a productive economy,” says Mr. Findlay.
“This is a matter of political priorities. This Government can find money for senior managers, consultants and tax cuts that benefit a privileged few, but claims the cupboard is bare for the people who look after our sick and educate our children.”
Mr Findlay says maritime workers stand in full solidarity with every public sector worker on the picket line tomorrow.
“Their fight is our fight. An injury to one is an injury to all.”