'Stand up, stay stong' - workers protest

"Stand up, stay strong!" was the call from protesters at the Trafalgar Centre on Wednesday.

Around 520 people came together to stand up against what has been labelled as "the government’s relentless attacks on workers' rights", by Nelson MP Rachel Boyack.

Supported by the NZ Nurses Organisation, Maritime Union of New Zealand, E tū Stand Tall, the First Union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, PSA, and NZCTU, workers spoke of unfair working conditions.

"This government has abolished fair pay agreements, slashed health and education funding, and handed out tax breaks to the wealthy. They’ve cut minimum wage increases, undermined Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and are making it harder for migrant workers," Rachel says.

Nurses, carers, teachers, supermarket employees, and many more came together—varying lines of work—but all united in facing the same everyday issues, trying to make ends meet on often minimum wages.

"The wheels of this economy turn because of us workers," registered nurse Maria Briggs, told the group. "Every day we wake up, clock in, and turn the wheels that keep this nation moving. From the factory floors to the hospitals. From the construction sites to the schools. It is our hands, our sweat, and our skills that sustain the very foundation of our society."

She shares her concern that nurses are not able to provide the care needed when they are forced to fill gaps, overworking themselves with double shifts.

Two carers - Carena Scott and Laura Lusk, spoke of being short staffed and not being appreciated for a job many wouldn't even be able to take on.

"We don‘t have enough care workers. Period. It's underpaid, and it's undervalued."

First Union delegate for Woolworths, Oriwa Jennings, reflected on the event, saying that it encompassed all the unions in the district coming together to share their concerns about the rising loss of jobs and lack of security in vital sectors.

"We want to call solidarity in order to question the government's thinking not only about us but also about our children and grandchildren having to work under these conditions."

Also negotiating with Woolworth, Ross Lampert, the nation organiser for retail food for First Union, points out that the most pressing issues in this field are staffing and wages. He emphasises that the government needs to listen and support the workers.

Kate Davis from PSA does add a hopeful note to all the issues though, stating how amazing the Union strength at the event was, especially on a work day.

By Minou Jonatzke