Source: Radio New Zealand
In Auckland, hundreds of striking workers picketed outside the central hospital. RNZ / Felix Walton
An estimated 7,000 health workers are striking across the country renewing their calls for increased staffing levels and better pay.
In Auckland, hundreds of striking workers picketed outside the central hospital.
Social worker Margaret Colbrough waved her sign as supportive motorists tooted in solidarity.
“The offers that are on the table at the moment are quite insulting, and given the pressures and the lack of resources that we’re working under, there’s very good reason to come out and strike today,” she said.
“I’m always up for a good fight. I’m a social worker … It’s what we do.”
Jeff Heywood, a worker at Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua, was visiting Auckland and decided to join the picket line in solidarity.
“Whether you are in Wellington, Christchurch, Auckland, the provincial centres, these are people trying to do a professional job and supporting others, looking after others,” he said.
“The least we can do is make sure they are paid and supported professionally, it’s as simple as that.”
Labour leader Chris Hipkins joined strikers and pledged his party’s support
“This is a crisis of the National government’s creation,” he told media.
“They’ve taken our health system, they’ve made things worse, they’ve put workers under so much pressure, and all [workers] are asking for is decent working conditions and an opportunity to provide decent care to the people of New Zealand.”
Labour leader Chris Hipkins joined strikers and pledged his party’s support RNZ / Felix Walton
He said the government was deliberately antagonising health workers.
“Unfortunately they’re more interested in picking a fight than actually doing the right thing,” he said.
Hipkins challenged the government to settle the dispute by the end of the year.
“I want to see their collective agreement settled before [the election]. It would just be absolutely wrong for the government to allow this dispute to continue into the new year.”
Health Minister Simeon Brown’s office has been approached for comment.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
