New Zealand is bracing for what could be one of the largest strikes in decades, with four major unions planning a coordinated industrial action on October 23 that could shut down schools, hospitals, and health services nationwide, Glenn McConnell of Stuff reported.
If workers vote in favour, the strike would see schools and high schools close, while nurses, allied health staff, social workers, occupational therapists, mental health workers, and in-home carers walk off the job on the same day. Public Service Association (PSA) national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons told Stuff that over 15,000 PSA members were considering joining the strike.
“This would be one of the largest strikes in New Zealand history,” Fitzsimons said. “We want to see employers and the Government fund health services properly, so that workers have enough money to live and continue to help others.”
The four unions confirmed so far are the PSA, two major teachers’ unions, and the NZ Nurses Organisation (NZNO). However, Council of Trade Unions (CTU) president Richard Wagstaff told Stuff that other unions were also considering participation. “Time will tell … we are working with the nursing, public service and teaching unions to help with promoting and coordinating the strike,” he said.
Wagstaff accused the government of “provoking the situation” by underfunding the public sector, forcing workers to accept pay cuts in real terms while being expected to do more with fewer resources.
On the other side, Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche expressed disappointment. “When public servants go on strike it has a significant impact on the New Zealanders they are meant to be serving. I respect their right to strike, but it should be a last resort,” he told Stuff. Roche added that pay offers reflected “difficult economic times,” pointing to proposals of a 2.5% rise this year and 2.1% next year for senior secondary teachers.
Meanwhile, the NZEI union confirmed primary school teachers, principals, and support staff plan to join the October 23 strike. Teacher negotiator Liam Rutherford said current pay offers failed to keep up with inflation.
Health Minister Simeon Brown also criticised nurses’ planned action, arguing that the government’s offer of two consecutive 1% annual pay rises was fair. Earlier this month, he told an NZNO conference that strikes were “hurting patients.”