The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi has elected Sandra Grey as its new President and Aubrey Wilkinson as its new Māori Vice President, following the resignation of Richard Wagstaff and Syd Keepa.
"This is a challenging time for the union movement, but workers know their power. They continue to demonstrate this through large scale industrial action and inspiring protests over pay equity, workers' rights, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi," said NZCTU President Sandra Grey.
"Life is incredibly hard for working people and their families, and this Government is only making it worse. Children are going hungry. People are living in their cars. Many workers have to take up multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
"Unions will always fight for workers, and we will continue to grow our movement by ensuring that everyone can join their union and see the benefits of collective action.
"We will not stay silent. We will not be bullied by governments or big corporations. We will be bold, and we will win," said Grey.
"Māori workers bear the brunt of government policies that undermine workers' rights and are disproportionately impacted by inaction on poverty and the cost of living," said NZCTU Māori Vice President Aubrey Wilkinson.
"Māori unemployment is 10%, while Māori youth unemployment is at 20%. Our people have always been the first fired and the last hired, so we will push political parties to support dedicated Māori employment schemes.
"The CTU Rūnanga is working to deepen relationships with iwi, including through the nationwide Rā Whakamana actions this week. We will continue to work with iwi and Māori organisations in the spirit of kotahitanga.
"As the representatives of Māori workers in the union movement, it is our role to fight not just for their rights and conditions, but also for Te Tiriti o Waitangi and tino rangatiratanga," said Wilkinson.
