August 28, 2013
Media Release

5000 rally for Fairness at Work in Auckland

Workers sent a strong message to the Government today to back off its plans to remove basic employment protections and reduce workers’ pay.

Around 5000 workers packed the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau this afternoon in the second of three Fairness at Work rallies organised by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.

Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly, airport cleaner Sina Famelitau, Living Wage campaigner Annie Newman and EPMU national secretary Bill Newson addressed the rally.

EPMU director of organising Rachel Mackintosh says opposition to the Government’s radical employment agenda is growing.

“The strong turnout at today’s rally should send a strong message to this Government that its cuts to employment rights aren’t wanted and aren’t needed.

“Wages in this country are already far too low. People are struggling to pay for basics like food, power and housing, and there aren’t enough jobs.

“The Government should be working to create jobs and lift Kiwis’ pay, not attacking employment rights. National needs to listen to workers and drop these unfair laws.”

Last week 1500 workers in Wellington protested against National’s employment laws.

Christchurch workers will rally at 10.30am tomorrow at the Wigram Air Force Museum.

ENDS

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