Affiliate unions of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kamahi have passed a motion of solidarity with public sector workers who are who are fighting for fair pay, safe staffing, and effective services.
The motion, passed unanimously as the CTU Biennial Conference last month, sends a strong message to Government that all working people in Aotearoa stand with public sector workers.
"Workers from all walks of life love and support the public sector workers who work tirelessly to keep this country running," said NZCTU President Sandra Grey.
"Nurses, doctors, teachers, firefighters, healthcare workers - these workers dedicate themselves to looking after our families and uplifting our communities. We owe them our support.
"Private sector unions stand with their public sector comrades. The entire union movement stands in solidarity. Together we are strong.
"The Prime Minister and his cabinet have a responsibility to urgently get around the table with public sector unions and work out a deal that guarantees safe services and fair pay for workers," said Grey.
The motion reads as follows:
The working people of Aotearoa stand with all workers in our schools, hospitals, fire stations and the public sector today and always.
Their fight for safe staffing, appropriate resourcing and decent pay and conditions is our fight too.
All workers benefit from strong public services founded on Tiriti o Waitangi. We call on the Prime Minister and members of cabinet to get around the table with our public service unions and negotiate a better future for all workers and the sectors within which they work for a future where there is safe staffing well funded services and pay that ensures workers and their families thrive.
