The Aotearoa Workers Solidarity Movement have issued a call for solidarity with the striking nurses

Despite their best efforts to scupper strike action the NZNO have announced that members have rejected the fourth offer.

A 24-hour strike is set to start at 7am on Thursday. Nurses have not struck for over 30 years, and it’s important to note that it is about more than pay, but the ability to provide acceptable health care.

It is important to support the health workers and if possible support their picket lines on Thursday.

We need to break down the barriers between staff and patients, hospitals and the communities they serve, and the battle the nurses are fighting is our battle too.

Ultimately though we need to take the fight further. We want a free health service controlled and run by the staff and users with an emphasis on empowering people through helping them to educate themselves in groups about their bodies and health; communities working together to tackle the causes of ill health: dangerous and unhealthy workplaces, an unhealthy, car-based transport system, poor food, widespread pollution.

Self-organisation and direct action are the key here, and we can look for examples what others are doing. For example in Greece, massive health cuts have resulted in health workers running hospitals and clinics etc for free, with the support of their local communities.

Looking after the health workers who look after us is a first step, and one we must take

Victory to the Nurses

Stuart Moriarty-Patten

Aotearoa Workers Solidarity Movement

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