Report: Auckland ‘Fairness at Work’ rally against employment law changes

Billed by the Council of Trade Unions (CTU) as a celebration of ‘Fairness at Work’, the Auckland rally on Saturday August 21st attracted over 1000 workers, though most weren’t there to celebrate. There was the inevitable brown nosing of the Labour Party as CTU President Helen Kelly gave a shout out to those MPs scattered throughout the crowd, but a speech from the National Distribution Union rep Syd Keepa and the music of Tigi Ness countered the CTU message and made it clear that worker’s power, not parliamentary power, was needed to win this fight.

Keepa made the connection between beneficiary bashing and attacks on workers rights, noting that John Key, a representative of the rich, was leading an attack on the poor. It was clear Rapana felt a show of worker’s strength was the only means to counter this attack, stating that in his opinion we should be having a general strike. His suggestion was meet by a hearty cheer from many in the crowd who shared his frustration and anger.

The rally ended with songs by Tigi Ness calling for workers to ‘get up, and stand up for their rights’ in defence of their whanau and their communities. A nationwide action has been called for Wednesday 20th October, as the struggle continues.

Photos courtesy of John Darroch. Reports from other centres to come soon!

 - Aotearoa Workers Solidarity Movement