Protesters in Wellington last month on the day teachers went on strike over the Government's 1% pay offer. Fresh industrial action is planned today as part of a mega strike. Photo / Mark Papalii
Protesters in Wellington last month on the day teachers went on strike over the Government's 1% pay offer. Fresh industrial action is planned today as part of a mega strike. Photo / Mark Papalii
A historic mega strike involving more than 100,000 essential workers is set to march on despite several rallies being cancelled because of life-threatening weather.
Teachers, nurses and thousands of other workers are all expected to strike today, which police warn may lead to significant traffic disruptions.
All workersinvolved are still walking off the job despite a number of planned events being cancelled at the last minute in regions such as Canterbury, Wellington and the Wairarapa.
Wellington, Wairarapa south of Carterton, the Canterbury High Country, Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains are all under a strong red wind warning.
The Post Primary Teachers’ Association said the strike cannot be cancelled because formal notices have already been sent to employers, RNZ reported.
A Talbot Mills poll out yesterday showed more than six out of 10 New Zealanders backed the action.
Traffic disruptions
In one of the larger rallies, thousands of workers are expected to march down Queen St, Auckland.
Police said they were aware of the strike action planned in central Auckland, which is expected to cause significant disruption on the roads.
The rally is due to start about midday at Aotea Square and will include a march down Queen St to Te Komititanga Square, where the event will conclude.
Police said motorists are advised to expect delays and to avoid Queen St and the surrounding areas if possible.
Public transport users should check Auckland Transport’s website for information on changes to services.
Northland senior doctors and dentists from Whangārei Hospital in June. Photo / Denise Piper
Mental health social worker Andy Colwell said he is striking because the Government needs to properly fund the public health system.
“The public of New Zealand needs to hear what is happening under this Government; people need to hear about the understaffing, under-resourcing and the impact this is having on services across the sector.
“Strike action is a legitimate form of action to take in order to fight for better pay and conditions of work,” Colwell said.
Secondary school teachers strike outside of Judith Collins' electorate office in Papakura, Auckland, in August. About 40,000 to 50,000 teachers are expected to walk off the job today. Photo / Alyse Wright
Public Service Minister Judith Collins said the strike is unfair, unproductive, unnecessary and should be called off.
“It is a stunt targeting the Government, but the people paying the price are the thousands of patients who have had appointments and surgeries cancelled, and the hundreds of thousands of kids who will miss another day at school,” Collins said.
Where and when are the strikes?
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