Unite Union Condemns Deadly Attacks On Iran — Calls Out Government Silence

Unite Union has strongly condemned the deadly attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, calling them a reckless escalation that is costing civilian lives and threatening wider war.

“The US and Israel’s shameful attacks have meant hundreds dead already, including children. It’s totally unacceptable that simply because you don’t like a country’s leader, you bomb their civilians,” said Tali Williams, Assistant Secretary of Unite Union.

Williams said history shows that war never punishes political elites — it devastates working people.

“In every conflict it is the average person who suffers — workers, families, children — not the politicians ordering the strikes. Those in power remain protected while ordinary people pay with their lives.”

Unite Union said there is no justification for bypassing international law and diplomatic process.

“We have institutions like the United Nations and established diplomatic channels to resolve disputes between nations. These mechanisms exist to prevent exactly this kind of bloodshed. Choosing bombs over dialogue is a political decision — and it is one that innocent people are now paying for.”

The union also criticised the failure of Prime Minister Chris Luxon to take a principled stand.

“The Prime Minister Luxon’s failure to condemn Trump’s illegal actions demonstrates his lack of conscience and conviction on values that matter to New Zealanders — peace and justice. Silence in the face of civilian deaths is not neutrality; it is complicity,” Williams said.

Unite Union is calling on the New Zealand Government to publicly condemn the attacks, demand an immediate ceasefire, and advocate for urgent diplomatic intervention.