28 August 2005

March To Support Tongan Workers This Saturday

A march in support of striking workers and their demands for a fair pay increase and democracy will be held this Saturday (Sept 3rd) at noon. Marchers will gather at the bottom of Queen Street

Visiting striking civil servants from Tonga requested that the march be organised and supported by the Tongan Community and the New Zealand Trade Union movement.

Tongan Community youth leader, Niulala Helu, said he will be marching as “It is crucial that the Tongan Community support this strike. We cannot stand back and do nothing, we need to support the strikers - the future of Tonga depends on them winning”

Council of Trade Unions President Ross Wilson said “The New Zealand Trade union movement has to do everything it can to help and assist this historic struggle. This is the birth of the Tongan Trade union movement and the strike represents the democratic aspirations of the Tongan people”.

The March is supported by the following organisations

Tongan Ma’ae Fonua – Niulala Helu Asia Pacific Workers Solidarity Links – Luke Coxon Global Peace and Justice Auckland – Mike Treen, John Minto Council of trade Unions- Ross Wilson Green Party – Keith Locke

ENDS

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