Events – Unions to hold Nationwide Day of Action on May Day – CTU

This Thursday 1 May (May Day) the union movement are holding a Nationwide Day of Action to fight back against the Government’s anti-worker agenda.

Thousands of workers from a wide range of industries in both the public and private sectors will be taking action including participating in lunchtime hui, stop work meetings, and strike action, with key events in 12 centres from Whāngarei to Invercargill.

“Every year on May Day workers and their unions around the world celebrate the union movement, our history, and our purpose – to build workers’ power and solidarity,” said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“This year we are coming together to resist the ongoing assault on workers and unions in Aotearoa New Zealand over the past 18 months. This Government has declared war on working people. They are removing our rights, destroying jobs, and ruining the economy.

“We are sending send a strong message to those in power that we demand a better deal for working people, and an end to the attack on unions. We will also be calling on the Government to deliver pay equity and honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“Workers are sick and tired of having their rights trampled on by this Government, and this Thursday will be out in force to demand change,” said Wagstaff.

Details of nationwide events:

In addition to these main events, health unions have organised events at hospitals focusing on workers’ rights and the public health system. Details of those hui can be found here: https://link.nzctu.org.nz/click/sDAAiSKYLKJS.j2KawNATEPiY.fn2P4wBdbh_/2BOtzy1a/3s/www.psa.org.nz/campaigns/fight-back-together-maranga-ake-2025