Su’a William
SIO
Employment Spokesperson
Pacific Island Affairs

7 March 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT

Pacific community must rally behind workers

Labour’s Pacific Island Affairs spokesperson Su’a William Sio is calling on community leaders to stand up and support the 300 Auckland wharfies made redundant today by the Ports of Auckland.

“The decision to contract out work on container wharfs will hit workers and their families hard. We need to stand by them in solidarity.

“Wharfies deserve secure employment and certainty of income as does every New Zealand worker,” Su’a William Sio said.

“Contractors offer neither. On the ground it is plainly obvious; replacing the 253 workers with contractors won’t bring benefits.

“In this case, good faith bargaining has been undermined, a worrying trend under the stewardship of this government.

“There is a rally organised for this Saturday from 4pm at Britomart to mark the battle these workers have fought and the hardship they and their families have suffered during the dispute. I encourage the Pacific community to rally behind workers and show them the respect they deserve,” Su’a William Sio said.

ENDS

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